So, this was my first time at Oklahoma D-Day. I had always heard about the legend that D-day was. I decided back in January that this year I would go. I bought my ticket and began to pack. June 6th came quickly and I suddenly found myself boots on ground in hot, dusty Wyandotte, Oklahoma, home of D-Day Adventure park!. I was fortunate enough to hook up with a group that gave me shelter for the week. My accommodations were not luxurious but they were dry.
On Monday morning, I woke at O’Dark 30. The wind was swirling and the clouds looked angry. I had anticipated some bad weather but these clouds looked about to drop a house or two on me. The swirling clouds settled but then we had a long steady rain. That noon, the sun came out like it was catch up time. As the sun warmed the damp ground, a steam enveloped us. I walked around the park collecting stories and pictures. I was trying to find my bearings. D-Day adventure park is huge and my feet took the abuse.
Throughout the week, I attended several mini games that were not so mini. I also attended training maneuvers to help get the teams prepared for the big game on Saturday. The week was filled with many events and opportunities for everyone to have some fun. The obstacle course was both fun to run and to watch. Those guys were crazy! They ran through dank swamp, crawl under low ropes and swing across a water filled pit. The organizers also threw a USO type night with entertainment capped with the introduction of US war hero Jake McNeice, a member of the Filthy 13, a unit which the movie the dirty dozen was based. Jake and his wife took questions and told stories of his time in the war. He is a great man and a real hero.
Saturday was the day of the big
game. Teams, troops and players massed and established battle plans and rally points. I positioned myself in the “Sword Beach” landing area. The countdown began and the Axis troops were just yards above the Allies in a very superior footing. When the whistle blew, the Allied troops rushed off their landing craft into the direct fire of the Axis. Although the fire on the Allied was intense, it was not accurate. Within moments, the Allies had raised the flag at the Axis bunker. Supported by their tank division, the Allies took Sword Beach very quickly. The battle was very heated and I was caught in the fire more times than I care to remember. In the end, the Axis held key positions and managed to squeak out a victory.
My time at D-Day was very interesting. I have never been so hot, dirty, and miserable but why do I want to go back? I took some amazing shots and I hope you all enjoy them!
As part of an editors note, Don Sutherland of Hoof Hearted Photography was on location covering the event for Jungle magazine and many of his photos will appear as part of the after event report for that publication.
To view and even order your photo from Don from this event and the many others he attends annually please be sure to visit
www.hoofheartedproductions.com
