Michigan Archives - The Link-Up

22 2 None

Bob Bowden on September 16, 2023

22 2 None’s Outdoor Ventures Program (OVP) is committed to providing a time of respite and solace for our local veterans out on the rivers, lakes, and trails of Northern Michigan throughout the year.

The number of veteran suicides is alarming. While on active duty and working side-by-side, everyone had each other’s backs, with the mentality of never leaving a man behind. Re-entering civilian life is a large adjustment for most, but some struggle more than others.

This organization was created to rally together in hopes of keeping our brothers and sisters in arms safe, and to lend a hand, an ear, or even a shoulder when needed without judgement.

Outdoor Driven

Bob Bowden on September 10, 2023

The 501(c)(3) Nonprofit, Outdoor Driven Inc out of Michigan, is led by combat veterans from the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army (as well as some other kickass civilians!) who are passionate about serving ALL of America’s heroes. We know the sacrifices that are made every single day by our military members as well as our first responders. Because of our first-hand experiences, we truly do understand the mental health struggles that are being faced by our heroes all across the country. That is why we have made it our mission to continue to serve by providing them a mental break from their everyday lives.

We believe that spending time in the outdoors is a necessary escape and can be very healing for the mind, body and soul. Our hunting trips, fishing trips and other related activities are meant to do just that. Possibly even more importantly, our trips and activities help to connect our heroes with other like-minded individuals who get it.

The Primal Outfitters Inc.

Bob Bowden on August 7, 2023

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in south west Michigan; owned and operated by a disabled Marine Corps infantry Veteran. We provide fishing, hunting and camping trips for our Veterans, Active duty service members, First Responders and Gold/Blue Star Families. We believe, by getting our heros back to nature, we can provide an experience that is good for the body, mind and soul. We conduct these trips at no cost to our clients through donations, fundraising and sponsors

American Sportsmen for Veterans

Bob Bowden on June 18, 2023

The history of America Sportsmen for Veterans started 23 years ago when our founder and current president Glen Venner began taking veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families on hunting and fishing trips. Glen, who grew up in a military family, his father a World War II Gunner in the United States Navy, recognized the overwhelming need for all veterans, active-duty military, and first responders to hear Thank You for Serving Our Country. By offering free recreational events, not only can we thank the brave men and women who serve, but we can provide them with a way to connect with each other. In 2015 Glen formed American Sportsmen For Veterans and in April 2017 America Sportsmen for Veterans became a 501c3 Charitable Nonprofit Organization that functions purely off donations and fundraising. In 2018 America Sportsmen for Veterans provided all components of hunting, fishing and golfing, including guides, licensing and equipment at no cost to 242 heroes. All veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families are welcomed with open arms. Those suffering from physical and emotional disabilities are encouraged to join. America Sportsmen for Veterans, is a non judgement zone

Heroes Harvests

The Link-Up on March 20, 2023

Heroes’ Harvests is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to provide our Nation’s service members, to include active duty military members, reserve, national guard, veterans, and Gold Star families, a dynamic therapeutic environment through exclusive hunting, fishing, and outdoor experiences. We also directly support our community members, in conjunction with outfitters across different states, for transitioning service members who seek a career in the outdoor industry.

B4 Outdoors

The Link-Up on March 20, 2023

B4 Outdoors is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides veterans, wounded war heroes, at-risk youth, and the disadvantaged and disabled with life-changing outdoor experiences through hunting and fishing. B4 is run by Kevin Rhodes, a 2017 graduate of the Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, who has almost 30 years of hunting and fishing experience. He is assisted with the mission of B4 by a group of like-minded hunters, anglers, landowners, guides and outfitters.

The Mission of B4 is to help rehabilitate veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers and youth through hunting and fishing adventures. Below are some pictures from our “mission” hunts which includes our annual Veteran-1st Responder Antlerless Deer Hunt at our lodge in Missouri, individual deer and turkey hunts also at our lodge in Missouri, and countless other hunts and fishing trips all across the country. Some of which include bear hunts in eastern North Carolina, elk hunts in Colorado, ice fishing in Minnesota and Michigan, spoonbill fishing at Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri, and deer, turkey and upland bird hunts in South Carolina just to name a few.

If you are a veteran, 1st responder, law enforcement officer or youth hunter and would like to go on one of our “mission” hunts or fishing trips, please fill out the hunt application on our website and we will enter you into any available annual hunt giveaways that we award to many deserving individuals every year.

If you are a landowner, hunting or fishing guide, outfitter, or hunt club president and would like to host one of our hunts or fishing adventures, please reach out to us via our CONTACT page. You don’t have to have a fancy lodge or fancy boat to host one of our adventures. All you need is the desire to help us fulfill our mission of helping veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers and kids. All donated hunting and fishing adventures are 100% tax deductible.

B4 will also offer paid hunts, fishing trips, and other outdoor adventures to anyone who is interested. The profits raised from the paid hunts will be donated back to help fulfill the main mission of B4 Outdoors.

Wounded Warrior Outdoors

The Link-Up on March 20, 2023

Wounded Warrior Outdoors, Inc. is a non-profit organization exclusively founded to provide wounded servicemen and women with therapeutic outdoor adventures across North America. WWO gives deserving Active Duty Warriors in transition the opportunity of a lifetime in the wilderness location of their choice. We call them “Adventures Enabled.” Their adventure could take them bear hunting in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada, on alligator hunts or fishing excursions in the Gulf Coast region of Florida or deer hunting in Texas. During their experience, they will participate in therapeutic activities such as backpacking, trail expeditions and numerous social interactions.

Wounded Warrior Outdoors provides this all-inclusive adventure at absolutely no cost to the servicemen and women, their families or the government. Transportation, lodging, meals and documentation of the adventure is provided free of charge. It is because of this arrangement that Wounded Warrior Outdoors relies entirely on private donations. Administration, general offices and personnel services are donated.

In order to maintain this highly effective organization, we need the support of private individuals and corporations. At Wounded Warrior Outdoors, over ninety percent of all donations directly benefit these Active Duty Warriors in transition.

Fifty wounded, but active, members of the military are selected to participate each year. Our host facilities are of the highest quality and offer all the comforts of home. WWO also provides complete outfitting including gear, clothing and field transport. Even taxidermy services are provided at no charge.

Most important to the program, Active Duty Warriors in transition are provided with all the accessibility and equipment necessary to make it an adventure that is truly memorable and one in which they can participate fully. No matter the individual’s disability, our focus in on ability and making sure their adventure becomes the memory of a lifetime.

All military branches have participated in our program and we have many relationships with military hospitals that help us facilitate our programs.

Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp

The Link-Up on March 19, 2023

A Service for Our Military Service Members

Offering our wounded veterans the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy a hunting or fishing trip with all expenses paid, our group focuses on uniting fellow Wounded Heroes on our outdoor adventures. On our trips, our Heroes create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp is here for our Heroes, and we hope that you will share in our passion and commitment to do what we can for the brave men and women who have sacrificed to protect our freedoms. We believe that healing begins on the hunt!

A Service for Our Military Service Members

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