Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation: Bridging Bonds
Through Hunting
In the heart of Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation (RMHF) stands as a beacon of support for Veterans and their families. Founded in 2021 by passionate advocates Brian “Sol” Soliday, Doc Holiday, and CSM Dale Veneklasen, RMHF aims to foster connections between Veterans and their children through the shared experience
of hunting.
The inspiration for RMHF stems from a profound understanding of the challenges Veterans face as they acclimate to civilian life. Many struggle to bond with their children and find a sense of purpose. By offering youth hunts for big game, RMHF helps create lasting memories and strengthen family ties. The organization focuses on providing a
supportive environment, ensuring that young hunters have positive experiences; often in private settings where they can thrive.
These experiences invite storytelling. Two particular stories stand out to Sol. He stated he has hosted several female Veteran hunts with their daughters including Heather Braley and her 12-yr old daughter Rain from Henderson, CO. “As a father of three girls and two granddaughters, there’s a special place in my heart for any hunts with females.”
Even though Rain was nervous on her first hunt, they were successful in filling their freezer with their pronghorn haul. The second story was from a hunt last year with US Army Veteran Dakota Weber and his 12-year-old son Wyatt. Also on this hunt was Wyatt’s godfather who served with Dakota, accompanying Wyatt for his first big game hunt. “Having his dad and godfather along with him and making a great shot on a pronghorn was icing on the cake for this young man.” Such stories reflect the impact of RMHF’s mission, as bonds are forged not just through hunting, but through shared experiences that resonate long after the hunt ends.
Community involvement is crucial to RMHF’s success. Volunteers, landowners, and donors come together to provide the resources needed for these adventures. The organization serves Veterans from Colorado and Wyoming with plans for 23 youth and Veteran hunts in 2025.
As RMHF continues to grow, it invites support from the community, either through donations or access to land for hunting. By investing in the thrill of the hunt, RMHF is not just promoting the next generation of hunters, it’s nurturing relationships and creating a supportive network for Veterans and their families.
