BY KEITH LIPPOLDT

klippoldt@gbtribune.com

Following the deadly mid-air collision of an American Airlines jet out of Wichita and a Blackhawk helicopter in Virginia, the Great Bend Tribune has learned that the tragedy strikes close to home.

Fowl Plains is a hunting club located northeast of Great Bend that provides world class hunts, lodging and meals for hunting enthusiasts across the country.

Checking the website, it states “Fowl Plains’ mission is simple, to provide an unmatched experience that leaves our clients counting down the days until the following year. We strive to be much more than a waterfowl guide service. We want to build relationships that last a lifetime. We enjoy sharing a common bond with each hunter that comes into camp. Whether it’s the love of the hunt, the dogs working, or being outdoors on the breathtaking Kansas plains. We strive to bring a fun and exciting experience into your life.”

Ten hunters from a small region in Maryland have made Fowl Plains an annual journey. There were a few new faces this season but the majority have been coming to Kansas for the past three years. Some have been here more often than others, but plans were already being made for next year’s waterfowl hunt. Sadly, seven of these visitors will never return as they were among the 64 people aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 that left Wichita Wednesday evening and crashed into the Potomac River after hitting an Army Blackhawk helicopter seconds before landing. The remaining three were not on the plane as they were driving home to the east coast.

Fowl Plains owner Chase White and his wife Megan were devastated when they heard the news of the disaster.

“Obviously heartbreak,” Chase said. “In thinking about these guys’ families, their kids, their wives, their moms or dads. Just the effect that it would have on their families. We’ve spent a substantial amount of time with these guys for the last few years and really got to know them pretty well. Although they’re clients of ours, they may as well have been family to us at this point. Obvious, obvious heartbreak and dismay that something like this could happen as a business owner in this industry. It’s pretty much the last thing you’d ever expect to be dealing with for sure.”

White said he has been in touch with the survivors, but out of respect for the entire group and their families, he chose not to talk about his conversations with them. He did, however, want to share what a great group of guys they were and they will be missed.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends,” he said. “And we feel blessed that we were able to spend six days with these guys – be a part of them pursuing a passion that obviously brought them all together here in Kansas. I’d love people to know that they got to enjoy their time. Laughs and smiles and stories. They look forward to this trip every year. And you know, they were some of the best men that you could have imagined. Very family oriented and just great people. It’s a real shame that what happened has struck that Southern Maryland community. And, obviously us at Fowl Plains as well.”

COURTESY PHOTO - NPR