Many times, our military veterans who serve our country courageously, may not bear the physical scars of battle. Many may instead, have unseen psychological scars that dog them from things they have seen or experienced during their service. There is an organization and recreational facility called Hyner Lodge in nearby Clinton County, in the area of the picturesque area near Hyner, called the Hyner Lodge Foundation that is designed to help heal these veterans and their families.
The mission of the Hyner Lodge Foundation is to “honor wounded, injured and disable warriors. Along with their families, caregivers, Gold Star and Blue Star families, and those who serve our nation, by providing a place to stay, where they can relax, heal, enjoy and renew their lives, body, mind and spirit.”
The Hyner Lodge Foundation will be hosting its annual Open House Saturday, March 26, from noon to 4 p.m.
The annual Open House is one of several special themed events throughout the year. These include the “Lest We Forget” event held in May to remember the fallen and the missing in action. In July there is a “Pignik,” which is a pig roast. In September they hold a backyard barbecue that they call “License to Grill.” In November there is a special event for ‘veterans only” that is called “Healing Through Camaraderie.”
In addition to these themed events there are various recreational activities that are also available throughout the year. These include hiking, camping, kayaking, sight-seeing, jet skiing, fishing, water and snow skiing, mountain biking, and meat smoking and grilling. There also professionally monitored events such as equestrian, scuba diving, rock climbing, rappelling, hang gliding, auto repair, carpentry and meat processing. The HLF recently acquired a buckboard and sleigh that allows the veterans to enjoy horse drawn transport through all four seasons. All of these activities are at no cost to the veterans.
The Hyner Lodge Foundation is a 501 c3 charitable organization. Much of its operational expenses are covered through charitable donations. If you wish to know more about the HLF or wish to make any donations to it you can contact them at 570-769-2791, or email them at hynerlodge@gmail.com or access their website at www.hynerlodgefoundation.org.
