The Robertson family of "Duck Dynasty" fame encourage military couples in Alaska; Todd and Sarah Palin also visit.
Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham welcomed Phil, Kay, and Si Robertson, from the A&E hit show “Duck Dynasty,” this weekend to the Operation Heal Our Patriots wilderness retreat in Port Alsworth, Alaska. They were joined by two of their sons, Alan and Jep, and family friends.
The visitors greeted the Week 14 guests as they arrived for a week of relaxation and marriage enrichment. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, were there to welcome the wounded veterans to camp as well.
Uncle Si welcomes Army Corporal Thomas Nichols to Samaritan Lodge Alaska.
As the guests finished dinner, Todd and Sarah Palin encouraged them with stories. Si Robertson, who is a Vietnam veteran, thanked them for their service.
“Any time soldiers come home, especially those that are wounded, they’re close to my heart,” Si said. “They’re brothers in arms.”
The Robertson family was launched to fame by their hit show “Duck Dynasty.” The series focuses on their family, faith, and business, which makes products for duck hunters. Last year, Robertson teamed up with Samaritan’s Purse by packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child.
Todd and Sarah Palin have been long-time supporters of the ministry and have visited disaster sites and the Operation Heal Our Patriots lodge several times.
Operation Heal Our Patriots is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse to veterans wounded after 9/11 and their spouses. It gives them the opportunity for spiritual renewal and physical refreshment in the wilderness of Alaska. Ten couples spend a week enjoying the beauty of God’s creation and strengthening their relationships with God and each other in biblically-based seminars for 15 weeks each summer. Other special guests who have visited the camp this summer include Greta Van Susteren, the host of “On the Record” on the Fox News Channel.
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin welcomes Army veteran Robert Walton to Alaska.
During the most recent week at the camp, six couples rededicated their marriages, and five people were baptized in the chilly waters of Lake Clark. As they prepared to return home, they talked about fresh beginnings.
“We want to put God first in our lives,” said retired Army Specialist Michael Reynolds right before he and his wife, Marie, were baptized. “We’re going to go under and come back up living our lives to Him. We’re looking forward to what He has in store for us.”
There are two weeks left in the Operation Heal Our Patriots season. Please pray for the 20 couples who will attend to feel God’s healing power and love in the lives and in their marriages.
Army Specialist Michael Reynolds attended Week 13 of camp with his wife, Marie. At the end of the week, they rededicated their marriage and both were baptized.
Uncle Si played a game of chess in the bunker room at the lodge.
Todd and Sarah Palin and Kay and Phil Robertson spent the evening encouraging the wounded veterans.
Sarah Palin, her friends and family, the Robertsons, and their friends gather for a group photo with Franklin Graham and his wife, Jane.
