Big Hearts, a program of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, has completed the second “family adventure” scheduled for the year. The most recent recipient, Will Israel of Jefferson City, received a fully guided and fully outfitted Five-Day Wilderness Pack Trip for his family including his wife, Amy, and their five children.
Israel served 21 years in the US Army as an Airborne Ranger/ Infantryman and was deployed on eight combat assignments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Israel’s service to country was marked with numerous awards and commendations for combat deployments and military service, including a Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Joint Commendation, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation, Army Achievement.
“Military service to country, especially in times of war, takes an enormous mental, physical, and spiritual toll on the soldier’s family,” said Mac Minard, Big Hearts Executive Director, “The Big Hearts program exists to bring families like the Israels together in the spirit of shared adventure, healing and making new memories in the beauty of the Montana outdoors.”
