Joining Forces

Such moving and heartfelt comments and reactions from recipients validated the work of Freedom Hunters and gave the members of the group the drive to stay the course. Pace said that Freedom Hunters has sent the military community on therapeutic hunting, shooting, and fishing trips all over the United States and internationally. In the 18 years since its fruition, the number of those helped by the Freedom Hunters has grown by thousands.

In fact, Pace said, “We have taken over 12,000 veterans on adventures since Sean in 2006.”

Being able to conduct these outdoor adventures, though, takes a lot of resources. Therefore, Pace and his 501(c)3 nonprofit organization are thankful for the outpouring of help from individuals and businesses.

“Dream hunts can cost several thousands of dollars, but we try to partner with outfitters, landowners, and sportsmen to reduce the costs involved with those hunts.”

Empowered by help from conservation groups, outfitters, corporations, government agencies, and landowners, this organization honors individuals from all branches of the military.

Pace said, “It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that Freedom Hunters carries on the American tradition of hunting, fishing, and marksmanship.”

While it is true that each successfully executed adventure brings the reward of positively affecting the life of a veteran and his or her family, Pace explained that sometimes the benefit of the endeavor can be twofold. Such was the case for a hunt that took place in western Pennsylvania a few years ago with the assistance of Jerry Tibbott from The Bearded Buck.

“Jerry hosted a group of our veterans on a whitetail hunt near Mahaffey, PA,” Pace said. “Jerry grew up with one of our hunt recipients.”

This chance encounter then led to another sort of adventure. Through Tibbott, Pace and Freedom Hunters were introduced to Mark Gagliardi and his 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Shoot for a Cure. Shoot for a Cure hosts sporting clays tournaments to raise money for several national charities, such as the March of Dimes, LLS, and the Knights of Columbus, as well as local charity groups like Lisa’s Ladybugs and Snacks to Grow On. Gagliardi, a native of Walston and graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School who now resides in Clarksville, Tenn., works as a public relations representative at American Income Life and outside of his professional schedule, he operates this national nonprofit. Gagliardi reports that Shoot for a Cure, now in its 21st year of operation, has raised just over $8 million net for charity. What started with one event in northern California has since grown to 25 events across the country. Both Gagliardi and Pace, upon meeting, were so impressed by each other’s dedication and mission that they decided to join forces for an event last year to raise money for Free- dom Hunters. Gagliardi, a U.S. Navy veteran himself, was all in for helping Freedom Hunters because it is a cause that is very near and dear to his heart. Since Gagliardi was a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy, he experienced firsthand interaction with veterans as he worked in a VA hospital.

“I saw a lot of veterans from Vietnam,” he explained, adding that the toll of such warfare had left these individuals with physical as well as mental trauma. Therefore, he was drawn to the work of Freedom Hunters. “I really like their mission and what they’re doing for veterans.” Gagliardi said. “It’s healed a lot of people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and those who are physically disabled. It gives them a sense of community, almost like group therapy in the outdoors.”

Since these guys had the common connection of western PA, the hometown of Gagliardi and the location of an annual Freedom Hunters event, it was an ideal partnership for the two to host the 6th Annual Western PA Freedom Hunters Shoot in 2022. Gagliardi said that the event at All Seasons Trap and Skeet in Luthersburg was very popular and well-attended, which he attributes to his observation that people around his hometown area are PROUD of their veterans and willing to show their appreciation.

Pace expressed a similar pleasure about working with Shoot for a Cure at the event.

He said, “From my perspective, Mark and the crew from Shoot for a Cure are local heroes. They raised over $8,140,000 for various charitable causes. To have Freedom Hunters associated with such a philanthropic group is an honor and truly humbling.”

Even though most events that Shoot for a Cure hosts are large scale in size, Gagliardi communicated that he loves to come back to Punxsutawney when he can to help local charities for two main reasons: at the request of his many friends and family and as a way for him to give back to his hometown. Commenting on the local shoots he has held, Gagliardi said, “We always have good attendance. We are grateful and blessed for that.”

Because last year’s shoot for Freedom Hunters was so positive and successful, Gagliardi announced that he and Pace are teaming up once again to host an event in the area. The 7th Annual Western PA Freedom Hunters Shoot is scheduled for Saturday, June 17, 2023, to be held once again at All Seasons Trap and Skeet in Luthersburg.

In anticipation of June’s shoot, Pace remarked, “This is the second year we have partnered with Shoot for a Cure at All Seasons Trap and Skeet in Luthersburg, Pa. We look forward to getting back to the area to be with friends. Interacting with the patriotic people in Western PA is always a pleasure. These are true Americans that love our country and servicemen.”

Gagliardi explained that the day’s itinerary will include 100 targets, shooting games, a BBQ lunch, and a raffle. Awards will be

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