North Country NY Troopers assisting Troops

Tracked wheelchairs for disabled veterans.

(NYNCTAT)  - NY North Country Troopers Assisting Troops 

#1000islands #Thousandislands #ThousandIslandsSun (See published article image at end of blog).

During the week of October 13-19, 2018 Operation Second Chance a Maryland non-profit committed to serving wounded and ill combat veterans held a deer hunt for 6 of our nations Wounded Warriors in Henderson, NY, Jefferson County.  North Country Troopers Assisting Troops had recently purchased a tracked wheel chair to be used in the Jefferson and Lewis County areas for hunting purposes.  There were two other chairs purchased by an individual donor, and one purchased by Billy Caprara.  These tracked wheel chairs provide warriors that are either amputees or paralyzed the opportunity to navigate uneven terrain without assistance.  Modern wheel chairs do not afford them this opportunity.  These chairs give these men freedom and an opportunity to hunt on their own if they wish.  Most preferred to hunt with volunteers though.

In April 2013, the New York North Country Troopers Assisting Troops (NYNCTAT) was formed by a group of New York State Troopers in collaboration with U.S. military members.  The mission of this group is to raise local and regional awareness, as well as to provide local recreational activities and events for Fort Drum service members and other Armed Forces Members that were wounded, injured, or became ill while protecting our freedom and country. 

The hunt was supported by volunteers from all over the North Country.  NYNCTAT is a not for profit 501(C) (3) tax exempt organization who is supported by fundraisers throughout the year to include Fire and Ice at the Clayton Harbor Hotel, SSG Bryce Leek memorial golf tournament, Cape Vincent Liquors (Bob Ewing), Northern Radiology, and many individual donors too numerous to list here.

Recent purchases made by NYNCTAT include but are not limited to:

·         A tracked wheelchair

·         New Disabled American Vets (DAV) van to be used for appointments at the VA hospital in Syracuse, NY

·         Yearly fishing trip, Uncle Sam Boat Tour and shore dinner (Clayton Harbor Hotel), and numerous donations to in need warriors.

Veterans on hunt with new tracked wheelchairs.

https://www.facebook.com/Northcountrytroopersassistingtroops

https://nnytroopers.com

We want the public to know that we are good stewards of the many donations we receive. Many people and businesses have contributed to our overall success, and our financial success. Our operating costs are very low…….almost all monies we raise go right back to Veterans and Soldiers…our heroes!!

A couple major sponsors we have had over the years is the Clayton Harbor Hotel (Fire and Ice), and Urgent Care of Watertown. The Cape Liquor Store has also been a huge contributor in our cause over the years. We have also had many private donations, many of them very significant.

We have also partnered with the River Hospital Wellness Center, where they run the PTSD program. Troopers Assisting Troops helps with the Laughing for a Cause Comedy Show every year. We initially spit any profits from the show, but in recognition of the important work they do, the last two years we have “forfeited” our portion to them, so they can better serve our soldiers!!

We all share in our successes, knowing we are doing some good stuff for those that deserve so much more.

Michael C. Pastuf

HIDTA Intel Analyst

Jefferson County, New York

Email Address: mpastuf@nynjhidta.org

News release as seen in the Thousand Islands Sun, 11/7/2018.