Board of Directors and Staff

Brigid O’Donoghue grew up in a large family of Irish descent. The oldest daughter in a family with nine kids found responsibility knocking at her door early in life. With limited financial resources, the Milwaukee, WI, native worked at jobs after school and on weekends so she could attend the area’s best private educational facilities. Her physically and mentally challenged younger brother was an inspiration during Brigid’s formative years. (read the Prologue below). Her brother’s physical challenges created a calling in her heart and inspired her to reach out to others who were less fortunate and needed her help. Unfortunately, her own personal health challenges threw her a curve ball. After numerous lengthy stays in and out of the hospital, including major surgery to remove scar tissue from a high fever, Brigid began picking up her life where it had left off years before.

The entrepreneur in her led her to begin her own business selling tractor-trailer loads of ground bark to landscapers throughout the Midwest. In addition, she blazed new trails by trucking bagged cottonseed from the cotton gin producers in the South to feed mills in the North. At the same time, she raised two wonderful children, despite continual abuse and lack of support in her relationship. Her daughter, Lindsey, is a Registered Nurse (like her grandmother) and lives in Milwaukee. Her son, Kenny, is a journeyman and works in the refrigeration industry in San Antonio, TX. Brigid’s children are dear to her heart and provide inspiration in her life and work.

In 1998, Brigid put her feed mill and trucking knowledge to work and started a new specialized company called Bio-Tec Research, Inc., which formulates and markets North America’s highest quality deer and elk products. In addition, she forged a limited-edition fashion line called “Charnel” that features unique, tailored outdoor wear.

When a deer food customer asked Brigid if she knew of any critically ill hunters who would be interested in a free deer hunt at his ranch, the seeds were sown for the birth of USSA. Brigid contacted a Texas man with cancer who flew to the ranch and harvested a nice buck. From that point, USSA’s wheels were in motion. By helping him realize his dream and spending time with this man, Brigid was inspired and knew in her heart she could pass happiness to others who were dealing with life-threatening illnesses. With a clear vision, she developed the all-volunteer United Special Sportsman Alliance in fall of 2000.

Through USSA, Brigid observed the inspiration passed on in her work creates special moments that make even the most difficult of life’s challenges especially meaningful. There is never a time that she does not look back and realize how fortunate she is to have overcome so many personal challenges. That personal healing keeps her striving to do all she can to bring joy and hope into the hearts of others. There is a special place in her heart for those children, adults, veterans and their families with which she shares her time. For Brigid, they are always a special addition to her own family.

Brigid is continuously motivated by the incredible love and life-long connections created between so many special people within the charity. The time shared with these wonderful kids, injured veterans, and their families leaves her knowing that neither she nor USSA recipients are ever truly alone!

“The greatest impact of this charity is helping provide the inspiration for others to get involved,” she said.  “We pass on our vision to see beyond the pain, disability, and hardships of serious illnesses. We know we all will endure loss, but the sharing in our work has created a mechanism of hope and healing for the children, the families and for those who help by volunteering their time and resources for this important cause”.

“I have been greatly inspired and at the same time humbled by the positive national impact this vision has created,” she said.

Brigid works with television, radio, print, and digital media across the country and the response from those who get involved is overwhelming. Her plan is to inspire persons to become optimistically intertwined in the lives of others and make a real difference. Her efforts have been successful beyond the charity’s expectations, with thousands of people experiencing a unique way to share hope and create new friendships.

Brigid plans to continue working with a strong Board of Directors, Major Operating Officers, Advisory Council, and Youth Outdoor Leaders to build a charity of caring people – all with the same mission – to provide joy and hope in the lives of needy children and injured veterans.  “I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to operate God’s charity,” she said.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

USSA Epilogue – Composed by Brigid O’Donoghue, around the age of 12:

Growing up in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Pete Normington was a 1972 graduate of Lincoln High school, earning National Honor society recognition for academic achievement. After earning acceptance into the University of Wisconsin Madison, Pete earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977, with a major in Economics, and an emphasis on Agricultural Economics courses. He then furthered his studies at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s of Science from the College of Natural Resources with his fish biology major in 1977.

Pete began his work experience at the age of 15, working summers on the familys expanding Ocean Spray cranberry marsh. When combined with a summer of track repair crew work on the Soo Line railroad he learned the value of hard physical work in any upbringing and future career.

After graduating from college, Pete was employed as an agriculture sales and marketing person at Central Sands Produce. Several years later he rejoined the family cranberry marsh, where he currently serves as the President and General Manager of Saddle Mound Cranberry Co, Inc. He also served on the Ocean Spray Wisconsin Advisory Council for several years. He is also co-inventor of a patented hybrid cranberry vine, the HyRed developed at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

In addition, he is currently serving as the Vice President of Bio-Tec Research, Inc, a company specializing in the highest quality deer and elk nutritional products. He acts in a nutritional formulation capacity for the company.

Pete has three sons; Matt is an UWSP graduate and investment agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance. Wes is a UWSP graduate with a fishery major, and currently works on the family cranberry marsh. Scott is the youngest and also attending UWSP with an economics major. All of his sons have participated significantly in USSA volunteer projects.

Pete’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, waterskiing, and basketball. These activities have helped fuel his passion for the outdoors, and strengthened his resolve to provide an opportunity for all to enjoy, regardless of their circumstances in life.

Along with founder Brigid O’Donoghue, Pete helped launch USSA from its very inception. His duties are varied and can consist of assignments from being an onsite volunteer to advising and giving the charity direction.

In addition, he helps conduct a prison ministry, in which inmates are guided towards a better life after they are released. A deep founded respect for the value of human life and family experience helps make USSA an easy choice for Pete’s participation in the charity.

