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.”
”Our Big Hearts experience allowed my family to do and experience things we would not have otherwise and gave us a chance to reconnect and grow stronger as a family,” said Israel. “We are grateful to all who helped make this experience a reality and we are honored to be part of the Big Hearts Family.”
Big Hearts covers all the hard costs for qualifying families to participate in outfitter-supported trips. Since 2008, the organization has served hundreds of individuals and their families and donated more than one million in outfitted services. Montana Outfitters and Guides Association member, Colter Heckman, operates Montana Safaris and served as host for this trip.
