Rick Lujan, a disabled Navy veteran, was chosen by Idaho “N” Heroes Outdoors Incorporated to participate in a deer hunt Oct. 9 and 10.
Bret Oxborrow of Elk Horn Ranch and Rodeo Company donated the hunt on his property in Nounan Valley to host the event. Businesses and citizens of the Bear Lake Valley have also stepped forward to accommodate Lujan during his stay for the hunt.
Lujan, born and raised in Burley, was incredibly thankful for the opportunity to go out with Oxborrow, his son, Tyson Oxborrow, and friend Alex Hauser.
“I’m very, very grateful. Very humbled,” he said in regards to the donations made by the valley businesses and citizens to bring him back into hunting, after being away for 10 years from the sport.
Idaho “N” Heroes Outdoors Incorporated came into existence by Monte Bruhn, president and cofounder of the organization. The organization was brought into existence to honor Cpl. James Lee Douglas (Dougie) Bridges, who was shot and killed in Iraq by a sniper.
Idaho “N” Heroes was started in 2010 with the purpose to help injured soldiers both mentally and physically by introducing them to Idaho’s wilderness. Run strictly by volunteers, this non-profit organization has been giving back to these “wounded warriors” by letting them get out in Idaho’s wilderness and beauty and experience it in many different ways.
Whether it be fishing, golfing, or hunting the organization’s main priority is to provide inspirational adventures in thanks to those who have served the nation.
Lujan and Bruhn met last year and Lujan has been participating in fundraising for the organization since. Lujan has raised funds with a Bass Tournament at CJ Strike and a clay pigeon shoot in Jerome over the last year. However, being chosen to go on a hunt was a surprise to him.
“When Monte called me about this hunt it was out of the blue,” Lujan said.
Lujan decided he wouldn’t be able to see the world much unless he joined the Navy, so he joined and served in Desert Storm. “It was an honor to do it,” Lujan said when asked regarding his service.
From working as an Idaho State Corrections officer to driving truck, he has been busy since his time in the Navy.
He and his wife, Cherie, have three children, Rick, Charles, and Caitlyn. Lujan’s stepdaughter, Sierra, is currently a nurse in the United States Air Force and is stationed in Japan.
A member of the American Legion at Post 41 in Wendell, Lujan has a great respect for those who have served their country.
“I’m grateful for my brothers and sisters [in the military] who have given their lives. Those who’ve given their [bodies] and limbs, etc. for this country,” Lujan stated.
Not only do returned soldiers suffer from physical injury, there are also those who suffer mentally with PTSD, or post traumatic stress disorder as well.
Lujan was raised with fishing and hunting, and not being able to do any of it for the last 10 years made being chosen for the hunt that much more of a treat.
On the morning of Oct. 10 Lujan, Bret and Tyson Oxborrow, and Hauser started hunting, and Lujan got lucky. By noon he had shot a three-pointer. “We watched him for about 45 minutes to an hour,” Lujan reminisced. “I was so excited.”
Although the hunt truly was to thank and show appreciation for Lujan’s service to his country. Lujan felt as though he was the one who should have been thanking everyone for the treatment he was receiving during his hunt. “I feel like a celebrity with all of the great treatment I’ve been getting,” he said.
Contributing to Lujan’s hunt and making his stay in the valley more comfortable were Christensen Custom Cuts who will be doing the processing of the meat, Studebaker’s Pizza, Clover Creek Inn, Lott’s Restaurant, Elk Country Sports who lent Lujan a gun to use for the hunt, Jeff Sagers of Bear Lake Stone, the Bear Lake Quilt Guild, Rick Bergholm of Nounan who will be providing the taxidermy, and Subway.