VINCENT AIELLO COMMANDER USN

We were very fortunate to send 1 more Veteran afield this season to harvest a nice Rocky Mountain cow Elk in Wyoming! Pictured above is Vincent Aiello Commander USN 25 years of Active Duty. Attending this journey with Vincent was our Committee member who is also a Veteran Robert Cottle. Robert was also successful in harvesting a cow elk with Vincent. We’d like to mention #VortexOptics and #Nosler for donating towards our Organization & This hunt!

As we conclude our Fall Big Game Veteran Hunts. A September letter from one of our Successful hunters after a cow elk harvest in Idaho.
“As the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, it feels like much of the nation has forgotten the devastation witnessed and loss of life from the attack on our country. But I can tell you, for those that have served in defense of this great nation that still bear the scars of war both, physical and mental, they remember.  For the parents that gave their sons and daughters, their blood and treasure, they remember. And for someone who has spent 26 years serving this country in Iraq and Afghanistan, I remember that September morning.  But outside of military service, not all Americans have forgotten.  Out of the anguish of war, great organizations have stepped up to honor and help heal the scars of our Veterans. Organizations that provide our veterans with opportunities either missed by their absence in service or limited because of mental or physical disabilities. Two such great organizations that have not forgotten the sacrifice of our Veterans are Make a Difference Outdoors and Jokers Wild Outdoors. Jerry Dunlap and Scott Jones at Make a Difference Outdoors’ sole purpose is honoring combat-injured veterans with more than a "thank you" by offering a variety of activities in the great outdoors. Supporting Make a Difference Outdoors is Mike “Sparky” Sparks, of Jokers Wild Outdoors.Together, Make a Difference Outdoors and Joker’s Wild Outdoors have already provided countless outdoor experiences for our Veterans. The private ranch in Leadore, ID was stunning. We started our hunt at 0610 and I had an elk on the ground at 0633. As most elk hunts, the work begins after the shot. By 0715, we retreated to the ranch’s skinning shed. While listening to great music and drinking a cold adult beverage. A huge “Bucket-List” thank you to Scott Jones and Jerry Dunlap at Make a Difference Outdoors, and Mike “Sparky” Sparks at Jokers Wild Outfitters the experience; thank you for what you do for my Veteran brothers and sisters.

Very Respectfully
Paul Carelli CAPT, USN (ret)