OUR HEROES
Meet This Year's Heroes:
CJ Coudriet
CJ is 13 years old and is fighting stage 3 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), a type abdominal cancer. He is a member of Philipsburg Osceola Senior High marching band and baseball team. His dream hunt is to hunt elk, and he has been awarded an Oregon bull tag for this fall. Come on out and wish CJ luck on his hunt.
Kenneth "Ken" Bowen
Ken was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was deployed at sea as well as in Afghanistan. He was wounded while on patrol in Farrah Province, Afghanistan on Jan. 24, 2009. Ken's Humvee detonated a pressure plate roadside bomb. Ken was engulfed in flames and suffered third degree burns on nearly 50% of his body. He has received the following awards and commendations: Purple Heart. Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with "V" for valor in combat. Combat Action Ribbon. Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Humanitarian Service Medal. Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. National Defense Service Medal. Ken has a passion for writing and also enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping in his free time.
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Jeffrey Cleland
Jeffrey is a US Marine who served as a machine gunner in Anbar, Iraq. He was injured in two separate IED attacks which left him with a TBI and torn achilles tendon. He has been awarded the following commendations: Combat Action, Iraq Campaign, Good Conduct, GWOT Sea Service, and GWOT Expeditionary. Today, Jeffrey lives with his wife and three kids in Maryland, where he likes to fish, crab, golf, woodwork, and spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, Jeffrey was unable to go on his hunt in 2023 due to a medical procedure. Jeffrey will be going on his hunt at an undetermined future date in 2024.
Previously Featured Heroes
David Wiles
David was a 2019 Clarion-Limestone graduate and attended Clarion University. David was diagnosed with small intestine cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis. He always had a dream to hunt elk with his bow. He was scheduled to go on his Hunt Of A Lifetime , and travel to New Mexico in the fall of 2023. Unfortunately, David passed away on Easter Sunday 2023. Although we were unable to make David's dream hunt come true, Camo Cares was able to send David's twin brother Aiden to New Mexico in October of 2023 on David's hunt. Aiden was able to take a nice 5X5 bull on the very first day of the hunt. The truly amazing part of the story is that Aiden was able to take the bull with his bow just as David had intended to before his unfortunate passing.
Mike Hansen
In 2006, Michael was hit by an IED resulting in injuries to his back, neck, knees, as well as blown ear drums, and TBI. In 2012, after 16 years of service Michael retired and now enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and working in his yard. Mike Traveled to New Mexico in October of 2023 but unfortunately was unsuccessful on his elk hunt.
Destin Benoit
Destin served our country in the US Army for more than 20 years, during which time he served in Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. He was injured in combat several times, including concussions, a gunshot wound to the arm, surviving a car bomb and roadside IED, and being blown out of a building. He has earned the bronze star, the purple heart, the meritorious service medal, the joint service medal, and Army accommodation medals. As a civilian, Destin enjoys hunting, fishing, gunsmithing and machine work. Destin was able to take a nice 5X5 bull on his hunt in New Mexico in October of 2023.
Alexis Montez
Alexis is the daughter of Sgt. Robert Montez, one of our wounded warrior heroes. She was diagnosed in April 2021 with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, after which she underwent months of chemotherapy and blood transfusions. Today, Alexis is cancer-free and enjoying life to the fullest. She had her Hunt of a Lifetime in October 2022, where she harvested a great bull moose in the mountains of Idaho.
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SGT Darrell "Rocky" Hill
Rocky is a retired SGT/E-5 who served out of Fort Bragg, NC, and Fort Hood, TX. While serving our great country for more than 5 years, rocky was assigned to D Company 3/505; B Company 2/5 Cavalry; B Company. 2/8 Cavalry. He was awarded his Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, and a Purple Heart for injuries from an IED attack in 2004. Rocky has a wife and 3 children and enjoys hunting, fishing, playing pool, and spending quality time with his family. Rocky hunted in New Mexico in October 2022 with Military Warriors Support Foundation, where he harvested a great bull elk.
SGT Robert Montez
Robert is a medically retired Sergeant First Class E-7, who fought for our freedom for more than 13 years. He was assigned to the 2-325 AIR Fort Bragg NC, 1-504 PIR Fort Bragg NC, 2-16th Rangers, 1-17th INF Fort Lewis, WA, Warrior Transition Battalion, and Fort Sam Houston Brooke Army Medical Center. For his service and combat-related injuries, he was awarded 2 Bronze Stars with Valor, 2 Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Army Commendation Medals, and 3 Army Achievement Medals. Robert lives in TX with his wife Misty of 22 years and three daughters Amber, Alexis, and Addison. He loves to go shooting, reloading, hunting, and fishing!! Robert hunted in New Mexico in October 2022 with Military Warriors Support Foundation, where he harvested a great bull elk.
