On the verge of July 4th and the premier of Hunts For Heroes’ Veteran Outdoors a few thoughts have been running through my mind…before my first hunting trip alongside several wounded veterans I "thought" I was patriotic and I "thought" I appreciated what our military has done for us...then came the slap in the face that rocked me back into reality. I realized late at night on the very first trip that I was simply going through the motions and not actually doing anything to better myself and those around me.  

I cannot tell you enough how much these trips have meant to me and my outlook on life...instilling a true sense of appreciation, values and the meaning of life...everything my parent's taught me finally laid out before me!  More than half of the veterans that have gone on trips with us died at LEAST ONCE on the way to the hospital and had to be resuscitated!  Can you imagine the life that you would begin living after an experience like these guys have been through???  Truly knowing you've been blessed with a second chance, to TRULY take the time to make a difference not only in those people's lives that you know but even to those you don't, to truly let down your defenses and LOVE with ALL of your heart because it could all be gone in an instant!!!

We are 2 days away from the actual premier of our first episode and I reflect back on 4 ½ years of the trials and tribulations we’ve been put through, the many ups and the many downs, the frustrations, the heartaches and the late nights, the stress of working 2 jobs, the financial struggles and the time away from the family.  I also reflect on how ’m blessed to have the opportunity to go through these emotions and experiences, the people we’ve met and the lifelong friendships we’ve established with our guests, the ability to provide a platform for our guests to tell their stories in their own words and being able to give something back as our way of saying thanks makes every single second worth it!  Seriously, where else in the world are a couple of farm boys from west Texas, a kid who grew up in the air force and a marine with no filming experience able to show their appreciation through a television show???  These are the types of opportunities that these men and women are fighting for each and every day and I cannot thank them enough!!!   

Today I’d like to simply ask that you get out there and make a difference in other people's lives…teach a kid the values and morals that should still be inside each and every one of our lives (do this not by telling them how but by showing them how), secretly buy a member of our armed forces lunch and leave before you get your “pat on the back” or simply smile and say hi to someone you don’t know!  I used to feel guilty about not joining the military and not doing what I believed to be "my part" for our country but I've since learned over the past few years that we all have different roles and perhaps mine is to help take care of some of these veterans when they come home and to possibly help our younger generations learn to appreciate what we have and why we have it!  I'm not saying you should get out and take soldiers hunting and fishing--what I am saying is that you should DO SOMETHING YOU'RE COMPLETELY PASSIONATE ABOUT, FIND YOUR "VETERAN OUTDOORS" AND MAKE A LIFE CHANGING DIFFERENCE IN NOT ONLY YOUR OWN LIFE BUT SOMEONE ELSE'S TOO!!!

I’m not sure what the future holds for Hunts For Heroes’ Veteran Outdoors but I do know that in the end, our staff and our families have gained so much emotionally and spiritually from our experiences that no matter where this road takes us...we will still come out way ahead!!!

Cody Hirt
 

Hunts For Heroes’ Veteran Outdoors is a program in which wounded combat veterans are surprised with their dream hunting or fishing trip. The show premiers on Fox Sports Nationwide beginning July 4th beginning at 7:00 am local time. The whole idea of the program is to give back to those who have given so much for us.  Hunts For Heroes’ Veteran Outdoors is a platform in which these heroes and their families can tell their stories in their own words.  We have been taking wounded guys on hunts for several years now, and have been so moved and inspired by their stories, that we had to share them with everyone else and that the best way to reach the masses would be through television.  It's important to know that these brave troops, their families, and their stories are the stars of the show, not the hosts, not the ranches or the adventures.

We have 13 exciting episodes that will begin airing every Saturday morning, with a re-air during the week, from July 4th to December 26th.  In these episodes, we have surprised our nation's heroes with everything from black bear hunts in Alaska to elk hunts in Wyoming and everything in between.  The show is both emotional and inspiring. 

Please visit www.veteranoutdoors.com to learn more about Hunts For Heroes and how you can support our wounded veterans!!!

Sincerely,
Cody Hirt
512-971-6313
www.veteranoutdoors.com

Veteran Outdoors

"Giving Back To Those Who Gave"