Vets and disabled children bag turkeys at Beards for Benefits
Published 9:40 am Thursday, April 3, 2025
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With spring here and turkey season having begun in full, last weekend saw both disabled children and veterans bagging birds as part of this year’s Beards for Benefits (B4B) hunting event. The annual event was founded by Klay “Pudoo” Armstrong nine years ago.
Armstrong had suffered severe burns and injuries after an industrial accident. He recounted the story to attendees at this year’s event, many of which were first-time participants. Armstrong described himself as feeling bitter and suffering mentally following his accident, not only dealing with extensive burns, but even being told at the time he may not walk again.
It was during this time that he began assisting with hunts for handicapped children and veterans, with one child saying to him, “Mr. Klay, you know what your problem is? You’re too busy trying to be who you were, you need to be who you are.”
These events led to Armstrong founding Beards for Benefits, which pairs disabled children and veterans on turkey hunts. This year saw 30 participants, 15 vets and 15 children paired together. Aside from providing these people a chance to bond, Beards for Benefits aims to raise funds to help with whatever needs they have. This year’s B4B banquet saw 380 attend, and in total raised about $168,000, which will go towards helping provide new wheelchairs or special equipment, even home remodeling for handicapped needs.
Since its foundation, Beards for Benefits has since expanded to multiple chapters, with one in Alabama, and another in Ohio, with a goal of establishing a chapter in every state. Next year will mark the program’s 10th anniversary.
“I can’t express enough gratitude to my sponsors and my land owners,” Armstrong said.
