From the Battlefield to the Blind: One Veteran’s Mission to Heal Through the Hunt

After serving in Iraq, Marine Corps veteran Anthony Jones returned home to Tennessee carrying wounds that went far deeper than the physical. Like so many who’ve faced combat, Anthony found himself in a dark place—disconnected, disoriented, and unsure of how to heal. But thanks to his grandfather—a Vietnam veteran who saw the signs immediately—Anthony found his way back to the world through the sights and sounds of the outdoors.

“My paw got me back out hunting and fishing,” Anthony recalled. “He was the only one I really talked to about stuff. Being out there helped me start opening up. And I realized, if it helped me, maybe it could help other vets too.”

A Mission to Serve, Reimagined

That realization led to the founding of Military Sportsman of America in 2019. Built by five veterans, the nonprofit exists to give fellow veterans and first responders access to healing experiences in the outdoors. Through hunting and fishing trips across the country, the organization provides more than just recreation—it offers purpose, connection, and peace.

What started as a few friends with a vision has grown into a grassroots network with chapters in Tennessee, Utah, Michigan, and South Carolina. They’ve now run trips in over 30 states—from turkey hunting in Minnesota to archery tags in the desolate plains of southeastern Colorado.

And these aren’t guided tours with outfitters. Most of the trips are DIY, a style of hunting that matches the organization’s ethos: real, raw, and rooted in grit.

Healing in the High Plains

One of the most memorable hunts took place on a LandTrust property in Colorado. Anthony had spoken with the landowner, confirmed birds were on the property, and sent a veteran named Brad from Kansas to check it out.

“He found them the day before season opened,” Anthony said. “Set up his blind. And the next morning, he arrowed a bird right there. Archery. First day. It was a beautiful moment.”

That moment wasn’t just about a successful hunt—it was about recovery, connection, and proving to oneself that healing is possible. Brad returned home from the high plains changed, renewed by solitude and the sound of gobbles echoing across open space.

A Natural Fit with LandTrust

Anthony first discovered LandTrust through a Facebook ad. What caught his eye wasn’t just the affordable access compared to outfitters—it was the quality of land, the caliber of people, and the opportunity to scale impact.

“Once I saw how much cheaper it was to book through LandTrust, I thought, why not use this for the organization?” he said. “Instead of chasing free trips, we could fundraise a little more and actually purchase trips for our vets.”

Since then, Military Sportsman of America has booked hunts across the country through LandTrust—Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Minnesota, and beyond. The response from veterans has been overwhelmingly positive.

“One guy said he felt like he was with family the whole time he was hunting in Wyoming,” Anthony shared. “And that’s what it’s all about.”

Looking Ahead

Each spring, Anthony personally takes three veterans to new states to chip away at their turkey hunting dreams. He’s chasing the wild turkey in all 49 legal states and helping others do the same. They've even sent a vet to Mexico to bag a Gould’s—an international trip funded completely through the community.

But there’s still more to do. More states to cover. More veterans and first responders to reach. More lives to heal.

With ongoing fundraising and support from partners like LandTrust, Anthony has his sights set on California, Oregon, Washington, and—if the stars align—Hawaii.

“If we can get the funds, I’d love to send someone to Hawaii,” he said. “It’d be a dream trip for any vet.”

Want to Help?

Military Sportsman of America accepts both monetary donations and sponsorships. Some landowners have even offered discounted rates to help the cause. Every bit helps create more opportunities for those who’ve given so much.

To support their mission, visit Military Sportsman of America on Facebook or reach out directly to Anthony. And if you’re a landowner, consider donating a hunt—or offering access at a discount—to make a real impact on someone’s journey toward healing.

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