Veterans wilderness haven near Bloomfield 'big success'

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- It's been nearly two years since the concept of making available a haven in the wilderness for disabled veterans became a reality in Stoddard County.

When Tom Love and Alan Hedrick turned over a 125-acre tract of land southwest of Bloomfield in May 2012 to the Kenady-Hanks American Legion for the purpose of providing that safe haven, they didn't imagine how the facility would flourish and how many disabled veterans would visit Gobbler Ridge Farms.

"We've had just short of 100 veterans utilize the facility for a number of different purposes," Love said. "Some visited just to view the abundance of wildlife. Some toured the farm in SUVs. Some came for meetings. It's been a big success, and we are grateful to a number of people who continue to make the facility thrive."

On the property of Gobbler Ridge there stands a rustic cabin. Since the designation of a Disabled Veterans Facility, the facility has gone through a transition of establishing all possible areas as handicapped equipped: Doors have been widened, bunks have been redesigned for handicap use, assist rails have been installed in the restroom, wheelchair ramps have been put into place on two sides of the cabin and the front walk is now equipped with a handrail.

One of the early priorities in preparing the land for visiting disabled veterans in 2012 was to construct a spacious elevated blind that would be suitable not only from which to hunt, but also to photograph wildlife on the farm. Today the handicapped accessible blind is fully insulated with sliding windows, carpet, heat, a padded shooting rail, binoculars and spotting scopes.

Participants in one of last fall's Ladies Rabbit Hunts sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation at Gobbler Ridge Farms. (NOREEN HYSLOP ~ Dexter Daily Statesman)

"The blind is perhaps the biggest draw to the facility," Love said. "It provides our veterans with an opportunity to put aside any problems they might have and enjoy the solitude of the rural setting, and with nearly all the comforts of home while observing wildlife at its finest."

Three acres of wildlife plots were established on the farm in 2013. That effort has proved to be beneficial for viewing deer, turkey and other wildlife from the blind.

"For those veterans who do not require much assistance, we've put in three portable hunting and viewing blinds also," Love said.

Also using the Gobbler Farm facility over the past two years has been the Missouri Department of Conservation. Two Ladies Rabbit Hunts have taken place on the grounds through the department, and two deer hunts for youth in the area.

"We've had nine disabled veterans come to the facility to hunt. Six deer have been harvested as a result of those hunts," Love said.

The facility recently drew a visit by the head of the American Legion organization. American Legion national commander Dan Dellinger visited the facility in fall 2013 and expressed his appreciation to all who had a part in making the farm the success that it is.

The current efforts on the farm are supported largely by individual donations.

American Legion members and other volunteers continue to improve the Disabled Veterans Facility with ongoing projects. Under construction is a wheelchair accessible fishing dock that should be completed in the next month. The dock will have an area for shade and lounging as well as for fishing.

Considerable work on the farm's walking trails has been completed, with further work underway for veterans who prefer to hike their way through the paths.

"A picnic area near the observation blind has been cleared for use by the visiting veterans," Love said, "but we do not have a table or a fire pit installed there yet."

Those interested in visiting the Disabled Veterans Facility at Gobbler Ridge Farms may contact Tom Love at 573-820-0802 or James Adams of Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59 at 573-421-3660. Donations to support the project may be sent to Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59, P.O. Box 446, Dexter, MO 63841. Checks should be made payable to DAV Fund.

Pertinent address:

Gobbler Ridge Farms, Bloomfield, Mo.