HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

Through the Georgia Chapter of SCI’s humanitarian efforts, our chapter demonstrates the highest level of philanthropy by directly contributing to those in need here in Georgia, around the United States, and throughout the world.

The Georgia Chapter focuses on numerous humanitarian projects including hunting and fishing trips geared towards wounded veterans and active duty military, SCI Foundation’s Pathfinder Program, and participating in the “SafariCare Bell Family Blue Bag Program.”

Wounded Veterans and Active Duty Military Hunting and Fishing Events

The Georgia Chapter of SCI has long been a supporter of our men and women in uniform, hosting nearly a dozen hunting and fishing events annually geared towards wounded veterans and active duty military, to include many Purple Heart Recipients. Our efforts have been acknowledged nationally, as the Georgia Chapter of SCI has been the recipient of the National Humanitarian Award from Safari Club International five of the past six years. The Georgia Chapter of SCI has addressed more than 935 Veterans over the years with outstanding results.

Some of the events, such as multiple North Georgia Trout Fishing trips, an Annual West Point Lake Crappie Fishing Trip, the Alabama Offshore Fishing Trip, the Archery Deer Hunt and Dove Hunts, are smaller in size, hosting anywhere from two veterans up to seven or eight per event. Additionally, the Georgia Chapter offers a few events that are much larger in scale, such as the Wounded Veteran Fishing Weekend at Lake Lanier, Veterans Offshore Fishing Weekend in Florida, Wounded Veterans Georgia Deer Hunt, and the Purple Heart Deer Hunt in Mississippi.

Annual Wounded Veterans Georgia Deer Hunt

One to two hunts are held annually with the goal of providing hunting opportunities to our wounded veterans and active duty military members here in Georgia. Each hunt draws five to seven veterans, along with an SCI volunteer for each veteran. The full day event provides great time to fellowship while also enjoying the great outdoors. As part of the day's agenda, gun safety and ethical hunting practices are discussed in detail. Additionally, hunters are given a review and history of the property they are hunting. The Georgia Chapter of SCI will cover any costs associated with processing a deer for a hunter who have been successful in their hunt. All processed venison will then be returned to the hunter and their family. Read about our 2020 veterans hunt at Wounded Warriors Achieve Success During Annual Georgia SCI Veterans Hunt and head over to Georgia Outdoor News to read about the 2021 hunt Hero Service Members Enjoy Annual Georgia SCI Veterans Deer Hunt.

Annual Purple Heart Deer Hunt in Mississippi

Spearheaded by the Georgia Chapter, and supported by the Magnolia (MS) Chapter of SCI, this event is intended specifically for Purple Heart recipients. Each year 20 to 25 Purple Heart recipients from around the southeast are invited for a weekend of deer hunting in the Mississippi Delta. More than 10 local high-end hunt clubs offer up lodging, meals, and deer hunting opportunities for the wounded veterans. Some of the weekend’s events, such as the Saturday night dinner and Sunday morning awards ceremony, often draw dignitaries from around the state. Processing of the deer or hogs are covered for each Purple Heart recipient so they and their family can enjoy the results of their activity.

Annual Wounded Veteran Fishing Weekend at Lake Lanier

This annual 3-day event is typically held the weekend following the Fourth of July holiday and the Georgia Chapter of SCI hosts between 22 to 25 wounded veterans and their families. In total, more than 200-300 people participate in the weekend’s festivities, including dignitaries such as senators, congressmen, generals, governor’s staff, and SCI volunteers. The Georgia Chapter covers all lodging, meals, fishing charter, and any other associated costs.

The weekend’s events begin with a dinner at Rooster’s Cafe on Friday night. On Saturday morning, the Georgia Chapter charters 11 fishing boats for the veterans and their guests for a half day of fantastic fishing on Lake Lanier. A few hours are set aside to rest following the fishing trip before guests are treated to a sunset dinner cruise. During that time, numerous awards are presented to the fishing participants. The sunset cruise also allows for plenty of fellowship among everyone in attendance. Brunch is provided Sunday morning prior to an early afternoon departure. A waiting list for this event has grown over the years and an overview of this event has been included in SCI's national publications numerous times throughout the years.

Read about the 2021 event at Purple Heart Recipients Enjoy Weekend of Fishing and Fellowship During Annual Georgia SCI Event at Lake Lanier.

Annual Veterans Fishing Weekend in Florida

Held during the first or second weekend of October, the Georgia Chapter hosts 10 to 12 wounded veterans and their families in Destin, Florida. This 3-day event begins with a Friday afternoon inshore bay fishing trip chasing red fish and trout, while also allowing the veterans to get their "sea legs." The afternoon inshore fishing trip is followed by a low-key shrimp boil accompanied by chicken and steaks on the grill. Saturday morning starts early as the veterans head offshore for a full day of fishing. Targeted species include grouper, amberjack, and snapper, along with spanish mackerel, dolphin, wahoo, and tuna. As the anglers return to the dock, some of the fresh fish is packaged up for them to take home, while some of it is also cooked that evening during a casual beach dinner. Guests are treated to a breakfast Sunday morning before departing. A waiting list has expanded over the years for this event.

National Pathfinder Award

In 2014, Tommy Clack became the recipient of the SCI Foundation's Pathfinder Award after being nominated by the Georgia Chapter. Each year, a SCI Pathfinder Award winner is selected from applicants submitted by SCI Chapters and individuals. The award winner is honored during the Annual Beretta and SCI Foundation Leadership Award Gala for their life achievements demonstrating their ability to overcome disabling obstacles while remaining engaged in outdoor activities, helping their community and inspiring others. As the recipient of the award, Tommy received an all-expenses paid, 10-day hunt in Namibia. Read more about Tommy's Trip of a Lifetime.

Tommy Clack, from Mansfield, Georgia, attained the rank of Captain in the Army. During his tour in Vietnam in 1969, a rocket propelled grenade explosion caused him to lose three limbs, among other injuries. Not to be deterred by his injury, and over 65 surgeries, Tommy was determined to be independent. He has become an inspiration to others. He has written and published more than 500 guest columns and has traveled as a national speaker publicly supporting hunters’ rights and the second amendment. He has given over 100 speeches each year in all 50 states and in foreign countries. Tommy shoots, hunts, and fishes year-round and reads constantly to stay educated and current in military history and data.

SafariCare Bell Family Blue Bag Program

The Georgia Chapter and its members enthusiastically participate in the SafariCare Bell Family Blue Bag Program. SafariCare Blue Bags are filled by the Chapter, individual members, church groups or even groups of schoolchildren or scouts. The contents may include medical, educational, and other relief supplies, or clothing and toys. The Blue Bag is taken to remote areas of the world by hunters who have planned hunts in these regions. The supplies are delivered directly to villages, clinics, orphanages and schools, doctors, caretakers, and teachers to use with people in need. SCI and SCIF, like so many organizations, put forth enormous effort each year to help improve the quality of life throughout the world. Enjoy Blue Bag Stories from around the world.

Georgia SCI members, Phil Jennings and Michael Housworth, participating in the Blue Bag program. Their donation of educational resources and needed supplies will be used in schools to develop education, and specifically, English literacy amongst primary schools learners as part of the “Fun with English Programme.” Photos were taken at Manyunyu Primary School in the Mopani District of the Limpopo Province in South Africa.