Army Lt. Joe Bogart

Army Lt. Joe Bogart said that after an IED Explosion legally blinded him he knew his life would not be the same. He thought he would never be able to participate in the activities he enjoyed before fighting overseas. Then he spent a weekend at Camp Hope and he knew all that had changed.

Army Sgt Bobby Lisek

Army Sgt Bobby Lisek wrote in the guest registry, “Thank you so much for this great opportunity, I have finally met someone that has been through the same stuff as me, it has been a blessing.” His father who also attended the hunt reiterated his son’s feelings and added that this has been a life changing weekend for his son.

Army Sgt Jared Feldman

Army Sgt Jared Feldman said, “It means a lot for me to be here this weekend, this is incredible, I am really touched by what they are doing.”

SFC Alvin Sutton

SFC Alvin Sutton wrote:
I attended the ceremony this afternoon at Camp Hope with members of the Missouri Army National Guard. I am very impressed with the site and very pleased to spread the word about Camp Hope and the intent of its founders.

We had the opportunity to meet and talk with two fine young men, both veterans of Iraqi Freedom and both suffering from injuries/disabilities incurred in the line of duty. It was a humbling experience and one I won’t forget. I look forward to the opportunity in the future to visit Camp Hope and hopefully provide more support and meet many more veterans as they pass thru this long overdue and much welcome addition to our local community.

Thanks to the founders of Camp Hope and to all of its supporters and last but not least to the veterans who visit Camp Hope and remind us all why we do the job we do and that Freedom isn’t Free!!!

SFC Alvin Sutton
Missouri Army National Guard
Recruiting and Retention NCO

Army National Guard LTC Edward A Boyer

Army National Guard LTC Edward A Boyer wrote:

I was fortunate enough to be invited to greet the Veterans who experienced the first stay at CAMP HOPE. They came from different areas yet shared a common bond. The sacrifice they gave for our freedom was physically evident but the atmosphere and excitement of CAMP HOPE brought a new light to this day. I was present during the flag raising that brought an overwhelming feeling to the moment.

This secluded area that yielded an experience of serenity is exactly what each veteran present seemed to need. The volunteers and founders of CAMP HOPE were present. They displayed an eager willingness to ensure that the veterans enjoyed their first day. It is my conclusion that all who pass through CAMP HOPE will find happiness and certainly desire more of its healing powers.

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Boyer
Missouri Army National Guard
203rd Engineer Battalion
Commanding

Chris Miller

Chris Miller wrote:

Mike,
I just want to take this time to say Thank you once again for all that you have done for my brothers in the name and honor of your son. The past two weeks in which I have been involved with Camp Hope has done more for me physically and emotionally than anything else has from the time I left the military. I seem to have finally found a place where I can be with the soldiers that I personaly felt like I abandoned in 2003 when I was a MEDEVAC out of Iraqi. To me that was the worst day of my life. I may not have the visual physical scars and ailments like many at the camp, I just considered myself lucky that day, but what I do have will last a life time, and it is nice to have a place to go and share with those that have experienced the same things as I have or are expeiencing the same things that I am on a daily basis. So again, Thank you for a place to relax, get away from society, anxiety, thoughts, and the everyday grind. I am sorry for your loss and I Thank you for allowing Christopher to serve his country and do what he felt what was best in his heart, Support and defend the Constitutions of These United States. Even if it is for people who have no clue the purpose and mission of our military. Again, Thanks for everything and I salute you and your family for a wonderful vision and a memorable journey.

Chris Miller

Vickie Feldman

Vickie Feldman wrote:

William White,

As a mother of an OIF soldier, I first want to give you and your family my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one, Chris.

In reading your Memorial Day message for our veterans, I was very touched. With your permission, I was wondering if the Willard Middle School could use this message to honor our veterans who will be attending our annual Willard Middle School Veteran's Day Assembly on Friday, Nov. the 7th here at the Willard Middle School in Willard MO?

During this assembly the OHHS club (Operation Hometown Hero Supporters) consisting of 7th and 8th graders will be presenting a donation to Camp Hope. My students were very touched when they were informed about the Chris Neal Farm. They were all in agreement that Camp Hope had a mission of which they wanted to partake, and that Camp Hope should be the recippatant to whom they would give their hard earned money.

I have contacted Craig, and I believe he will be attending our assembly and representing Camp Hope. We hope to see the DVD of Camp Hope during our Veteran's Day Assembly to inform others of this memorial to Chris.

I also want to thank you for what you are doing in Chris's memory for you are making a difference in the lives of our veterans. I can honestly say this for my son, Jared, attended the first hunt of Camp Hope on Veteran's Day last year. The bonding and just being able to talk to others who had been in Iraq helped Jared to open up. He is now seeking help for his PTSD.

Thank you, Thank you,
Vickie Feldman Willard Middle School teacher and sponsor of the OHHS club