NE Louisiana Veterans Association’s Wounded Warrior hunting program will benefit
When John Nolan saw the winning eBay bid on Duck Commander Phil Robertson’s millionth call produced in 2013, the retired U.S. Air Force veteran was stunned.
The winning bid for the Classic Commander wooden call: $80,100.
“Holy smoke,” said Nolan, who coordinates the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Association’s Wounded Warrior hunts that the proceeds from the auction will benefit.
Robertson assembled the company’s milestone call last week at the Duck Commander retail store in West Monroe, according to a story in the Monroe News-Star.
After autographing the call, which retails for $44.95, he designated it for auction. There were 168 bids during the seven-day auction that ended Friday afternoon.
“All of the crew at Duck Commander is thrilled and humbled by the great response to the auction for the millionth duck call of 2013,” Al Robertson, Phil’s oldest son, said Friday. “We are honored to be able to share this momentous occasion by giving the proceeds to the veterans and wounded heroes of northeastern Louisiana. Thank you DC fans.”
Nolan, who has been scratching for donations on his own to fund the hunts for the past two years, said the next hunt is scheduled in December for 24 disabled veterans.
“I’ve only raised one-tenth as much since I’ve been doing this,” Nolan said. “This is a huge lift. It makes it an annual event and takes it to a new level of prestige.
“We can’t thank Phil Robertson and his family enough for being able to put the veterans in the woods and enhance the healing process.”
After signing the call, Phil Robertson considered it a modest gift for the veterans.
“For the (men and women) who have sacrificed with their lives and limbs … the least I can do is try to help out,” he said.
Duck Commander call sales have surged from 60,000 in 2011 to 1 million and counting this year following the success of A&E “Duck Dynasty” reality show in which the Robertsons star.
Phil Robertson said he sold 2,000 calls in his first year.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Monroe News-Star staff writer Greg Hilburn filed this report.
