Bucks for the Brave: Bringing Together the Best for American Heroes

The American Dream. Freedom. Deep-Rooted Values. Loyalty. Comradery.

What do all of these words have in common? NASCAR, the Wildlife Industry, and the Western Industry, who all happen to support American Heroes.

For a long time, these industries have remained separate but thanks to a few key players, fans are now enjoying and learning about the best of each of them. In order to give you the full story, we need to start from the beginning. We would like to formally introduce you to Sportsman’s Choice Wildlife Feeds, a branch of Cargill. Sportsman’s Choice is a collection of premium wildlife feed made for deer, elk, exotics, and fish. Naturally, their audience has a love for the outdoors, wildlife, hunting, and all of the words mentioned at the top. So when Bucks for the Brave Heroes Hunt was born, it unseemingly brings together three industries for one event. You can read more about how Bucks for the Brave is supporting American Heroes, here.

That’s great but where’s the magic, right? The magic is that there is strength in numbers. In a time where community support could make or break a business, organization, or event, Bucks for the Brave is building a network of businesses and individuals that support each other. What started as an event to help honor and celebrate American Heroes has now turned into a platform where three worlds collide into one to support a mission that is much larger than themselves. It’s something that’s hard to put into words until you see it at work. Below is a little more information on some of the key partners that were involved in last year’s event and some new partners as well.

Record Rack

Record Rack is the driving force behind the Bucks for the Brave Program. Marketing Lead, Jodi Dallman Cornelison, is the one that brings all of these good people together to celebrate the American Heroes over Veteran’s Day weekend. Between getting the heroes contest organized and getting sponsors together for the event, this is one of Record Rack’s premier events for the year. Check out what Jodi has to say about the Bucks for the Brave,

“I’m incredibly blessed and honored to be able to help recognize our true American Heroes.  These men and women have experienced and seen the worst of the worst, and unfortunately, I know that will remain with them the rest of their lives.  They are the most humble human beings I have ever known, always feeling undeserving of the recognition, and always saying there is someone else out there more worthy.  Every hero nominated for this hunt deserves to win for their service.  I truly wish we could bring them all to Trinity Oaks Thumbtack Ranch.  Because once we cross the Leona River and go through the gates, all our lives are changed forever.  It’s incredible to watch the group arrive as strangers, and five short days later, leave with a new found sense of peace along with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Trinity Oaks at Thumbtack Ranch

Trinity Oaks 501(c)3 also plays a huge part in hosting these American Heroes for the five-day hunt of a lifetime. Trinity Oaks is a nonprofit organization founded on the premise that active participation in the outdoors is a powerful, healing, and fundamentally life-changing experience. Trinity Oaks’ mission is to use hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Specifically for the Bucks for the Brave, Trinity Oaks provides all the lodging, food, drinks, hunting guides, and of course, the hunting opportunity of a lifetime. We sat down with Tom Snyder, Found of Trinity Oaks and asked him about any special moments he remembers from years past and this is how he responded,

“They are all special. It’s the moments when you know you had an impact on someone that has given it all. All we are doing is offering a hunting trip to these folks but a lot of them have given so much more. The emotion and passion that I see from these guys is astounding. It’s lifechanging being able to sit around a campfire with the men and women that have given up so much for our Country.” – Tom Snyder

NASCAR Driver Spencer Boyd

Spencer Boyd is a long-time partner of Record Rack, making it all the more natural for him to be involved. Spencer drives the No. 20 Chevrolet for Young’s Motorsports and is in his first full season in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series. Last year, he was able to come out to be a part of this special weekend and make lasting memories, he won’t soon forget. We were able to snag an interview with him a few months ago to talk about his thoughts around the Record Rack and the Bucks for the Brave Program. Take a look!

“These last few days at Trinity Oaks with Sportsman’s Choice & Record Rack Feed have been amazing. Spending time with these Veterans and First Responders while they harvest some great Bucks on Veterans Day is awesome. From great food to being 4 man packed in a ground blind I will cherish these memories forever!” – Spencer Boyd

PRCA Steer Wrestler Dakota Eldridge

Also in attendance last year, was 6x Wrangler NFR Qualifier, Dakota Eldridge. From the very first day, Dakota jumped right in and was happy to lend a helping hand when it came to picking out boots and hats from the surprise trip to Cavender’s. An avid hunter himself, he was just as comfortable in a pair of camo than he was in his Wrangler jeans and boots. When we caught up with him after the event, this is how he described the weekend,

“I couldn’t think of a better way to spend Veterans Day! I was blessed with the opportunity to go on a hunting trip with several veterans this past week. We have harvested some great bucks, but more importantly, we have made memories to last a lifetime, from sitting by the campfire telling stories to be crammed in a tiny little ground blind with 4 big dudes! If it wasn’t for them risking their lives and sacrificing their loved ones I wouldn’t be able to do what I do for a living. I am forever grateful for our servicemen and women!”   – Dakota Eldridge

PRCA Saddle Bronc Veteran Heith DeMoss

Another Pro Rodeo Cowboy, Heith is a 9x Wrangler NFR Qualifier and avid outdoorsman. Due to his outgoing character, Heith was a natural fit to be a part of the Bucks for the Brave program. Not to mention, he has a talent for shaping hats, which came in handy when it came time for the heroes to pick out their shiny new Resistol hats.

