Austin military veteran harvests bull elk as part of annual hunt – Austin Daily Herald

Taking a bull elk is something military veteran Kendall Roche, of Austin, has wanted to do his entire life.

While Roche served in the U.S. Air Force for six years then the U.S. Army for another seven years, harvesting a bull elk at Hay Creek Ranch was “the most exciting experience I’ve ever had in my life.”

Roche was chosen for the 19th Annual Minnesota Elk Breeders Association elk hunt, at Hay Creek Ranch in Tenstrike, Minnesota with his son Joseph.

They arrived at the ranch on Aug. 25 and spent time with their guide and got the feel for what to expect.

Roche said that sharing this experience with his son was priceless.

“I haven’t spent time with my son like this in 20 years so that was so special to us,” Roche said. “You did that.”

Prior to the hunt, Roche had been dealing with PTSD from his time in the military along with other personal difficulties that had been dragging him down, but he said this experience changed him.

“From that day until now, a load came off my shoulders. I don’t know how to explain it,” he said. “I feel recovered emotionally; I feel so much healthier.”

Hay Creek Ranch took care of quartering the bull and got the meat to the processor. He also left the head there as well for mounting.

Roche served in many capacities while in the military, from jet engine maintenance to infantry and intelligence, he traveled extensively serving both Germany and the effort in the Persian Gulf supporting the United States in some of the most memorable world military events of his lifetime. But this service came at a cost, including from hearing loss from jet aircraft maintenance to multiple ankle, knee and hip surgeries and multilevel spine fusions.

Roche has endured ongoing pain and challenges, yet he continues to face life with determination and pride in the service he gave his country.

“Not all of us have the same story or the same injuries, but we that were in support positions also did what of our country asked of us. I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” Roche said. “What you are doing for us is remarkable. I am so thankful and grateful.”

In the meantime, he is gearing up to soon become the next commander of the American Legion Honor Guard and has enjoyed serving the legion in its activities over many years.