SPC Eric Peterson
Eric served in the US Army from 2009 to 2013, where he earned the rank of SPC/E-4. While deployed in Afghanistan, his Stryker vehicle hit an IED. He received injuries in the attack. On a separate occasion, his vehicle received mortar, and Eric was injured again. During his active duty, Eric received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Achievement Medal (x4), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (x2) the NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Today, Eric lives in San Antonio, TX with his family, where he enjoys woodworking and playing board games. Eric hunted in New Mexico in October 2022 with Military Warriors Support Foundation, where he harvested a great bull elk.
SGT Kelsey Smith
Kelsey was an Infantry Rifleman with the US Marines from 2003 to 2013. On December 17th, 2005, while standing guard at an observation post in Ramadi, Iraq, Kelsey took sniper shrapnel wounds to his face and left shoulder. Kelsey is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal (x2), Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation (x2), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (x2), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal (x3), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x4). Today, Kelsey lives in Fort Worth, TX with his wife and three daughters. Kelsey hunted in New Mexico in October 2022 with Military Warriors Support Foundation, where he harvested a great bull elk.
BROOKLYN ALDERETTE &
SIDNEY KNIGHT
Brooklyn Alderette & Sidney Knight of Venus, PA. The sisters were both diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth. Brooklyn is now 13 and suffers from chronic lung disease and has had reconstructive airway surgery and heart surgery. She is hearing impaired but does well with her cochlear implants. She also uses a wheelchair to aid in mobility.
Sidney is 12 and is a member of the Fryburg Junior Marksmen rifle team. Despite the challenges she faces with cerebral palsy, she has competed in the National Junior Olympics in Colorado and even brought home two bronze medals! She is affectionately known as “Squirrel” to her teammates. The girls traveled to New Mexico in December 2021, where Sidney shot a huge bull elk.
COLTON SUTLEY
At age 17, Colton knew he wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. Later that same year he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer. Soon after his diagnosis, Colton underwent surgery to remove the tumor and his femur and install a titanium replacement. He was also treated with many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, and his current scans show that he is cancer free! Colton lives with his parents and sister in Dempseytown, PA. Colton visited our friends at the Timber Tiger Lodge in Oregon in September 2020, where he scored a massive bull elk.
SGT. JEREMY MULLENIX
SGT/E5 Jeremy Mullinex served 15 years in the military, with both the Marines and the Army. While in Iraq, on November 9, 2006, Jeremy was injured in an IED explosion in the Anbar Province near Camp Korean Village. He was hit in the face, neck, and hands by shrapnel. Jeremy and his wife Amy, along with four sons Dayton, Dawson, Ethan, and Lucas currently reside in Canton, TX. Jeremy loves anything outdoors and old hot rods. Jeremy hunted in the mountains of Colorado in November 2020 with the Military Warriors Support Foundation and took a great bull elk.
SFC. RAYMOND "RYAN" COLES
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Raymond “Ryan” Coles served our country in the US Army. While in Rustamaya, Iraq, on May 2, 2008, Ryan was injured by indirect fire in a mortar/rocket attack. Ryan’s awards and accommodations include a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, MSM(4), ARCOM(4), AAM(3), Iraq Campaign Ribbons w/3 Stars, and a Combat Action Badge. Ryan has been married for 25 years, has 2 sons ages 27 and 21, the youngest currently being stationed in Germany, and 2 grandchildren. Ryan loves his family and anything outdoors. Ryan had an amazing hunt with Military Warriors Support Foundation in the Colorado Rockies in November 2020.
