my face, and that’s very rare for me.” These comments represent a very small sample size of the dozens HAVA’s team hears each year from attendees and their families. ANSWERING THE CALL Looking ahead to HAVA’s 16th year of operation, Taylor shared the current market conditions have created a challenge for HAVA and its team of volunteers. While support from the firearms industry remains strong — nearly all of HAVA’s original sustaining sponsors are still involved with the organization, plus more — it has waned from pre- pandemic levels. To limit the impact of reduced financial support, HAVA has forged creative partnerships. These have enabled HAVA to maintain a robust schedule of range training events and hunts throughout the year. “As we get further from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, large donations from companies have declined,” Taylor informed. “ATTENDING THE HAVA EVENT WAS BETTER THERAPY FOR ME THAN ANYTHING I’VE TRIED.” HAVA Family Day Attendee “But there are unique models in place that provide significant financial support, such as the NSSF/HAVA Golf Classic [held during SHOT Show week], SIG SAUER Charity Golf Tournament and the Light Foundation’s Corporate Training Day, where HAVA is a significant benefactor.” These events, coupled with sustaining sponsor support, wholly fund HAVA’s operating budget. “It’s challenging, but we’ve been able to maintain our operations and continue to serve disabled veterans,” Taylor said. “We always welcome new companies to step up and support those veterans who have been impacted, both mentally and physically, in their service to our country.” SI HAVA is a 501(C)(3) organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports activities. The sustaining sponsor companies are Smith & Wesson, NSSF, SIG SAUER, Academi, Arnold Defense, Crimson Trace, FMG Publications, GLOCK, Hornady, Leapers/UTG, Leupold & Stevens, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, RSR Group, Ruger, Surefire, Taurus, Vista Outdoor/Federal, XS Sights, Yamaha Outdoors and other contributing companies. To learn more about HAVA, visit honoredveterans.org . Top Left: The 2022 SIG SAUER Charity Golf Tournament raised over $125,000 for HAVA. The annual event started in 2016, which raised $7,000 — it has increased each year since. Top Right: While firearms training continues to be a central component to HAVA events, there has been success introducing veterans to other pursuits, such as primitive archery. Bottom Right: A HAVA trainer assists on the firing line during a HAVA range event. One-on-one instruction is another hallmark of HAVA’s unique offerings. January 2023 Shooting Industry 61
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