As someone who has loved deer hunting for over 50 years, Veteran Rusty K. has a first-hand understanding of the healing power of the outdoors. Today, he is passionate about sharing this joy with others through his support of the Hero-Hunts Foundation – an organization that once helped him as well.
When Rusty arrived back in Dover, Delaware in 1983 after serving in the Middle East, he was thrilled to get back in the U.S. and back to one of his lifelong passions – deer hunting.
After hunting on public land without much success for a few years, he was finally able to harvest his first Delaware deer on private land owned by his father-in-law. Since then, Rusty shares that he has been fortunate to have access to several farms – and has harvested more deer – over the years.
Rusty was honorably discharged in 1991, after Desert Storm, and then worked for the Department of Defence as a civilian. He served there for 32 years before recently retiring.
It was while working in civil service that Rusty was offered the opportunity to hunt with the Hero-Hunts Foundation.
“I remember the experience well – breakfast at 4 a.m., followed by a full day of hunting,” Rusty recalls. “Sitting in the deer stand that day, I realized how important this organization is to our community.”
It was at that moment that Rusty decided to donate the use of private land for future hunts, so that other veterans and service members could experience a day in the woods.
“Hero-Hunts provides lifelong memories for every active-duty member and veteran lucky enough to be chosen,” Rusty says.
Our annual hunts offer more than just the chance to harvest a deer – they can be true healing experiences for those who participate. Connecting with the outdoors has both mental and physical benefits for our veterans and service members. The Hunts also give them a chance to form connections with other American heroes.
“The dinner afterward for all the hunters, farmers, and sponsors at Harvest Ridge Winery is always a great time – an outstanding meal, great company, and endless stories,” shares Rusty.
The support of donors and sponsors like Rusty is what makes our annual hunts – as well as our other programs – possible. Thanks to you, we are able to recognize our veterans and service members for their sacrifice through Disney Trips for military families, Fill-Your-Tank Days, back-to-school drives, grants to other veterans organizations, and more.
Our hope is to serve more veterans and active-duty military members, and their families, but we need your help! Your donation during this season of giving will go towards expanding and enhancing our programs in the coming year.
Rusty says it best: “I look forward to supporting Hero-Hunts for years to come, and to watching the faces of all the hunters who get to enjoy the opportunities this incredible organization provides.”
Click here to make a secure gift online today. Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating land for use during our hunts? Visit our Partners & Sponsors page.
Thank you for helping us help more heroes in 2026 and beyond!