Peter J. Normington

It is a privilege to have been asked to participate on the United Special Sportsman’s Alliance (USSA) board of directors

My name is Jeff Davis, and I was born and raised in Oshkosh Wisconsin.  I moved to Stevens Point in June of 1985 to join the Stevens Point Fire Department.  My entire career of 32 years was spent serving the community as a fireman/paramedic and the last 3 years as the Assistant Chief.  I like to believe that the example I tried to set each day was for the safety and well-being of our community and to foster the growth and betterment of the Brotherhood of which I was a part of.

My wife Ellen and I, reside on 120 acres of land in Amherst Junction wherein 1996 I built our log home.  We enjoy raising our kids (chocolate labs) and spoiling our nieces and nephews!  Our home is a respite for family and friends who enjoy nature and wildlife.

My passion for the outdoors and giving to others extends to volunteering my time for several organizations.  Some of these are; National Wild Turkey Federation, Ageless Aviation Dream Flight, Tails & Trails Dog Park, and the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

I have been involved with the USSA for 10 years being a mentor and providing deer and turkey hunting opportunities for disabled veterans and physically challenged children.  There is nothing more rewarding than to witness the freedom of independence the outdoors brings to these individuals.

I hope to serve the board in the manner in which I live my life; with passion, commitment, selflessness and as a servant leader.

I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and graduated from Catholic High School in 1981. After high school I attended Louisiana State University Health Science Center and graduated in 1987 in Cardiopulmonary Science. From there I pursued a career in Perfusion Technology at the University of Texas, graduating with my second degree in 1990. I currently live in Lafayette, Louisiana where I have been practicing as a certified Clinical Perfusionist since graduation. Working as a Perfusionist, I helped start up a pediatric heart program, robotic heart program, and helped implement minimally invasive heart valve procedures in Lafayette. I have been involved in thousands of heart procedures since graduation. I am currently co-owner of Louisiana Perfusion Services in Lafayette.

I have been married to my wife Renee for 27 years, and we have 3 children, Amanda, Adam and Austin. Our older two children are in college, and we lost Austin when he was 15 years old. I have enjoyed a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing, which I share with my father and boys. Now Dad, Adam and I go when our schedule permits since Adam lives in another town while in college.

My wife and I became involved with USSA when our youngest son, Austin, died in February of 2013. Austin loved hunting and fishing, which he did every chance he could. In lieu of flowers, Renee and I asked our friends and family to make memorial donations to USAA in Austin’s name, so that special needs children could enjoy what Austin enjoyed. In June 2014, we witnessed first-hand the amazing things this organization has to offer when the Catching Bigger Fish fishing tournament was held in Austin’s memory. The success of the event would not have been possible without the efforts of USSA. I am proud to be affiliated with this USSA and look forward to seeing what the future holds.

I have been married to my husband, Brent, for 27 years. We have two sons, 22 and 24 years old. Brent has owned White Ghost Ranch for over 25 years. White Ghost Ranch has been a passion of Brent’s since he was a young boy, and I am lucky enough to be married to him and blessed to enjoy the fruit of his labor. Hard work, sweat and tears has given us the opportunity to give back with our time and resources to so many; our passion is terminally ill and disabled children and young adults. We have partnered with USSA for over 18 years and have been blessed enough to have hosted 27 hunts as of 2019. I love children and especially hosting them, and feel very blessed to be able to love on them. USSA and these children have changed my life forever.

Brigid O’Donoghue grew up in a large family of Irish descent. The oldest daughter in a family with nine kids found responsibility knocking at her door early in life. With limited financial resources, the Milwaukee, WI, native worked at jobs after school and on weekends so she could attend the area’s best private educational facilities. Her physically and mentally challenged younger brother was an inspiration during Brigid’s formative years. (read the Prologue below). Her brother’s physical challenges created a calling in her heart and inspired her to reach out to others who were less fortunate and needed her help. Unfortunately, her own personal health challenges threw her a curve ball. After numerous lengthy stays in and out of the hospital, including major surgery to remove scar tissue from a high fever, Brigid began picking up her life where it had left off years before.

The entrepreneur in her led her to begin her own business selling tractor-trailer loads of ground bark to landscapers throughout the Midwest. In addition, she blazed new trails by trucking bagged cottonseed from the cotton gin producers in the South to feed mills in the North. At the same time, she raised two wonderful children, despite continual abuse and lack of support in her relationship. Her daughter, Lindsey, is a Registered Nurse (like her grandmother) and lives in Milwaukee. Her son, Kenny, is a journeyman and works in the refrigeration industry in San Antonio, TX. Brigid’s children are dear to her heart and provide inspiration in her life and work.

In 1998, Brigid put her feed mill and trucking knowledge to work and started a new specialized company called Bio-Tec Research, Inc., which formulates and markets North America’s highest quality deer and elk products. In addition, she forged a limited-edition fashion line called “Charnel” that features unique, tailored outdoor wear.

When a deer food customer asked Brigid if she knew of any critically ill hunters who would be interested in a free deer hunt at his ranch, the seeds were sown for the birth of USSA. Brigid contacted a Texas man with cancer who flew to the ranch and harvested a nice buck. From that point, USSA’s wheels were in motion. By helping him realize his dream and spending time with this man, Brigid was inspired and knew in her heart she could pass happiness to others who were dealing with life-threatening illnesses. With a clear vision, she developed the all-volunteer United Special Sportsman Alliance in fall of 2000.

Through USSA, Brigid observed the inspiration passed on in her work creates special moments that make even the most difficult of life’s challenges especially meaningful. There is never a time that she does not look back and realize how fortunate she is to have overcome so many personal challenges. That personal healing keeps her striving to do all she can to bring joy and hope into the hearts of others. There is a special place in her heart for those children, adults, veterans and their families with which she shares her time. For Brigid, they are always a special addition to her own family.

Brigid is continuously motivated by the incredible love and life-long connections created between so many special people within the charity. The time shared with these wonderful kids, injured veterans, and their families leaves her knowing that neither she nor USSA recipients are ever truly alone!

“The greatest impact of this charity is helping provide the inspiration for others to get involved,” she said.  “We pass on our vision to see beyond the pain, disability, and hardships of serious illnesses. We know we all will endure loss, but the sharing in our work has created a mechanism of hope and healing for the children, the families and for those who help by volunteering their time and resources for this important cause”.

“I have been greatly inspired and at the same time humbled by the positive national impact this vision has created,” she said.

Brigid works with television, radio, print, and digital media across the country and the response from those who get involved is overwhelming. Her plan is to inspire persons to become optimistically intertwined in the lives of others and make a real difference. Her efforts have been successful beyond the charity’s expectations, with thousands of people experiencing a unique way to share hope and create new friendships.

Brigid plans to continue working with a strong Board of Directors, Major Operating Officers, Advisory Council, and Youth Outdoor Leaders to build a charity of caring people – all with the same mission – to provide joy and hope in the lives of needy children and injured veterans.  “I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to operate God’s charity,” she said.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

USSA Epilogue – Composed by Brigid O’Donoghue, around the age of 12:

Growing up in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Pete Normington was a 1972 graduate of Lincoln High school, earning National Honor society recognition for academic achievement. After earning acceptance into the University of Wisconsin Madison, Pete earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977, with a major in Economics, and an emphasis on Agricultural Economics courses. He then furthered his studies at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a Bachelor’s of Science from the College of Natural Resources with his fish biology major in 1977.

Pete began his work experience at the age of 15, working summers on the familys expanding Ocean Spray cranberry marsh. When combined with a summer of track repair crew work on the Soo Line railroad he learned the value of hard physical work in any upbringing and future career.

After graduating from college, Pete was employed as an agriculture sales and marketing person at Central Sands Produce. Several years later he rejoined the family cranberry marsh, where he currently serves as the President and General Manager of Saddle Mound Cranberry Co, Inc. He also served on the Ocean Spray Wisconsin Advisory Council for several years. He is also co-inventor of a patented hybrid cranberry vine, the HyRed developed at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

In addition, he is currently serving as the Vice President of Bio-Tec Research, Inc, a company specializing in the highest quality deer and elk nutritional products. He acts in a nutritional formulation capacity for the company.

Pete has three sons; Matt is an UWSP graduate and investment agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance. Wes is a UWSP graduate with a fishery major, and currently works on the family cranberry marsh. Scott is the youngest and also attending UWSP with an economics major. All of his sons have participated significantly in USSA volunteer projects.

Pete’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, waterskiing, and basketball. These activities have helped fuel his passion for the outdoors, and strengthened his resolve to provide an opportunity for all to enjoy, regardless of their circumstances in life.

Along with founder Brigid O’Donoghue, Pete helped launch USSA from its very inception. His duties are varied and can consist of assignments from being an onsite volunteer to advising and giving the charity direction.

In addition, he helps conduct a prison ministry, in which inmates are guided towards a better life after they are released. A deep founded respect for the value of human life and family experience helps make USSA an easy choice for Pete’s participation in the charity.

Peter J. Normington

My name is Annette Johnson I am married to a wonderful man Ron for nearly 29 years. I’m the mother of 3 great sons. Our oldest Shaun is married to a wonderful wife Heather; they have a 2 year old son Drake who is the light of our lives. Our 2nd son Brandon is single and a very loving and caring young man. Our youngest son Wesley has Down syndrome. Wesley has a sweet girl friend named Sara and they are planning to get married; we couldn’t be happier.

Something that our family has in common is the great outdoors; especially hunting. So when Wesley’s teacher approached me with a brochure about USSA I was very excited and got right in touch with the charity.

Our son was set up for a pheasant hunt by Spring Green, WI which is where we met USSA’s founder, Brigid O’Donoghue. I could never put into words what my son and family experience on our first USSA hunt. Ron and I were in awe of the whole concept of the charity; it wasn’t long afterwards we join on board hoping we could give back to an organization we believed in.

It has been over 4 years now since my family got involved in the charity. Brigid and I are the best of friends and love each other like sisters. We hold deep in our hearts a desire to grant children with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses free outdoor adventures.

I enjoy volunteering my time with personalized thank you cards to financial donors and those who have been volunteers, or contributed any other way. I help with the food at different events, by purchasing supplies and preparing meals. I also truly enjoy making phone calls to families and helping Brigid set up events. Being part of this charity and meeting all the families is truly a rewarding experience for me and all those who get involved.

Dean has been happily married to Deb for almost 29 years with two sons, 26 and 24 years old. Dean has a very close-knit family with 7 brothers and sisters who have jumped on board to help him operate USSA’s MN Chapter. He grew up in a construction family in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and learned to be a handyman and jack-of-all-trades from his father. He graduated from Columbia Heights Sr. High in 1978.

He went to Anoka Technical College and became an auto mechanic in 1980. He worked as a mechanic and service manager until 1986. That’s when he quit the auto business to stay home and raise his two sons and start up a taxidermy business.

Dean suffered a near fatal gunshot wound to the chest by another deer hunter in 1988 which made a great impact on his life. It was not long afterwards he became a hunter safety instructor.

