American Charities

What Makes Bucks for the Brave Possible

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Nominations for the Bucks for the Brave end September 12th, 2021. Make sure to nominate your hero NOW.

If you guys have been hanging around here long enough, then you know that Cowboy Lifestyle Network is proud to be a media sponsor for the one and only Bucks for the Brave Hunt hosted by Sportsman’s Choice Wildlife Feeds (Record Rack), a brand 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 things patriotic. Several years ago, Marketing Lead, Jodi Dallman Cornelison, had the vision to provide a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience to veterans and retired first responders. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to promote and cover the Bucks for the Brave event over Veteran’s Day weekend, November 11-15, 2021. You can read more about how Bucks for the Brave is supporting American Heroes, here.

It’s no easy feat to not only bring together 7 heroes for this hunt, but it also takes a lot of organization, planning, and phenomenal volunteers to pull off a successful event. Unfortunately, last year Record Rack was not able to host the event due to Covid, so this year they are excited to bring it back better than ever. Plus, not only will they be celebrating the winners picked from this year, but they will also celebrate the men that should have gone on the hunt last year. That means there will be a total of fifteen retired first responders and veterans. Have you nominated your hero yet? Give them the experience of a lifetime and share your gratitude for their service. Check out what Jodi from Record Rack, 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.”

In addition to all the work that Jodi puts into this event, Bucks for the Brave would not be possible without the support of its partners and sponsors. Some of these folks have been involved since day one and have become like family. If you’re interested in being a partner or sponsor of this event, please contact us.

Partners

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, Founder 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 second 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.

“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

#20: Spencer Boyd, Young’s Motorsports, Chevrolet Silverado Record Rack

PRCA Steer Wrestler Dakota Eldridge

Another huge supporter of the event is 7x 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

Pictured here is Brian “Pigman” Quaca (left), Dakota (middle), and FDNY Firefighter Danny Foley (right)

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

Corporate Sponsors

Black Gold Pet Food

Freedom lies beyond the confines of daily life. It’s where you and your companion find adventure. Packed with complete proteins and essential oils, we provide your dogs with the fuel needed to explore. Black Gold supports Bucks for the Brave by providing winners with a free full year of dog food!

Wrangler® National PatriotTM

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.

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.

Resistol

From the passionate hatters that started the company to the hardworking team working daily to produce the best quality hat a cowboy can wear, the folks at Resistol live and love the western way of life. Not only do they respect cowboys and the western way of life, but they all live it too. That’s why when they say, “We Live It Every Day.”, they stand by the hats they make. Browse their wide selection of felt & straw cowboy hats—available in black, brown, gray, and a large assortment of other colors!

Saulsbury Industries

Saulsbury is a leading full-service engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company with a proven history of excellent project execution. We are capable of delivering comprehensive and integrated solutions for our clients’ most challenging capital project needs. As a company specializing in building the infrastructure needed to fuel the future, we pride ourselves on professionalism, a strong work ethic, and integrity.

Black Rifle Coffee Company

Black Rifle Coffee Company is a veteran-owned coffee company serving premium coffee to people who love America. They develop explosive roast profiles with the same mission focus learned as military members serving this great country and they are committed to supporting veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. With every purchase you make, they give back.

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

Vortex

Since 1986 Vortex has been and remains an American Owned, Veteran Owned, Family owned and operated business of hard-working folks located in south-central Wisconsin. Vortex is more than just using optics in the field – this is a lifestyle, and they want you to be a part of it. Whether you’ve dedicated your life to hunting and shooting, or simply grab your dad’s old .270 come deer season or for some weekend shooting, all it takes is an appreciation for freedom, the outdoors, time spent with friends and family, telling stories, sharing recipes, defending our public lands and protecting our God-given right to bear arms. If that sounds like you – Welcome to Vortex Nation!

Media Partners

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 agribusiness, equine and 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.

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!

Krysta Paffrath

Hi everyone! I'm Krysta Paffrath, I am a proud Arizona native who has a passion for everything business and rodeo. I am beyond thrilled to be the Editor in Chief for Cowboy Lifestyle Network. With my background in digital marketing and rodeo, this was a natural fit for me to join the team. My adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit has guided me to work in many places like the WYO Quarter Horse Ranch in Thermopolis, Wyoming, a working cattle ranch in Seligman, Arizona, and many places in between. I am passionate about preserving the western way of life and working with different brands and rodeos to make that happen. If you're looking for a write-up, please shoot me an email at krysta@clngo.com. Learn more about me at krystapaffrath.com. Looking forward to hearing from you!

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