Bucks For The Brave - 2023 Winners
Andrew Greene
Firefighter
This winner always knew he wanted to be a firefighter. His career tragically ended after 13 years when he made the initial entry to save three children from a structure fire. The ceiling collapsed on him causing injuries that forced him to medically retire. He has been described as courageous and a hero. Congratulations Andrew Greene!
Bryan Sloan
Emergency Medical Technician
Our EMT winner spent over 38 years in emergency medicine, serving as a Field EMT, EMT Supervisor, Lieutenant of the HazMat team, and eventually achieving the rank of Fire Chief before retiring in 2019. Thank you for your lifelong commitment to serving the citizens of your community. Congratulations Bryan Sloan!
Chris Markison
Coast Guard
This winner served 26 years in the Coast Guard, retiring as a Master Chief Boatswainsmate. He completed hundreds of successful missions and was recognized for life saving rescues. Chris has a servants heart, so after retiring, he joined the US Border Patrol for an additional 13 years. This hero proudly served our country for 39 years. Congratulations Chris Markinson!
Craig Simonds
US Army
Craig Simonds served in Vietnam (70/71) did a year tour as 1st Calvary Infantry. Came home in 1971 and was hired on the fire department in 1973. Served 29 years on the fire department. He moved up through the ranks from a first grade firefighter to Assistant Chief of the Department. He dedicated his whole life to serving others for his country and his community.
Jim Daniels
Law Enforcement
This winner started his service in the Marine Corp and received a presidential award for his squadrons rescue efforts during a natural disaster overseas. After six years, he chose to serve his community on the streets of Chicago as a patrol officer for 27 years before retiring. He has since been pursuing his first whitetail buck, and we’re going to help make that dream come true. Congratulations Jim Daniels!
Larry O'Conner
Marine Corps
This MSgt joined the Marines in 1998. That would have given him the opportunity to get out, shortly after the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Rather than opting out when the war started heating up , he stayed, not just for a tour or two -but for 20 more years. He had a total of 8 deployments, including participation in the assault on the City of Fallujah in 2004 and the assault in Marja, Afghanistan in 2010. He’s done it all in the Infantry, from Basic Rifleman, to Sniper, to Recon. This hero retired after 24 years in Marine Corp serving his country. Congratulations Larry O’Conner! Semper Fi.
Linda Randall
Army Veteran
Our last winner for this year’s female Bucks for the Brave spent over twenty years of her life dedicated to the Army, and caring for all the men and women needing medical assistance. After her initial assignments, she was chosen to be in the first group of officers trained to become Nurse Practitioners in the Army. She was transferred to Europe where she cared for patients of 15 nations at a NATO base in Belgium where she became the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinic Supervisor. Congratulations Linda Randall. We are honored to take you on your first hunting trip!
Rachel Dehoyas
Navy Veteran & Retired Law Enforcement
Rachel Dehoyos served in US Navy and recently retired as Sargent in the police force after 35 years of service. She received numerous commendations during her career including officer and supervisor of the year and a life saving award. She is now helping care for her disabled brother. She loves being outdoors, and we’re honored to have her on this hunt. Congratulations Rachel Dehoyos!
Ray Laatsch
US Air Force
This winner was selected due to his unrelenting duty to his country and his community. He epitomizes one of the Air Force core principles of service before self for practically the entirety of his life. After serving his country for 20 years, he changed his uniform to a deputy sheriff for the next 17. His wife told us that he hasn’t been able to go hunting for 38 years due to his lifelong service. After retiring, he was finally able to hunt and harvest a small 8pt buck. However, after it was shot, it ran into a tree making it a 4pt. Sir, we are excited for you to finally get your trophy after dedicating your life to our country and your community. Congratulations Ray Laatsch!
Shantelle Mitchell
Army Veteran
Shantelle Mitchell spent 22 years in the army stationed all over the world. She was a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and was deployed to Desert storm and flew the Beirut Air Bridge Mission. She taught her three kids gun safety and took them on their first hunting trip. They wanted her to know she deserves this, and we couldn’t agree more. Congratulations Shantelle!
Sherry Slye
Air Force Veteran
This Air Force nominee was deployed overseas after 9/11 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She was assigned as 1st Chief Airfield Manager assigned to Ganci Air Base placing US Forces on former Russian soil for the first time since the Cold War. After 20 years serving her country, she retired to help care for her disabled Veteran husband and has been an integral part in helping raise her two nephews. She is always a selfless individual, and now it’s her turn to be awarded. Congratulations Sherry Slye!
Thomas Kelly
US Navy
This winner dedicated twenty years to his country in the US Navy for 20 years. He now works for the US Army as a civilian employee. He is a devoted husband to his wife, who is a disabled veteran herself. He received numerous awards throughout his career, and now we are hoping being awarded this year’s Navy winner, will put a much needed smile back on his face. Congratulations Thomas Kelly!
Tim Campbell
US Army
Tim Campbell Command Sergeant Major retired 25 years' service last stationed. Served in Desert Storm first in Saudi Arabia then in the liberation of Kuwait and in Iraq 1991. Served an additional 4 Combat tours in Iraq from the invasion of Iraq through Operation Iraqi Freedom with 3rd Infantry Division both as a First Sergeant and a Command Sergeant Major. He received the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Bronze Star X 2, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation.