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Brenda Valentine NWTF Spokeswoman |
Reflections
Most folks find themselves reflecting on the previous year when the calendar runs out of months and January signals a fresh start. My NWTF spokesperson calendar begins and ends in October, and lately, I’ve found myself lost in a reflective state of mind.
A year ago I promised CEO George Thornton I would represent the NWTF and promote the organization’s mission by hosting a Federation TV program, writing this column, teaming with Michael Waddell as national convention hosts, and attending a few key banquets. It sounded simple and straightforward to me.
As with most projects, the less complicated something seems at first, the more complicated it becomes. However, I take full responsibility for all complications since they typically stem from me getting personally involved.
Admittedly, standing on stage in Nashville during a record-setting convention was a blast, and opening each episode of “Get in the Game TV” has been fun. But it has been the quieter moments of the past year that seem to take center stage in my mind.
Like David, the Wounded Warrior, who trembled with emotion as he clutched his cane, as the entire Gaylord staff saluted him at the Opryland Hotel. And my eyes filled with tears when he shot his first wild turkey. This time, however, he trembled from joy and excitement.
I wonder if David’s two-year stay in an Army hospital might have been shorter had he had the memory of that hunt before a roadside bombing incident changed his life forever.
And how can I forget the look of gratitude and the beam of pride in the eyes of a father when his daughter retrieved the turkey we’d hunted for all day during a JAKES hunt?
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Brenda was moved to tears when David, a wounded warrior, shot his first turkey this year. |
I think of the young son of my non-English speaking guide in Mexico, grinning as he flashed a mouth full of perfect white teeth while wearing my NWTF cap and a pair of hunting boots that were way too big for him. Smiles are a universal language.
During a Wheelin’ Sportsmen fundraising banquet, I studied the faces of the crowd and found compassion and determination stamped on them as they united to help a disadvantaged event chairman set a new record. I was overwhelmed with pride as I realized these were the caliber of people I represented.
These are but a few examples of the highlights of my first year as a national spokesperson for what I feel is the greatest conservation organization out there.
I’ve laughed, cried, sweated, froze, climbed mountains, slept in jungles and assisted women, kids and hunters with disabilities take their first wild turkeys. I’ve been hugged more times than I can count and made a few dumb, impromptu speeches, but most importantly, I’ve made new friends all over the country.
The NWTF is certainly about conservation of the wild turkey and other wildlife, as well as preserving and protecting our hunting tradition. However, my experiences during the past year bring me to believe it is also about caring people who share a common goal.
The goal is not self-serving. And it is so important that thousands of volunteers give freely of their time, talents and resources so their children’s grandchildren will experience the joy of hearing an early-morning gobble or see the beauty of a strutting tom and have the freedom to hunt that bird if they wish.
This organization is comprised of the most unselfish group of folks I’ve ever known. Thank you for allowing me to help carry the NWTF banner and join forces with you to achieve the mission. It is the acceptance I’ve received as your spokesperson that is the sweetest reflection of all.
— Brenda Valentine
Keep up with Brenda and her adventures at www.brendavalentine.com.