Since April 2010 Dean has been the USSA MN Representative. Dean has been involved with a lot of non-profit and charity organizations over the years. He served on the board of the MN Taxidermy Guild for the past 6 years. He started the Lakes Chapter of the MN Deer Hunters Association 19 years ago in Forest Lake. He has been President, Vice President, Board Member in that chapter and also a member of the Forest Lake Sportsmen’s Club. Dean and his friends run a mentoring program at the club teaching youth about archery. While being a Firearm Safety Instructor for almost 13 years he also teaches a class of 30 to 70 kids each summer at the Forest Lake High School.

Last summer he put on his first youth event for USSA in Minnesota. It was at the Forest Lake Sportsmen’s Club where he had an attendance of over 120 children plus parents. The special kids got to shoo 22’s, archery and shotguns. Dead said “90% of the kids never shot a gun before.” The families said it was one of the most fun events they ever experienced. There were many other attractions going on that day but that was the highlights. There was one on one instruction with every child to help them learn to shoot and be safe. The parents are also part of the events. Last falls Dean had 14 MN children bear hunting in WI; ten of them harvesting a bear. Some of the children also went on deer and turkey hunts.

Dean also took on the role of lining up taxidermists to donate free mountings for each child. Dean said, “Because many of the families know me, when the children asked me if I would do their mount for them, I couldn’t let them down. I did 6 free bear mounts and 3 deer mounts so far for the kids.” Normally it can take a year to get a mount done, but Dean worked late hours every day to make sure he had the mounts all done by Christmas for the kids. He delivered them just before Christmas and the kids all had a big surprise Christmas morning. Dean said, “Hopefully it put a smile on their faces and gave them some special memories.”

Dean added, “I feel most of us have years yet to live and a lot of experiences still ahead. Some of the USSA Children don’t. My goal is to create as many memories for the critically ill and disabled children and their families as possible in the short time some of them may have. No matter what illness, we want to make the child be the center of attention and feel like a kid without a disability or life threatening illness. The child can forget their problems and we can also help take a little stress from the parents, even if it’s just for a day.”

Dean O’Brien

Hello! My name is Wendy Kleinschmidt and I am from Mondovi, Wisconsin. I am married to the love of my like, Kirk Kleinschmidt, and we together have 2 amazing girls, Amber, who is 13, and Chloe, who is 11. Our daughter Chloe was born with spina bifida. Together as a family we love the great outdoors.

When we were introduced to USSA it was a wonderful experience. After experiencing Summerfest and meeting wonderful people, we were hooked on this great organization.

I have since become active with helping Brigid with arts and crafts at Summerfest, sharing information and news on Facebook, as well as recruiting bright new smiling faces to this wonderful organization. Words can’t describe what it is like to see their faces light up, and to hear their stories about the fish they caught, or their outdoor experience.

This is an organization where once you are there, your family grows in size and I am glad that we are a part of it, and my family has grown by the hundreds.

Hello, my name is Kevin Cook, my wife Peggy and I have six children, all boys, and all of them have some disability or special need. Peggy works with disabled or challenged adults, and I work for the State of Wisconsin in the Department of Corrections or Department of Health Services as a Correctional Officer. I have been a Sergeant and Captain for 26 years, having worked with many individuals that are incarcerated I learned that many of them either had some disability or disorder, and most came from broken homes, or had been through the foster care system gave me a feeling that I wanted to help other children have opportunities for a better life, so Peggy and I became foster parents.

We got involved with USSA back in 2000 when Peggy was at Wal-Mart with our adopted son John and met Brigid O’Donoghue when Brigid approached her curious about her involvement with persons with disabilities, two perfect strangers who met and talked for about 20 minutes. By the end of the conversation Peggy and Brigid had discovered they were both women with huge hearts and a passion for taking care of people who are less fortunate or who have some disability. Brigid told Peggy about her charity that she had founded to grant wishes for outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting trips for children with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. Peggy told Brigid in addition to working with disabled people too, we also were foster parents and had recently adopted one of our foster children that had special needs. The conversation ended with Brigid inviting us to bring our son to a pheasant hunting event that USSA was sponsoring.

Brigid contacted us with the details of the event and Peggy took our son John to the event. He was successful in being able to shoot several birds, during this event and it became clearly evident to Peggy that this organization was one of a kind and everyone was so family oriented and the children not treated as being different or picked on or bullied. To see the smiles on these children’s faces and the appreciation they had for getting the opportunity warmed Peggy’s heart, she knew it was an organization founded on love and faith by a woman who has blessed herself by overcoming life-threatening illnesses and wanted to give something back to others. Peggy and I discussed the charity and the opportunity that it offered to our son John, and we decided that this was something we wanted to get more involved.

Over time we both became more involved with the charity in any way possible little things at first just by helping find more children to get involved with the opportunities, then by volunteering our time at the Summerfest event. Each year we got more and more involved now some of our children also volunteer their time. We are proud to have been invited into the USSA family, and the charity kept growing and growing. Through the years our level of involvement grew, and now both of us devote much of our time to helping with the charity in any way we can.

Joel has served USSA for many years as a member, board member, vice president, president and currently chairman of the board. He has worked with government officials to change state rules that kept some of our special children out of hunting activities due to their age.

Joel grew up on a farm in Northern Illinois and was All-State in two sports while in high school and also competed as a scholarship athlete at the Division 1 level. He graduated with a degree in education and went on to a successful career as a teacher and coach. His 1981 Fennimore WI Cross Country Team won their 5th consecutive State Championship (a state record) and set an all time scoring record by skunking the entire sectional competition and scoring a mere 23 points at State.