“I have to say Record Rack has gone and done it up BIG with #bucksforthebrave . This year is one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.  I got to meet pretty AWESOME Veterans and first responders this weekend with amazing stories and life lessons. Extremely honored to be a part of it and forever grateful for their service.” – Heith DeMoss

Wrangler® National Patriot^TM

The Wrangler National Patriot program is unique in itself but was a perfect partner for the Bucks for the Brave. Founded in 2009, the Wrangler® National Patriot™ is a year-round program developed to help raise funds to support American Heroes and their families and to serve as inspiration for all Americans to rally around each other in patriotism. Wrangler National Patriot shirts are available in red, white, and blue and a portion of the proceeds go to charities providing support to military veterans and their families. The Wrangler National Patriot shirts are available online, at rodeos across the country as well as western specialty retailers nationwide that carry Wrangler Western Wear.

Hunt’N Buddy

Another partner that has brought a ton of value to the program is, Joseph Rogan, Owner, and Founder of the Hunt’n Buddy App. He was out there with the guys all weekend and went on every hunt. This event is the epitome of what it means to bring people together for a good cause. Here’s what the founder has to say about his experience,

“My name is Joseph Rogan, I am the owner of the Hunt’n Buddy app, a GPS based hunting app that focuses on safety & communication. I was invited on the 2019 Bucks for the Brave hunt as a sponsor of the event and did not really know what to expect. As a native New Yorker, I have been around thousands of people and involved in many situations. This event was like no other experience in my life. Not only did I witness how Trinity Oaks staff changed the lives of the hunt winners, I also felt this same life changing magic happening to myself. Every single volunteer and attendee was happy to greet you with a big hug and conversations were started over some amazing food. Sharing life stories, healing, and the comradery of harvesting a buck of a lifetime is what is at the core of this event and I am so grateful and blessed to have been a part of it.” – Joseph Rogan Founder & CEO Hunt’n Buddy App

RFD-TV

Many people might know RFD-TV for the Cowboy Channel or their coverage of PRCA rodeos, but this last year, RFD played a huge role in supporting the efforts of the Bucks for the Brave success. RFD-TV is the flagship network for Rural Media Group. Launched in December of 2000, RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour television network featuring programming focused on the agribusiness, equine and the rural lifestyles, along with traditional country music and entertainment. RFD-TV produces six hours of live news each weekday in support of rural America and is a leading independent cable channel available in more than 52 million homes on DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink, and many other rural cable systems. In addition, RFD-TV can be streamed online via The Country Club at rfdcc.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package.

Wrangler Network

The only online network built exclusively for those living the Western Lifestyle. Get live rodeo coverage, songs from emerging country music artists & more. The Wrangler Network is the preeminent online network built exclusively for those living the western lifestyle. Watch FREE live and on-demand rodeo coverage, stream songs from leading and emerging country music artists, and catch up on the latest rodeo news and more.

Bradshaw Bourbon

New this year to the partner list is Bradshaw Bourbon! Here is a little more information on them. Four Super Bowl victories was no ordinary feat, but then Terry Bradshaw was no ordinary player. So, it makes sense that Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is anything but ordinary. Blended from the finest grains and aged in hand selected barrels, the 212 blend is worthy of a nod from a true champion. Among one of the most successful Quarterbacks in the history of the league, it is Terry Bradshaw who most embodies the nature of success and world-class sportsmanship.

Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment

Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment has long been the leading manufacturer of farm gates and animal management equipment in North America. Our product lines for goat, equine, ATV, 3-point, and all other farm and ranch needs.

A Huge Thanks

This event would not be possible without the support of the partners and sponsors above. If you are looking for ways to support this program, we encourage you to head to the Sportman’s Choice website and either submit a nomination for a veteran or retired first responder you know and love, read the animations of the American heroes submitted, or do both! It is our mission to spread the word of this amazing event and to make this year, the best year yet. If you have any questions or would like to submit a nomination, head over to the website to get started! Click here to nominate a hero!