Tucked away in the rich forest of Oswayo is land devoted to the men and women who dedicated themselves to serving the country. A place for them to heal from wounds, both mental and physical, inflicted during their time of service.
The LEEK/SAVAW Hunting and Mountain Preserve provides outdoor experiences for veterans, many with physical limitations because of injuries received serving the country. The non-profit provides specialized equipment to accommodate disabilities like track chairs that allow disabled veterans the opportunity to go into the wilds for a hunt.
Ed Fisher, who retired as a colonel, founded LEEK in 2008.
“I missed the camaraderie and my wife and I had 130 acres, so I wanted to do something worthwhile with it. We take warriors from all wars, and the equipment we have allows those with disabilities to get anywhere we are able to go,” said Fisher.
The preserve hosts six hunts over each year, with a focus on the individual needs and wants of each veteran who attends.
This weekend the preserve opened up its doors to show the public how donations are used and dedicating the recently-renovated and expanded range house in memory and honor of a fellow soldier who made the ultimate sacrificed.
Master Sergeant Thomas Donald Maholic, a Bradford native, died during the Global War on Terror. In recognition for his service, he was posthumously awarded a Silver Star citation.
That citation is affixed to the bunk house and reads: “The President of the United States of America, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) Thom D. Maholic, Master Sergeant, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Detachment Operations Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha 765 (ODA-765), Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, on 24 June 2006, at Pashmul, Kandahar, Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Maholics’ heroic actions defeated a Taliban attack, saved the lives of his comrades, and prevented the destruction of his team. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.”
The narrative accompanying the citation recounts the bravery and selflessness displayed while under attack by Taliban forces. Before falling, he was the only American soldier remaining in a compound surrounded by Taliban forces.
Capt. Rob Krott, the company commander for Maholic, spoke during the dedication of the range hall. Krott is the author of “Save the Last Bullet for Yourself” and dedicated the book to Maholic.
Speaking of Maholic after the dedication, Krott explained how Maholic was as a person.
“He (Maholic) was always smiling, always happy and he had a great wit and was smart. He was a fire and forget soldier. You knew that if he had a mission, he would get the job done. He was so capable, even at a young age.” said Krott.
For more information or to find out how to volunteer for LEEK/SAVAW visit savaw.org.