December, 2015 - In This Issue:
NEW ONLINE AUCTION

Check out our new online auction at galabid.com/h4h

Find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts with the "Buy It Now" option and support our heroes.
TOGETHER.  SAVING LIVES.
Hunting for Heroes is a charity organization focused on suicide prevention awareness, PTSD support, and peer-to-peer counseling.  H4H works with disabled law enforcement officers and their families to restore dignity, purpose, and hope while learning to live a new normal.

Learn More On Our Website:  CLICK HERE
HERO SPOTLIGHT
 
H4H friends and family, I'd like you to meet our Hero Shannon Bridges.  Share in her Hunting for Heroes experience by reading her heart-felt testimonial.
 
On June 7, 2007, I was shot in the line of duty and my life forever changed. Soon after I was released from the hospital, I began having panic attacks. I started therapy with a psychologist and desperately searched for a person or group that had experienced the same thing while working in law enforcement. I was unable to find anything that resembled the type of support I needed. My family was supportive, but I needed to talk to someone who understood what I had been through, someone who had lived it. I needed to know that I was not alone. After 8 years of searching, I started to give up on finding that support.
 
In September 2015, I received a call from Hunting for Heroes inviting my family to a weekend getaway with other disabled officers and families. I jumped at the chance to participate. As the weekend approached, I started to get nervous and wanted to stay home. That was pretty typical behavior for me since the shooting. I made myself go and committed to trusting this organization. It was the best decision I have ever made.
 
The first night I was there, a volunteer came up to me and said, "You are home now." That statement removed a large weight off my shoulders and set the tone for one of the most peaceful weekends I had experienced in a very long time. Everybody was great. They took care of my wife, my daughter and provided the opportunity for me to be myself. I had not ever been hunting before, but I think I found a new hobby after the weekend. Words cannot even begin to describe the healing that the weekend provided for my family. The last night was difficult for me...it felt like I was saying goodbye to a family that I would not see for a while. I was going to miss everyone and everything about that weekend. Fortunately, I will see those people again, they are now a part of my family. They accept me for me, not who I sometimes pretend to be. My wife and I are committed to this organization and will volunteer in the future. I want to give a huge thank you to all the creators of Hunting for Heroes. They saw a need in the law enforcement community and committed to meeting that need. Hunting for Heroes is honestly an answer to my prayers. Thank you!
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:  

Just five short years ago we officially became a 501c3 organization. That day was a day filled with joy, excitement, and fear. As I reflect on the roller coaster ride we have been on, I think of the lessons learned from mistakes and our plan looking toward the future.

As we hit our five year anniversary, we have been credited with preventing 21 suicides, saving multiple marriages, and giving dozens of families a safe haven of support.  We have grown rapidly over the last five years and the demand and request for our services has grown faster than we were prepared for.  Today, we provided all-expense paid wellness retreats for nearly 25 families per year. That is generating amazing results, but we have hundreds of injured officers seeking support.
 
To read a my complete "open letter" written to H4H supporters, heroes and volunteers, please CLICK HERE

Chris Allen
Founder/President, Hunting for Heroes
WHAT'S NEW & UPCOMING 

FUNDRAISING EVENT:  Bring your poker skills (or luck) to this awesome event! A Texas Hold 'Em benefit for law enforcement officers disabled in the line of duty.  For every 10 players pre-registered by January 25, one (1) Firearm will be added to the prize pool! Proceeds will go to help fund our 2016 Hero Wellness Retreats.

WHERE:  St. Louis Police Officers Assn Hall
3710 Hampton Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63109
WHEN: Saturday January 30, 2016
7:00 PM
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
COVER TEAM MEMBERSHIP
 
Special thanks to our new and revolving Cover Team Members!

Perimeter Team:  Steven Smith, Leslie Borges, Michael Benner, James Simmons, David Antedomenico, Kelly Wince, Amanda Badgujar, Andrew Sproat, Jeremy Maupin, Ian Miller, David Pahner, Prince Starks-Bey, Justin & Erin Jarsulic, Tina Caponetto, Jacob Standfield, Parker & Kimberly Hall, Jeremy & Staci Veach, Howard & Vanette Pritchett, Michael & Ronda Lamb, Megan Lamb, Marianne Heldmann, Reist & Andrea Mummau, Matthew Boettigheimer, Mike & Lorelei Helman, Everette Chelette, Alan Berding, Ruben White, Michael Barrett, Joann Connolly, Erick Dyer, Shults Professional Services LLC, Brian Logan, Katherine White.

Entry Team:  Scott Blann, Tony McCleery, Lawrence Balla, Jeremy Maupin, Nelson Labbe, Thad Lincoln, Mark Schreiber, Anthony & Karla O'Malley, Lee & Tracy Hilty, Thomas Whitener, Santos & Frances Cortez, Philip & Bette Pritchett, Tri County Diesel Inc., Christopher Vierrether, Rachel Wiggins, Heath & Marina Fleener, Mitchell & Linda Allen, Jeffrey and Courtney Thomas.

Command Post: David Daus, Lance & Barbara LoRusso, Samuel Nassan, Troy Schlotz, Chris Allen, Brantley & Mollie Cargill, Beau Schoenhard. 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE H4H COVER TEAM
 
You can be assured we will honor your gift and use it in a manner consistent with our mission.  Your commitment to the Cover Team helps us:
  • Honor our heroes and ensure the long-term success of Hunting for Heroes and the families we serve.  
  • Support program services, enhance our infrastructure, and aid in the recovery of our heroes. 
  • Obtain the necessary resources to continue providing all expenses paid therapeutic retreats to heroes and their families.
CHECK OUT OUR COVER TEAM VIDEO TO LEARN MORE!
Cover Team Membership
Cover Team Membership
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS   

VOLUNTEER:  LINDA D. (MISSOURI)

"I first learned of Hunting For Heroes several years ago after reading an article in the newspaper about friends of mine who just attended a hunt after he was injured in the line of duty.  

Our family is big on hunting and also  being the President of National Police Wives Association, I had friends online and living out of state who were attending the hunts. I knew I wanted to help and also meet them in person. It's been a very humbling and rewarding experience for me."

EXTRA BONUSES
 
The Branson/Lakes Area will host an annual "Law Enforcement Recognition Week."  The community will invite active and retired law enforcement personnel and their families to come for a week-long series of events to pay tribute and honor those that serve and protect.

Visit Branson between June 11-18, 2016 and take part in all the special events planned for the men and women of the Law Enforcement Community.

To learn more, check out Bransonsalutes.com
BOOK OF THE MONTH
 
This book is a superb reference for law enforcement and their families, for those who would command, support and assist our law enforcement officers, and for our whole society in these times when the role of the law enforcement officer has become a matter of great public concern. I'm honored to know that my work could be of some assistance, in this worthy endeavor.
-Lt. Col. David Grossman

Monica Bowman
Outreach Director

Chris Allen
Founder/President
(816) 812-7991