By the Ketchikan Daily News

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers came up with a good idea. For seven years, they've scheduled annual hunting trips for disabled veterans.

This year, they took six veterans, including two Alaskans, moose hunting in North Pole.

One Alaskan, Ladd McBride, 77, hadn't been out hunting for 30 years. McBride not only had served 12 years in the Army and 28 in the Navy, but served Fairbanks on its borough assembly. He is confined to a wheelchair because of a degenerative spinal condition in his back that prevents him from standing or walking.

McBride didn't shoot a moose. He saw one, but decided it was too far away, especially because of his deteriorated eyesight. But that didn't keep him from shooting 320 pictures during the five-day hunt.

He described the hunt as "pure paradise."

John-Taylor Lawton, 50, of Fairbanks, did bag a moose on the final day of the hunt from about 150 yards. Lawton, who spent 13 years in the Army, had lost a leg three years ago because of a bone infection, and hadn't been hunting since.

The hunt, which usually caters to Paralyzed Veterans of America, also included four hunters from the Lower 48. It was able to include the Alaska hunters this year because two other hunters had to leave early.

The hunt is made possible by hunters and other volunteers who guide the veterans and help with other chores. The hunt starts at 4 a.m. and doesn't end until 10 p.m. each day. It gives all of the hunters, but especially the veterans, the opportunity to revisit their time in the armed services by sharing their experiences. Of course, they also talk over each day's hunt, and even about dealing with a disability.

This Army Corps' idea is a good example of how to show appreciation to the nation's veterans. As our troops fight even now in Iraq and Afghanistan -- some coming home with disabilities -- the idea can be expanded into other parts of the country and to different types of hunts. The hunts even might become fishing trips, canoe excursions, bear-viewing tours or similar adventures.

For all that they do and the years of their lives that they give, it is only appropriate that Americans give back.