He was honored with Commendations for Excellence from the Wisconsin State Senate and the White House. He later returned to college for a Masters Degree in Education Administration and retired 19 years later as a school principal.

Eleven years ago, Joel, his wife Cheri, son Jesse and daughter Brianna started raising Rocky Mountain Elk on their farm in Monticello, WI. Shortly after they started this venture, Chronic Wasting Disease appeared in Wisconsin. At a time when some government agencies were causing a panic with misinformation, Joel had researched the disease extensively and was able to public point out misconceptions at symposiums and legislative meetings.

His knowledge and skills caught the attention of the Wisconsin Commercial Deer and Elk Farmers Association who voted him on their Board of Directors at the first meeting he attended. He went on to lead them as President of the state organization and helped rebuild them.

At the national level, US Senator Feingold requested that Joel lead the first Summit Meeting in Washington DC for all the federal agencies.

The North American Elk Breeders Association also acknowledged his achievement and after being elected to their Board of Directors, he was voted in as President the same day. He is the only Wisconsin member to ever hold that title. 2006 marked the organization of the Non-Traditional Farmers and Ranchers Coalition. This umbrella group for the deer, elk and exotic breeders was formed to protect the game farm industry from the unfair treatment by animal rights groups and government agencies. Joel was elected as its first President and has held that position ever since.

In 2005, he was asked to speak at the 2nd International CWD Symposium. In 2009, USDA/Aphis requested him to also speak at the 3rd International CWD Symposium held in Utah. In the same year, US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, requested that Joel be present at a special closed door meeting in Washington as one of the top 25 leaders in livestock producers in the nation. At that meeting, Joel gave an oral and written presentation on the National Animal ID System. Joel has made regular trips to DC since 2003 and shares USSA stories with legislators about children from their own districts.

He has been featured speaker at the state and national association from Texas to Alaska and always finds a way to include USSA in his presentations. In 2009, Joel formed the National Institute for Human Slaughter. This organization conducts 3rd party evaluations of packing plants to guarantee that animals are not abused or mistreated.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, Eric Badofsky is a 27-year advertising and marketing veteran and founder of Badofsky & Luft Advertising. In his spare time Eric enjoys wingshooting, fishing, hiking, photography and writing, as well as spending quality time outdoors with his wife Ellen and their two children, Ben, 17, and Jessica, 12.

“The reason I joined USSA back in 2003 is pretty simple, really,” says Eric. “I realize how blessed I am to have two happy, healthy children who enjoy the outdoors as much as I do, and I felt it was important to share those blessings with ailing and disabled youngsters who aren’t as fortunate. It’s truly an honor to serve on the Board of such a richly-rewarding charity, and working with Brigid and the other hard-working volunteers at USSA has changed my life forever. I look forward to spending many years ahead as part of this wonderful team.”

Bryan grew up in northern Wisconsin (Bayfield and Ashland) and graduated from Ashland High in 1989 and University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in 1993. After college he moved to the Milwaukee area where he worked as a headhunter for the IT industry for seven years.

Bryan was involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program while in college at UW-Eau Claire and also for the seven years he lived in the Milwaukee area after college. He still has a very close bond with his little brother (who is not 30 years old).

Bryan met his wife in a round-about way while fishing in Canada in 1998 and decided to quit his job, sell his house and move to the Twin Cities area in 2000 to begin a new chapter in his life. He and Jan married in 2002 and have three wonderful kids. They built a house in Scandia, MN in 2006 where they currently reside.

After working in sales for twelve years, he and his business partner decided to start up their own company in 2005. Relay Networks buys and sells IT, telecom and wireless equipment and has customers in over 35 countries at the moment. They currently employ 11 people and recently moved to a new facility in Lino Lakes.

Bryan got involved with USSA in 2010 through Dean O’Brien, the Minnesota State Representative. He has been involved with the annual youth event for USSA in Forest Lake, MN and has chaperoned numerous USSA kids on bear and turkey hunts. He thoroughly enjoys helping kids (fortunate and less fortunate alike) and has gotten to know quite a few of the USSA families on a personal level. He loves how the kids and families are able to get out and fish or hunt for a weekend and leave their daily problems behind, at least for a few days. He looks forward to helping more kids and Veterans fulfill their outdoor dreams.

Bryan enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, trapping pesky gophers and most of all hanging out with his family.

Many years ago, a dear friend I hunted with found out that he had ALS, and we all knew time was short. However, he always had a very giving heart and wanted to use his left time to give someone an outdoor opportunity. We were able to have a couple of years before he passed in 2005 with him to start a turkey hunt that was later named ‘The John Lemaster Memorial Turkey Hunt.’

One day, I was sitting at my desk searching the internet for a place to find kids that liked the outdoors and needed somebody to make it happen for them. I found a website called USSA, and their goals and mission made it a perfect match for us and decided to take a look. I ended up calling the number on the website, and a lady picked up, and her name was Brigid O’Donoghue. I was only looking to find kids to take hunting, but God works in mysterious ways, and a couple of years later became an Alabama State Representative for the charity, and it’s been a true blessing.

My name is Scott Roen, and I live in Salem, Iowa. I’ve been happily married to my wife (Laura) for 18 years now, and God has blessed us with four children [son-Bailey (17), and daughters-Kylee (15), Scotlyn (12), and Josslyn (11)]. I graduated from Aurora University (Aurora, IL) in 2002 with a degree in elementary education, though I never pursued that career. Instead, I now drive for Ruan Transport.

Sports and the outdoors have always played a big part in my life. I played baseball and soccer in college but really enjoyed all sports (if there’s a ball around, I’m always drawn to get involved!). My wife and I met on a softball field when I was asked to play on her coed team as a replacement over 15 years ago. She was playing 2b, and I played SS, and to this day, we are still turning double plays!

