To the men and women that serve our country, the people that leave their families to go across the world and risk their lives, the folks that will never get the recognition they deserve- Special Ops Xcursions gives these people an outdoor experience in efforts to thank them for their service to our great nation. Special Ops Xcursions offers SOF (Special Operations Forces) service members opportunities to experience the great outdoors pre or post-deployment at no cost to them. Special Ops Xcursions is a 501 (c)(3) organization.
Lauren Brady for SPLIT REED
Scott Graves, born and raised outside of Nashville, Tennessee, has devoted the last five years of his life to making connections across the country and giving numerous Special Ops members experiences in the outdoors that they may not have otherwise been exposed to. The idea arose in 2012 when Scott connected with his friend Bryan B, stationed in Washington State at the time. Brian was planning to fly out to Scotts camp in West Tennessee for a weekend of hunting. When those plans fell through, the idea for Special Ops Xcursions came about.
In the Fall of 2013, three snipers made the trip from Fort Campbell in Kentucky to Scott’s hunting camp in West Tennessee for a dove hunt. These men did not know Scott nor his buddies; however, their inherent fellowship and military brotherhood bond allowed them to enjoy their time away from the base together in the great outdoors. It was during this hunt that Scott realized he wanted to make this happen all over the country.
During the Winter hunting seasons of 2013, seven soldiers hunted with Scott at his camp. Scott was able to use his networking skills to connect different Special Operatives on numerous bases with outfitters and farmers, who would in-turn donate their property or hunting club for the day to allow these military members a chance to enjoy some time in the woods. Scott wants to use Special Ops Xcursions to allow service members who may not typically hunt or fish, to be able to participate in those activities regardless of experience or opportunity. Scott has also worked to develop partnerships with companies like NASCAR, allowing special operatives to attend races as a thank you for their service. There are also activities like a retreat with a metalsmith, teaching different craftsmanship of knives; or a retreat with up-and-coming country musicians, playing music and hanging out. Scott wants Special Ops Excursions to be a “getaway” for these men and women to do whatever they want with their time off, all the while being an advocate for the outdoor industry.
For the past five years, Scott has created opportunities for these men and women to leave base and participate in any outdoor activity they desire. Special Ops Xcursions gives back through the outdoors to those who risk their lives everyday. Special Ops is also a completely volunteer program. 95% of all revenue goes towards those who serve our country and 5% goes toward any taxes, IRS fees, etc. Scott now spends most of his time keeping bookings up to date while making sure Special Ops and outfitters are on the same page. Scott also ensures all Special Operatives are fully equipped for their activity, through donations from sponsors like Banded, Under Armor and Muck [Boots].
Having the opportunity to talk to Scott was a pleasure. My hopes for the hunting industry are for more opportunities and relationships like this to be created. I hope that everyone involved in any sector of the hunting industry believes in being apart of something bigger – like Special Ops Xcursions does.
SPLIT REED would at this time like to extend a HUGE thank you to the service members of our country, both past and present.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Contact Scott at Special Ops Xcursions and tell him you would like to donate an Xcursion (duck hunt, fishing trip, tickets to sporting events, VRBO getaways, etc..) or support them with monetary donations (financially sponsor an Operator on one of these trips). Anything helps and Scott can be emailed at: specialopsxcursions@gmail.com
You can find them on social media here as well:
Instagram: instagram.com/specialopsxcursions
Facebook: www.facebook.com/specialopsxcursions
Website: http://www.specialopsxcursions.org/
