Marines Honored with Unforgettable Turkey Hunts
Over the initial two weekends of May, three Marines were honored for their service with unforgettable turkey hunting experiences, made possible through the collaborative efforts of Patriot Alliance Outdoors, the NWTF Color Country Gobblers Chapter and many other contributors.
Ron MacIntosh, founder and director of Patriot Alliance Outdoors, began these hunts to help recognize that countless men and women in uniform have made great sacrifices on our behalf. Patriot Alliance Outdoors is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic outdoor experiences for veterans and Gold Star Families. Through guided hunts and outdoor activities, they aim to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families while promoting healing and camaraderie.
Striving to garner support from likeminded partners, MacIntosh, who also serves as a local NWTF chairman and vice president of the NWTF Utah state board, connected with Rick Brittan, NWTF Regional Director, to help bring the spring turkey hunts to life. This year's hunts, held in Green River, Utah, and Topeka, Kansas, mark the culmination of a three-year partnership between the Color Country Gobblers Chapter and Patriot Alliance Outdoors.
In Green River, Utah, Marine veteran Nick, selected by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, had the opportunity to harvest his first turkey. Nick was awarded the opportunity to participate in the hunt at their local banquet. While he received some essential gear for the hunt during the banquet, an additional surprise awaited him upon arrival in Green River. For Nick's hunt, a Mossberg representative joined them to formally present a donated gun, and NWTF regional director, Rick Brittan, accompanied to offer his support.
Despite challenges and setbacks, including MacIntosh's ankle injury during the Kansas hunt, the team's determination and passion prevailed, ultimately leading to a successful harvest. The success of these hunts would also not possible without the support of Patriot Alliance Outdoors team members, such as Brad Bush and Blake Butler who played vital roles in making this experience a reality for everyone involved.
“Thank you to Mossberg and Sons for generously donating firearms for all our veterans, Fox Trot Ammo for supplying ammunition, Indian Creek Choke Tubes and Bud & Betty Hunting Calls,” MacIntosh said. “With their contributions, every veteran had the necessary equipment for a successful hunt. We are extremely blessed to have all your support.”
In Topeka, Kansas, preceding the Green River hunt, two Marine veterans, Adam and J.R., enjoyed successful hunts, coupled with a memorable outing at a Kansas City Royals baseball game. These veterans, nominated for the hunt, traveled from North Carolina and Florida with all expenses covered. These veterans also received Mossberg shotguns and all other donated gear. Billie Joe Robb, a professional Kansas guide and co-founder of Patriot Alliance Outdoors, supported Macintosh during the Kansas hunts.
“Congrats to our veterans on their phenomenal birds,” MacIntosh said. “We hunted hard and are very grateful to be able to spend some time with deserving men.”
Looking ahead, Patriot Alliance Outdoors has an exciting lineup of upcoming hunts, including duck hunts, pheasant hunts, deer hunts, and more, in its ongoing mission to serve and honor our nation's heroes and their families. The NWTF Color Country Gobblers Chapter plans to collaborate with and support Patriot Alliance Outdoors on all its future Utah veterans hunts.