MJR. SAMUEL ROSALES
Major Samuel Rosales served our country with the US Marines for 26 years. His deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Storm, West Pac ‘92’. After Officer selection, training and commissioning he deployed to OIF I, and OIF II. Post-combat operations, he became the Assistant OIC of back clearing operations in Fallujah where he was wounded in house to house combat. Upon return Major Rosales served at the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, San Diego, CA as a Series Commander for 4 cycles, Company Commander for 3 cycles and Aide de Camp to the MCRD/WRR Commanding General. He then was selected to join Marine Special Operations Command. This included deployments to the Philippines for Counter Narcotics Operations and to Afghanistan as part of Special Operations Task Force 81 serving as an Intelligence Officer and Liaison Officer to Regional Command West with Italian and Spanish forces. He has also earned degrees in Criminology and Spanish, a Master’s degree in Western Hemisphere Security Studies, and a Master’s degree in Naval Studies / Business. Major Rosales’ personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal fifth award with Combat “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal third award, Navy & Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, and a Brazilian Naval War College badge. Major Rosales has two daughters and lives in Covington, Georgia. Major Rosales harvested an awesome 5 x 6 bull elk, on a trip to Colorado in 2019, as part of the “Skills 4 Life” program with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
SPC. SEAN COGBURN
Colorado - Elk
Specialist (Medically Retired) Sean Cogburn served 8 years in the US Army. Sean suffered a shoulder injury, PTSD and has Fibromyalgia as a result of his deployment to Asadabad, Afghanistan. Sean’s awards and accommodations include Arcom-v, Arcom(1), Aam(1), Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge and Combat Infantry Badge. Sean and his wife Emily, along with three daughters and a son (Alyssa, Camryn, Riley and Paxton) currently reside in Saint Clair, MI. Sean loves his family, travelling and hunting. Sean harvested a great bull elk, on a trip to Colorado in 2019, as part of the “Skills 4 Life” program with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
SETH APEL
New Mexico - Elk
Seth Apel is from Knox, Pennsylvania and in 2015 was involved in a tragic farming accident that severed his arm and left him fighting for his life. However, the incredible surgeons at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh were able to reattach his arm, and Seth's been inspiring us all with his recovery ever since! Seth harvested a massive bull elk on his Camo Cares trip to New Mexico and you can watch his story and see the hunt here: https://youtu.be/KoFR1GNGGfw.
AUSTIN DRAKULIC
Idaho - Elk
In 2015, Austin was diagnosed with medullablastoma, a type of brain cancer. Over the next 4 years, he underwent many treatments and surgeries. During that time, we were honored to travel with Austin on his dream hunt in New Mexico, where he shot a huge bull elk. Austin continued to fight his cancer, but sadly, he passed away in June 2019. Our 2020 Camo Cares event will be held in memory of Austin. He was a true light to anyone who was blessed to have known him.
SGT. JOSE VALDENEGRO
New Mexico - Elk
SGT Valdenegro was injured when an IED exploded next to his vehicle in Feb 2009. He was knocked unconscious and sustained injuries to his feet unknown at the time. He was later treated for his injuries upon redeployment and had numerous surgeries to salvage his left foot. It was ultimately decided that his left foot be amputated and would have it done in April 2014. SGT Valdenegro loves to volunteer and help out fellow Soldiers and Veterans he volunteers his time to several organizations that help out wounded service members. His hobbies include Taxidermy, Hunting, Fishing, hiking, and woodworking. He would love to start his own business and open up a taxidermy shop and continue to help fellow veterans in need.
TRISTYN DENNIS
New Mexico - Elk
Tristyn was diagnosed with AML Leukemia when he was 11 years old. He spent over 6 months in Children’s Hospital where he received chemo and other procedures to battle his disease. Tristyn bagged a nice bull elk on his Hunt Of A Lifetime in 2017. We are happy to report that Tristyn is now CANCER FREE, and is enjoying life as a teenager!!
SGT. JOSEPH MASSEUR
New Mexico - Elk
Joseph was wounded in Afghanistan when his MRAP vehicle rolled over an IED. He sustained severe injuries to both legs, which required several surgeries to repair, including the amputation of his left leg below the knee. He also suffered a traumatic brain injury. Joseph shot a great bull elk in New Mexico on his hunt with Military Warriors Support Foundation.
SGT. HUBERT GONZALES
New Mexico - Elk
Hubert Gonzales served in the Marine Corps for seven years as an Infantryman. In 2013, he was medically retired as Sergeant due to wounds he received during combat operations in Afghanistan. Sergeant Gonzales was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he received in 2011 when an IED fractured his left ankle and dislocated his left shoulder. After multiple surgeries and enduring years of pain, Sergeant Gonzales faced the difficult decision in January of 2015 to undergo amputation of his left foot. Hubert shot a great bull elk in New Mexico on his hunt with Military Warriors Support Foundation.
ALANA MCMASTER
Oregon - Elk
Alana is from Clarion, PA, and battled Leukemia when she was just 13 years old. She bagged an awesome bull elk on her Hunt of A Lifetime in Oregon. Alana is now CANCER FREE, and living life to the fullest. Her infectious happiness and enthusiasm are a joy to everyone who meets her!
