HOOAH—Healing of Our American Heroes

Truly grand things can develop from a spark of an idea and a conversation between two friends.

Friends Tom Huffington and Matt Graden have been deer hunting together since 2009, with the focus of those hunts spending quality time with their families. Things changed in 2012, when Tom brought up the idea of hosting a deer hunt for two wounded veterans in McLean County. A year later, in November 2013, Huffington and Graden, along with their family, friends and local organizations, had successfully organized a Healing of Our American Heroes (HOOAH) crossbow deer hunt. But the interest and level of fundraising allowed participation by six heroes.

“From the onset we envisioned HOOAH as a as a small, grassroots, true non-profit with the simple concept of sharing our passion for hunting and fishing with service-connected disabled veterans,” Graden explained. “This idea was fostered through the profound respect, love and gratitude we genuinely have for those American men and women who have selflessly sacrificed for our good, and our belief that time spent in the outdoors promotes healing.”

From the humble start with six crossbow deer hunters, HOOAH quickly grew, reaching 47 heroes in 2014, 55 in 2015 and 100 in 2016. Programs have reached heroes of various eras, including those serving in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as those injured in training incidents.

“Our exponential growth is the direct result of the overwhelming support we have received from all those involved—our heroes, sponsors, supporters, 50+ volunteers and Board of Directors,” HOOAH Board President Huffington said. “We’ve also expanded HOOAH from one deer hunt in McLean County to two locations—McLean and Jefferson counties—and multiple programs, including spring turkey hunts, fishing programs, golf outings, youth deer hunts and an upland hunt.

Heroes identified by the Board of Directors as a potential participant are asked to complete an application package and provide references.

“Selecting participants is a difficult decision as the need is great and our available spots are limited, but the work of HOOAH is what feeds our hearts and we’re honored to provide programs to all those we can,” Graden remarked.

All expenses for HOOAH events are underwritten through fundraising activities, and events are closely monitored, with a guide provided for each hero. While the vast majority of applicants to date have been men, HOOAH has hosted several women as heroes, and some programs have been designed as family events, including the hero as well as their caregiver, spouse and children.

“All too often the care-givers, spouses and children of our heroes are overlooked,” Huffington remarked. “Not only have our heroes paid a great price, but their sacrifice has taken a heavy toll on their support system as well. Designing events that include the entire family provides a little low-stress time where they can forget the rigors of their daily routines and enjoy time together in the outdoors.”

Despite their success and growth, the HOOAH Board of Directors is not interested in continued growth.

“We are limited by time and resources, and fear too much growth might lead to losing sight of our basic, heartfelt, honest concept,” Graden explained. “We believe quantity does not equal success, but we judge our success by the quality of the programs we offer and the value they provide America’s heroes.”

Follow the work of HOOAH at www.hooahdeerhuntforheroes.com or on Facebook at Hooah Deer Hunt for Heroes.

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Kathy Andrews Wright is retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources where she was editor of Outdoor Illinois magazine. She is currently the editor of Outdoor Illinois Wildlife Journal and Illinois Audubon magazine.