Even though I love to play sports and games of all kinds, the outdoors is where I feel my passion truly is. I love being able to take my wife and children out into God’s creation and watch the joy on their faces when they catch a fish or harvest a deer.

I first found out about USSA from my dad (Rusty Cox). He had helped on Illinois dream hunts for several years, and I’m always interested to hear of the hunts he’s been on and the children he’s been able to take out. Usually, after hearing the hunts and the stories of what these children face daily and some of their struggles, I feel compelled to pray for them. Then I would feel a tug on my heart to one day get involved.

Toward the end of 2017, that tug finally prompted me to ask my dad if he knew of an Iowa chapter. That’s when he gave me Brigid’s number. After talking to Brigid for at least an hour, I was convinced God had His hands all over this. Prayers were being answered on both sides, and I knew God had meant for us to cross paths and eventually start what is now called the Iowa Dream Hunt.

Over the last eight years or so, I’ve had the opportunity to coach youth sports programs, and a few years ago, my wife and I felt God calling us to purchase an old bar in our town and turn it into a youth/children’s hangout, which is called inside Korner. And now here we are in 2021, and couldn’t be happier being a part of such a great team (Team USSA).

It’s clear to us that Brigid and the rest of everyone at USSA have one primary focus, and that is to love. Yes, it’s wrapped up in Dream Hunts, fishing trips, Summer Fest, and Winterfest, and other fun activities, but there is a genuine love that doesn’t go unnoticed.

No matter their backgrounds or circumstances, all children need to know they are children of God and loved beyond measure that they were created on purpose for a purpose! They need to know that God doesn’t make mistakes, only masterpieces! And they are His masterpiece! I feel this charity organization is built on Godly principles, thus making it a no-brainer to want to be a part of it.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

“Have I not told you? Be strong and courageous and have strength of heart! For the Lord your God is with you anywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9

My name is Mark Dickson, I was born and raised in South Central Kentucky. I live in Glasgow, Barren County area with my wife Amy and son Spencer. I have been an avid hunter and fisherman since I was a child. My dad and I would go fishing on Saturdays and every day during the week of spring break. He taught me pretty much everything I know about the outdoors. I got connected with the USSA about 12 years ago when Brigid contacted us asking if Spencer would like to go on a hunting trip through the USSA. Spencer has cystic fibrosis and also loves to hunt and fish.

I was so amazed by all the kindness Brigid and all the volunteers had to offer and I felt led to do a weekend fishing event for critically ill children in my hometown. My family and I were so blessed to give back to an organization that has brought my family so many wonderful memories. While we have only hosted one event so far, it is going to be an annual one.

Even though my son was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, he has been so blessed to be able to go on several hunts through the USSA and has loved every minute of it and so have we!
As the USSA state representative for Kentucky, I look for forward to helping make children’s dreams and wishes come true.

Hello! I am Marvin Montoya, and I’m honored to be the Northern New Mexico Representative for USSA! I was born and raised in Northern New Mexico in the small town of Española where I still reside today. Although playing baseball was my first love growing up, hunting and fishing were absolutely a close second! I grew up hunting and fishing this part of our beautiful state in a traditional fashion with my family and friends. Today, that tradition continues as I share my outdoor adventures with many family and friends.

I started fishing at a very early age. Both of my parents enjoyed fishing, so I was fortunate to spend lots of time fishing. We would spend the summer camping as well as take day trips as a family. Sometimes Dad and I would take off early and do a little stream fishing early Saturday morning, and other times Mom and I would go fishing while Dad was working. We primarily fished for trout in the lakes and streams throughout Northern New Mexico, which are blessed with very good numbers of fish. Fishing with Mom and Dad as well as other family members like my grandfather, my Godfather, aunts, uncles, and cousins are by far some of my best childhood memories!

My first ever hunt was with my Dad, our neighbor Jimmy, his son (and my friend) Matthew, and a few of Jimmy’s friends. It was an elk hunt in unit 51 of New Mexico, and Jimmy had the tag. I was 12 years old, and I recall it was a very rainy hunt. One morning Dad, Jimmy, and I worked our way up a mountain. I came to an old logging road and stopped on the road waiting for Jimmy and Dad to catch up. Just as Jimmy got to the road, a big bull came around the bend. I was overwhelmed with excitement! Jimmy made a perfect shot, and I was hooked on elk hunting from that day on! I am a father of a daughter and son who I love dearly! Watching them grow and sharing my life with them is by far one of my greatest blessings!

I am a Little League coach and love teaching children not just about the game of baseball and softball, but how they can achieve things they never knew they could and all while having loads of fun. Seeing the amazement in a child when they’ve succeeded in something they thought was unattainable is simply priceless! Those smiles are forever burned in my own memory and is one of the greatest rewards I could ever earn! I presently work as an Engineer at Los Alamos National Laboratory helping to keep our country secure. After graduating from high school, I earned an Army ROTC scholarship in engineering. However, at that time, my passion was to be an Aviator. I really wanted to fly!

Unfortunately, the Army would not change my scholarship from Engineering and I made a difficult choice to not join the Army. Not becoming a soldier was one of my biggest regrets in my life as I know (now) that I would’ve made a fine soldier. For those who have chosen to become a soldier and even those who were drafted, I have a tremendous respect for what you’ve done and continue to do! From the depths of my soul, THANK YOU for your service to our country!

I look forward to helping USSA accomplish its mission!! I know a major part of God’s plan for me is to help others using the blessings He has given to me. I believe God puts people in our paths for a reason, and I hope I can fulfill the dream of whoever He and USSA put in my path!