SGT. PETE SUTHERLAND
New Mexico - Elk
Sergeant Pete Sutherland, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, was wounded during a rescue mission in Iraq and suffered multiple gunshot wounds sustaining permanent disabilities. Pete shot a great bull elk in New Mexico on his hunt with Military Warriors Support Foundation.
SETH DAVIS
Oregon - Elk
Seth suffered from Cystic Fibrosis, requiring many surgeries as a child. We went along on his Hunt Of A Lifetime to Oregon, where he shot a nice bull elk in 2014.
JOSEPH READ
Maine - Moose
Joe suffered from Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. He went on his Hunt of A Lifetime in 2013, and tagged a nice moose. Sadly, Joe passed away in 2016 from his terrible disease. His mother and other family members continue to attend Camo Cares in Joe’s memory every year.
SSGT. IAN NEWLAND
New Mexico - Elk
Staff Sergeant Ian Newland was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and was greatly impacted by the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 and as a result joined the Army. On December 4th 2006, SSG Newland’s convoy was ambushed by enemy fighters, during the ambush an enemy fighter threw a hand grenade into his truck. His gunner, Ross A. McGinnis from Knox, PA, jumped on the hand grenade, giving his life to save the other four soldiers in the truck. During the explosion, SSG Newland received shrapnel wounds to his face, arms and legs. He was later promoted to the rank of Staff Sargent and received a Bronze Star medal for Valor, two Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart, and an Army Achievement Ribbon. In 2013 he dedicated his New Mexico hunt to the soldier who saved his life, Ross McGinnis.
SGT. MATT MILES
New Mexico - Elk
Sergeant First Class Matt Miles served 13 years in the military, including several tours in different war-torn countries. On his last tour in Afghanistan, his vehicle was hit with an IED. Matt suffered many severe injuries, including the loss of his left leg, terrible back injuries, facial lacerations, broken bones in his hands and ankle, and permanent eye damage. In 2012, Matt went on an elk hunt in New Mexico, and was fortunate to score a great bull.
WADE ARMSTRONG
Arizona - Elk
Wade battled Wilms Tumor Kidney Cancer in 2006, when he was just a young boy. Treatment included having a kidney removed. In 2012, Wade went on his Hunt Of A Lifetime to Arizona, where he shot a huge bull elk. Wade and his family attend Camo Cares every year, and we’re blessed to call them our “family."
BILLY MYERS
Arizona - Elk
Billy was diagnosed with Leukemia as a teenager, and spent much of his high school time in hospitals getting chemo and cancer treatments. In 2011, Billy went on his Hunt of A Lifetime, and shot a nice bull elk.
DOUGLAS FICKEL
Maine - Moose
Doug was born with a rare disorder called Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). In 2008, Doug was also diagnosed with Leukemia. His entire life has been spent in hospitals undergoing transfusions, chemotherapy, surgeries and other treatments. In 2010, we were honored to tag along with Doug on his moose Hunt Of A Lifetime in Maine. Doug’s moose hunt video remains a favorite of most Camo Cares fans. Doug is quite a celebrity when he attends our event each year!
MATTHEW CIARLONE
New Mexico - Elk
Matthew Ciarlone was a teenager when he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He was scheduled to go on a Hunt Of A Lifetime hunt in 2009. Sadly, Matthew passed away before his hunt could take place. Later that year, Matthew’s father, Michael went on a muzzleloader hunt in New Mexico in Matthew’s memory. Michael was blessed to shoot a beautiful bull elk in the last hours of his hunt. We’re sure that Matthew was watching over his father from Heaven with a smile on his face. Today the Ciarlone gang is a huge part of our Camo Cares family!
ARIANNA EVANS
South Dakota - Turkey
Arianna was born with Spina Bifida, and spent much of her life in and out of hospitals. At the age of 14, she underwent a kidney transplant. In spite of everything, Arianna was always smiling and cheering on everyone around her. In 2008, we tagged along with Arianna on the very first Camo Cares hunt, for Marion turkey in South Dakota. Each year afterwards, she attended our event where she was quite a celebrity! Her smile was contagious, and she would dance in her wheelchair until the band was done playing. Sadly, in September 2018, Arianna’s body finally gave out, and she went to Heaven where she could dance eternally. Our 2019 Camo Cares event was held in Arianna’s memory, and her spirit will be with us always!
