There is a parallel between the Vietnam War and the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I served in Vietnam," said Jake Myers, an Army veteran and area businessman, during a telephone interview.

"I also think we should be willing to help those who are now serving in harm's way."

To that end, Myers worked with Safari Club International and Elk Safaris West to arrange for an all expenses paid elk hunting trip for two wounded warriors.

The four-day, three-night hunt was held at the Squirrel Creek hunting camp, which is located in the Rocky Mountains near Rexburg, Idaho.  All meals, accommodations and a guide were provided.

Myers coordinated the trip and provided the rifles for the expedition.

Ben McDonald and Elliot Miller were the two wounded service members selected for the trip.

A member of the Illinois National Guard, McDonald had been on four active duty deployments since November 2000.  In January of this year, he lost his left hand to a high explosive machine gun round.

A former Marine and SEAL team member, Miller was serving in the Al-Anbar province when he was wounded by a massive IED (improvised explosive device).  Laced with phosphorous, the explosion left him with massive open leg fractures, burns and traumatic brain injury.

"It is the least we can do for these heroes," continued Myers.

As he prepared for the hunting trip, Myers stopped by Sound Bound Honda in Tacoma to talk with owner, Vicki Gray.

She also owns South Sound Honda in Olympia.

"He mentioned to me that he was putting together a trip for a couple of veterans," she related.

A woman whose husband is also a Vietnam veteran, Gray is not afraid to say that she supports the troops.  After listening to Myers, she immediately wanted to know what she could do to help.

"My first thought was to help make this a great hunt for these guys," continued Gray.

"I don't think you can help wounded soldiers enough."

Within moments, Gray offered to loan Myers and the expedition a utility track vehicle (UTV) named "Big Red."

Myers didn't think twice; he accepted Gray's offer.

"It was a big help on the hunt," said Myers.

The good-sized rig, "Big Red" hauled the hunters and their equipment everywhere they needed to go during their hunting expedition.

"We were very happy to help make the hunting trip a success for two wounded warriors who have served this country," said Gray.

"The wounded warriors who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan cannot be forgotten."