Darkhorse Archery
Mission - Darkhorse Archery was founded by Marine Corps veteran, Justin Rokohl in memory of his best friend Colton Rusk. On December 6, 2010 LCpl Colton W. Rusk USMC lost his life fighting for our country in Afghanistan. Colton was a dog handler for 3/5 Darkhorse which is where the name Darkhorse Archery comes from. Our mission is to honor his memory by giving back to other veterans who have also selflessly served our country.
"Archery is a great sport or hobby that anyone can enjoy, even those with adaptive needs. It's a fun outlet that builds confidence, friendships and camaraderie. Just this year we were able to set up close to 40 veterans with bows. Some have joined us at tournaments and others have been set up on hunts. Our goal is to continue to raise funds to set more veterans up with bows each year, grow their love for archery and hopefully get them on their first hunt." - Justin Rokohl.
You can find out more about Darkhorse Archery at darkhorse-archery.com or their social accounts @darkhorsearchery.
Also in Ascend Together Initiative
Memorial Valor Foundation
Memorial Valor Foundation's mission is clear and unwavering—to remember, honor, and memorialize fallen Special Operators by providing support to their Gold Star families, and the SOF families whose loved one is no longer with us. They achieve this through annual flagship events like the Memorial 3-Gun Competition, along with newly introduced galas, golf tournaments, and skeet shoots. Each event uniquely commemorates heroes by sharing their stories, celebrating their legacies, and providing vital support to their families.
Stories of Honor: Matthew Lewellen
Matt Lewellen’s life is a testament to the power of leadership, patriotism, and resilience. Through the memories shared by his father, Charles Lewellen, we see a man whose legacy continues to inspire. Matt’s humor and camaraderie lifted spirits, even in the most challenging moments, and his unwavering dedication to his team and mission exemplified the best of humanity.
Stories of Honor: Don McFaul
After stepping away from the Navy in 1985 to pursue civilian life, Don soon realized that the challenges, camaraderie, and sense of purpose within the SEAL Teams were irreplaceable. He returned to the Naval Special Warfare Community in 1988, sharpening his skills at the Defense Language Institute for Spanish before joining SEAL Team FOUR. His deployments took him across the globe, including missions in the Persian Gulf and Panama, where he served with Naval Special Warfare Unit EIGHT.