21-Year-Old Grant Mckee Remembered for Protecting Our West
Sunrise Flag Cermony at Yarnell Hill
It has been an exactly a year from today since Arizona’s Yarnell Hill Fire tragedy took place, killing 19 men from the Granite Mountain Hotshots on June 30, 2013. In remembrance of the solemn 1 year anniversary, Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to highlight 1 of the 19 extremely brave heroes, who was only 21 – Grant Quinn Mckee. Family was priority to Grant and he loved them dearly. When Grant moved to Prescott from his hometown in Newport, California, he met the love of his life, Leah Fine. Grant was an athlete who was competitive in nature and enjoyed running long marathons and pushing his mental and physical limits. Mckee also loved wrestling, as he was on the wrestling team when he attended Prescott High School.
“(McKee) was full of confidence. He was small for his size. He did every sport. He wasn’t afraid of anything,” -Lex Vassilakis, Cousin
Prior to high school graduation, he spoke at high schools in Yavapai County spreading the anti-drug message with the D.A.R.E. program. In 2013 Grant Mckee received his EMT from Yavapai College and joined his cousin, Robert Caldwell, on the Granite Mountain Hot Shots.
Grant Mckee gave strength to others through respect and caring for their feelings. He was known to be “the real brave heart” and Cowboy Lifestyle Network couldn’t agree more.
You Can Do Something Through POW & WFF
In honor of incredible heroes like Grant Mckee, Coors Banquet will be donating $250,000 and a portion of the proceeds from the sales of Coors Banquet to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation.
In addition to the donations, Coors Banquet is partnering with CLN and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation to assist in the efforts to educate the public about the prevention of wildland fires. The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based out of Boise, Idaho, which focuses on assisting firefighters and their families.
In fact, it is the only industry recognized non-governmental and non-profit organization that supports wildland fire awareness and the fire fighters who work tirelessly to put them out.
It starts with us, so let’s get to work and help our American Heroes any way we can.
Cowgirls Historical Foundation honoring the fallen Prescott Granite Mountain Hotshots during the Payson Rodeo
Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and Darkhorse Benefits and Operation Guardian (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.