John Plowman, 22, is a Sheriff’s Deputy in southern NM. His father introduced him to hunting at the age of seven when he got his first deer.

John has four sisters and one brother, and the second youngest in the family. He grew up in a family of die-hard hunters, and some of his best memories came from hunting and trapping.

Since 17, he has been helping kids in his community by coaching youth and high school sports teams and providing a positive role model in life and his career. In 2020 he started guiding USSA’s youth deer and elk hunts in his home state.

John said, “I look forward to sharing my hunting experience and making memories with these deserving kids.”

My name is Nick Crecco. I was born in the Bronx, New York and was raised most of my life in Westchester County NY. Growing up in the suburbs of Manhattan, hunting and the outdoors was not popular, but I saw things differently. I thought it was, and still is the greatest thing to experience as a child. My grandfather and father have always been my mentors. Together, we would spend any free day possible in upstate NY hunting, fishing and enjoying each and every moment.

As a teenager I continued to become a great hunter and eventually turned most of my interests to bow hunting. I spent many early mornings and afternoons pursuing deer and small game. I realize today that all those years have given me a lifetime of priceless experiences and memories, combined with good fun and cherished time spent with my family.

At the age of 29 I married my wife and best friend. We now have three beautiful children of our own. She is a great woman who always lets me pursue my dreams and is very supportive of my hobbies and what I enjoy most, bow hunting! As a father, I now realize how important it is to educate our children about hunting and the outdoors. I feel as if the future of this great sport is in our own hands. We need to teach the next generation the importance of safety and the freedom that we as Americans have, and to enjoy the World’s most precious resource, the great outdoors!

A few years back I realized how lucky some of us are and sometimes we take things for granted. I am a very busy man and I run and operate a catering facility just an hour north of Manhattan. Free time doesn’t come often, but whenever it does, I try to spend as much time as possible with my

children. I try my hardest to instill in them what my grandfather and father have taught me; Honesty, Respect and not to take what we’ve been blessed with for granted. I am lucky to have the opportunity to spend precious time with my family hunting and creating memories of our own! I hope that they too will carry these experiences with them and will continue in my footsteps and those of the mentors that taught me.

After reading about the goals and the good things that USSA is doing for these children, I picked up the phone and contacted Brigid O’Donoghue and asked her about the children in my area of NY. She told me that unfortunately no one has yet committed to opening a chapter in NY, and there is a waiting list for these children to be granted an outdoor wish. This is when I realized that I have to be the one to help fulfill the dreams of these children as best as I can. And so, it has been well over nine years that Brigid and I have committed to establish the NY chapter. This year I am glad to announce that we are hosting our annual Game Dinner honoring USSA to help raise money for the children in our own backyard!

Best wishes to everyone involved in this great endeavor and for all those who dedicate their time in helping USSA to grant these special wishes.

God Bless,

Nick Crecco

After listening to the John Boy and Billy Big Show in May of 2017, Justin decided to contact the charity to see if he could take a special child fishing. We soon knew we had a wonderful and hardworking man on board the charity in talking to him.

Justin is a South Carolina native that has enjoyed the outdoors his entire life. He is married to Linsey, and they have a three-year-old son, Tripp. No stranger to planning and hard work, Justin works in the family construction company and owns his own guide service called “Whiteside Whiskers Guide Service.” He is a licensed USCG captain, and his equipment is excellent.

Justin runs fishing trips in five local lakes year-round in South Carolina: Wateree, Wylie, Monticello, Marion, and Moultrie. He has the know-how needed to give USSA special anglers an excellent chance to land a striped bass, catfish, or white perch. He’s also a huge believer in helping conserve nature, so he takes great care to protect the local fishery by practicing catch and release!

Most importantly, Justin believes that our children are a precious resource and has never charged a kid to enjoy the sport he so dearly loves, namely fishing! So, getting a USSA fishing event going in his area was natural for a hardworking man like him, who truly treasures kids. A 2018 veteran group fishing trip is also in the making.

We are thrilled to have him on board and looking forward to many incredible years together, granting outdoor wishes for those in need!

I am a single mother of a wonderful son with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder), Hunter. I am also an elementary school teacher. I have taught for over 30 years and love my job, but I LOVE being a mother even more! I was born in Detroit, Michigan. My family moved to Tennessee to be close to family when I was in the second grade. I was so excited because I loved spending time with my grandpa. One of my favorite memories was him taking me to a trout farm fishing. My dad also used to take my two brothers and me fishing at a local state park. I never realized how much the outdoors would become part of my life until I had my son.

Being in the outdoors brings so much peace to Hunter. He says it is his “Happy Place”! While he was growing up, my mom and I spent many hours taking him fishing, but as he grew older, I wanted to expose him to more of the outdoors. This is when we became involved with Ms. Brigid. Well, that’s all it took, and Hunter became hooked! Every event he attended brought new friends, role models, joy, a deep sense of respect for the outdoors, as well as peace for us both. After seeing the confidence build in my son, I wanted to give back and see other children in our state experience this! I’m so excited to help other children and families experience the excitement and peace this charity has brought to us!

Sheryl Ridenour

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.” – John Burroughs

Bob Samson was born and raised in Houston, Texas to two loving and compassionate Dutch immigrants along with five brothers and three sisters. As a young boy Bob and his younger brother Rene’ developed a passion for hunting and fishing and found it kept them out of mischief. He has continued this passion and has been an avid outdoorsman for the last forty years.

He credits his Uncle Jimmy with providing him the tools to love and respect the outdoors. His brother Rene’ has been his best hunting buddy and they have implemented Uncle Jimmy’s instructions to the best of their abilities.

