Hoosier hero given special honor at Statehouse, planning fundraiser for other veterans

Posted 4:46 PM, May 14, 2014, by , Updated at 06:24PM, May 14, 2014
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INDIANAPOLIS – He’s been all over the country, and he’s even met the President.

Joel Hunt is a Kokomo native who served in Iraq. He suffers from traumatic brain injury, but despite that, he learned how to ski, and earlier this year went to Sochi for the Paralympic Games.

Since he’s returned, he’s been to a special ceremony at the White House and on Wednesday he had the chance to visit the governor’s office for another special recognition.

Gov. Mike Pence declared Joel Hunt a Distinguished Hoosier in an afternoon ceremony at the Statehouse.

“I got the chance to represent my country for a second time and I’m overjoyed,” Hunt told the governor.

He and a friend are also organizing an event this coming Saturday for local veterans, called the Buddy Bowl. You can find more information on Joel’s Facebook fan page.

“It’s more than just a flag football game, it changes lives,” said Hunt. “This is a way I can give back.”
“It doesn’t matter if they have vision impairment, missing limbs, whatever, you get to play football with them,” said Joel’s friend, Andrew Alger. “I needed to make this dream come true, because it’s not every day you get to make a veteran’s dream come true.”
“I feel like I’m helping my fellow soldiers fade back into the community,” said Hunt. “I get to try and change lives and inspire people to try and change lives.”
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