Story by Eli Ruiz
NARROWSBURG — April 16, 2013 — Seventeen-year-old Ethan Morgan – 2011’s Sullivan County Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs Junior Sportsman of the Year, and 2001 NYS NWTF Xtreme JAKE of the Year - attended the Long Beards banquet, and through the “Wounded Warriors Xcursion” program he has spearheaded himself, represents the very best of what the JAKES program has to offer.
About a year ago, Morgan – who said he came up with the idea through his desire to “give back” to the wounded veterans who’ve “given so very much of themselves for our freedom” – dreamed up an ambitious plan. In conjunction with the Wounded Warriors Project, Morgan, on his own, solicited funds and secured business sponsorships with the end goal of rewarding as many “wounded warriors” as funds will allow with an all-expense- paid wild boar hunting excursion.
“He basically came up with this idea all on his own,” said Morgan’s father Bob. “He [Ethan] just went out on his own and pounded the pavement hard to raise the funds and find the right sponsors.
“I couldn’t be prouder of him. He’s an impressive young man.”
Impressive indeed, as through his own substantial efforts Morgan has managed to raise enough funds to currently have five Purple Heart awarded vets on his “Xcursion” list, and as he says, “I’m very close to having enough funds for my sixth wounded warrior.
“I think this is the very least I could do for these amazing guys. They’ve already given so much of themselves for us that I just want to give back to them.”
In fact, Ethan was able to raise $905 at Sunday's banquet toward his cause – just short of enough to add a new wounded warrior to his growing list.
Readers interested in contributing to young Ethan Morgan’s 2013 Wounded Warriors Xcursion can call Ethan directly at 845-252-5015 or e-mail ethan at ethanmorgan122695@yahoo.com.