Bob’s beautiful and caring wife has provided him with three magnificent daughters all of whom enjoy the outdoors. Bo Sims, his eagle eyed son-in-law, discovered the United Special Sportsman Alliance and suggested Bob get involved. After doing a little research into the program Bob was put in contact with Brigid O’Donoghue. He immediately knew that the United Special Sportsman Alliance was a place where he could showcase his talents and pass along Uncle Jimmy’s outdoor wisdom to some wonderful people.

Professionally Bob has enjoyed stints with various companies, including a Fortune 500 firm but wasn’t fully satisfied. In 1985 he ditched the coat and tie and started his own company that allowed him to work on marinas and be outdoors. Bob was back where he belonged in the water and open sky and has never looked back!

In just a short period of time Bob has met the most warm and gracious people and it has been a fantastic new chapter in his life. He is so grateful to be given the chance to help out with the program and interact with all his new friends.

Justin Grant grew up in Montebello, Virginia, with his parents, two older sisters, and brother. Justin’s father introduced his brother and him to hunting and fishing at a young age.

Justin’s volunteer work with the USSA began in 2017 when he guided a bear hunt for a 12-year-old girl from North Carolina.

Justin said, “I have no doubt God has had his hand in it all! Several years ago, he laid in my heart the desire to help and work with kids. I have had a passion for the outdoors since I was old enough to get out and enjoy this, so it only made sense to take this opportunity and I have loved every second of it! And added, “I look forward to continuing my work and meeting fantastic families, sharing God’s beautiful work with others, and even learning so much myself through it all! I am honored to be the Virginia Representative for the USSA!

My name is Kish Justice, and from White Sulphur Springs, WV. I have two beautiful children, Anse and Arlo. Outside of work, I spend as much time as possible in the woods or on the water with my family.

My passion in life is raising and training bear hounds. After first hearing of the USSA bear hunts in Wisconsin, I knew I had to get involved. Establishing a program in West Virginia became very important to me. With Brigid as our guide, the crew from my great state have been hosting successful hunts since 2013. I anxiously look forward to many more adventures with the families of the USSA and expect to expand our program continually.

Best wishes, Kish Justice

Shelliann Levy was the second-born twin on the Island of Jamaica. Her family moved to the Cayman Islands when she was 16 years old. They settled there for almost 20 years. She later moved back to her home island of Jamaica, where she took up a position as a Senior Digital Manager with a Telecommunication Company.

Shelliann started a Television program called Real Kids Real Clothing, helping young people pursue fashion designing and industry experiences.

Her hobbies are traveling, jogging, and encouraging young people to find that spark to elevate them to be successful adults.

In 2020 she accepted the position as USSA’s Jamaica Representative and shortly afterward started distributing gifts from the USA to children in the hospital.

Shelliann said, “I look forward to representing the charity in my homeland and helping wishes come true for children experiencing medical challenges.”

Dean has been happily married to Deb for almost 29 years with two sons, 26 and 24 years old. Dean has a very close-knit family with 7 brothers and sisters who have jumped on board to help him operate USSA’s MN Chapter. He grew up in a construction family in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and learned to be a handyman and jack-of-all-trades from his father. He graduated from Columbia Heights Sr. High in 1978.

He went to Anoka Technical College and became an auto mechanic in 1980. He worked as a mechanic and service manager until 1986. That’s when he quit the auto business to stay home and raise his two sons and start up a taxidermy business.

Dean suffered a near fatal gunshot wound to the chest by another deer hunter in 1988 which made a great impact on his life. It was not long afterwards he became a hunter safety instructor.

Since April 2010 Dean has been the USSA MN Representative. Dean has been involved with a lot of non-profit and charity organizations over the years. He served on the board of the MN Taxidermy Guild for the past 6 years. He started the Lakes Chapter of the MN Deer Hunters Association 19 years ago in Forest Lake. He has been President, Vice President, Board Member in that chapter and also a member of the Forest Lake Sportsmen’s Club. Dean and his friends run a mentoring program at the club teaching youth about archery. While being a Firearm Safety Instructor for almost 13 years he also teaches a class of 30 to 70 kids each summer at the Forest Lake High School.

Last summer he put on his first youth event for USSA in Minnesota. It was at the Forest Lake Sportsmen’s Club where he had an attendance of over 120 children plus parents. The special kids got to shoo 22’s, archery and shotguns. Dead said “90% of the kids never shot a gun before.” The families said it was one of the most fun events they ever experienced. There were many other attractions going on that day but that was the highlights. There was one on one instruction with every child to help them learn to shoot and be safe. The parents are also part of the events. Last falls Dean had 14 MN children bear hunting in WI; ten of them harvesting a bear. Some of the children also went on deer and turkey hunts.

Dean also took on the role of lining up taxidermists to donate free mountings for each child. Dean said, “Because many of the families know me, when the children asked me if I would do their mount for them, I couldn’t let them down. I did 6 free bear mounts and 3 deer mounts so far for the kids.” Normally it can take a year to get a mount done, but Dean worked late hours every day to make sure he had the mounts all done by Christmas for the kids. He delivered them just before Christmas and the kids all had a big surprise Christmas morning. Dean said, “Hopefully it put a smile on their faces and gave them some special memories.”

Dean added, “I feel most of us have years yet to live and a lot of experiences still ahead. Some of the USSA Children don’t. My goal is to create as many memories for the critically ill and disabled children and their families as possible in the short time some of them may have. No matter what illness, we want to make the child be the center of attention and feel like a kid without a disability or life threatening illness. The child can forget their problems and we can also help take a little stress from the parents, even if it’s just for a day.”

Dean O’Brien