The Idaho Mustangs and other officials, including Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad, recently presented veteran Phillip Baldwin, pictured second from right, with a hunting trip to New Zealand as part of the Wounded Warrior Project. COURTESY PHOTO
By Kendra Evensen
kevensen@journalnet.com
It’s been nearly three years since Cpl. Phillip Baldwin was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, where he was serving as a radio operator with the First Battalion Fifth Marines. But the road to recovery continues to be difficult.
“The transition has been rough and rocky, it has definitely been a challenge,” the veteran said, but is quick to add that he hasn’t faced anything yet that he can’t handle. “It’s regular Marine stuff.”
Still, Baldwin, who lost his right leg up to his hip and his left leg to above the knee, has sacrificed a lot for his country, and the Idaho Mustangs recently decided to show their gratitude by helping him to fulfill a dream.
During their Wounded Warrior Game on April 12, southeast Idaho’s semi pro football team gave Baldwin a 12-day trip to New Zealand, where he will be able to hunt red stag.
“I was amazed and kind of surprised,” Baldwin said, adding that hunting red stag is one of his life goals. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am definitely looking forward to it.”
He plans to bring a comrade he served in Afghanistan with on the trip.
Mitch Dodge, general manager of the Idaho Mustangs, said the team became a labeled participant this year in the Wounded Warrior Project, a national effort to help wounded soldiers, to set them apart and show that they’re not just a “rough, smash-mouth football team.”
“No other team in our 32-team league does anything like this,” Dodge said, adding that the players also have camouflage jerseys. “We love the opportunity to give back and help make the physical and mental recovery easier in anyway possible.”
Dodge said they wanted to honor Baldwin, a football fan who has embraced the team, for risking his life and sustaining serious injuries while serving the country and protecting the freedoms Americans enjoy.
“We felt that Phillip laid his life on the line for our freedom,” he said, adding that such freedoms give them the opportunity to play the game they love.
Baldwin — who despite his injuries continues his legacy of service today by counseling with combat veterans, visiting comrades and giving motivational speeches — said the football players are among the finest Americans he knows, and he’s grateful for their support.
“I feel pretty honored,” he said.