See the lives you touched in 2025 — and what’s ahead in 2026!

December 2025

Integrity in Action. Empowered by Purpose. Guided by Healing. Family in Fellowship.

We are officially halfway through our sixth year as a non-profit and have served over 700 veterans from most every state. We also note that we hosted a Canadian veteran who served in Iraq alongside one of our US guests, and a group from the Swedish Air Force, which, as a new NATO member, was training with and was the guest of the South Dakota Air Guard during a hunt. By the numbers, over half of our guests come from South Dakota, and all the branches of the military have been represented. We also host local and national veterans’ organizations, whose guests are not included in the number of veterans we have served since our inception. We have reached and impacted veterans and their circles of support beyond Parker, SD!

Through pheasant hunting, we introduce our guests to the healing power of the outdoors, while they quickly settle into the comfort, care, and peer-to-peer support of fellow veterans, guided by our trained Ambassadors and volunteer staff. The impact cannot be measured simply by metrics. As you read testimonials in many of our newsletters and social media posts, the impact lies in developing meaningful conversations and forming new relationships, all supported by the intentional, caring support of our ambassadors, and all of this is funded by our generous donors. Thanks for the generous support.

Mission Moment: Stories that Matter

National Veteran Hunt December 4-7, 2025

There are rare places I’ve shared my military experiences in the last 20 years. Wings of Valor was an exceptional environment. I drove home so energized and grateful for the volunteers, the experience, and the other veterans who attended and shared their stories. Saying thank you seems cheap, compared to how first class the event was and how we were treated. Thank you for ensuring faith was part of the event, and for making it possible for me to participate. John-Army

See More Hunt Photos Here

National Veteran Hunt December 18-21, 2025

The experience was something I did not know I needed. I went into the weekend with a lot of reservations on the whole veteran community thing. I had purposely avoided interactions over bitterness and my perception of my own veteran status. That changed by the end of the first day and was the most welcoming and moving experience I have ever had. They managed to provide an environment for meaningful and purposefully conversations that make us feel seen and heard as well a world class outdoor experience. I thank Wings Of Valor from the bottom of my heart for what I felt while there and for the change of perspective that the weekend gave me. - Steven, Army

Snapshot of the 2025 season

Veterans Hosted 160 - that would be a company in military terms.

Volunteer Hours 5792 -that’s over three years of 40-hour work weeks!

Volunteers on our roster: Over 100, 70% of whom are veterans.

Ambassadors: 17 – all are veterans who dedicate the entire weekend to our guests.

Hunts / Events Held 18. - We host a hunt every other weekend from September through March.

Meals Served 252 – All meals are made from scratch by volunteers!

Corporate Donors 32 - We are grateful that most have supported us since our very beginning! We encourage all our donors to participate in lodge events and see firsthand how their contributions impact our veterans.

Individual Donors: 78 We draw from this group to serve as volunteers, as well.

In just his second year volunteering with Wings of Valor Lodge, Mike Sunderman has already made a meaningful impact. Inspired after attending a presentation by Bruce and Dan, Mike knew he wanted to be part of something bigger—something that honored those who have served our country.

While Mike did not serve in the military himself.. His son is a proud 22-year U.S. Navy veteran, and that legacy of service fuels Mike’s commitment to giving back. Volunteering at the lodge, he says, is his way of saying thank you.

“Volunteering at the lodge is the most rewarding thing I have ever done,” Mike shares. “I’m constantly humbled by the gratitude of the veterans. They put their lives on the line for our country, and all I’m doing is serving lunch—it hardly compares.”

Mike’s humility, heart for service, and appreciation for our veterans embody the spirit of Wings of Valor Lodge. We are grateful for his time, his kindness, and the genuine respect he brings to every hunt day.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Calendar of Events:

January 15-18: Local Veteran Hunt
January 29-February1: Local Veteran Hunt
February 12-15: National Veteran Hunt
February 26-March 1: National Veteran Hunt
March 12-15: National FEMALE Veteran Hunt
March 19-22: National Veteran Hunt
March 26, 2026: Salute to Our Heroes Gala
- Text Heroes2026 to 76278
- https://Heroes2026.givesmart.com

CLICK THE BOX TO SIGN UP FOR UPCOMING HUNTS

DONOR SPOTLIGHT - CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Support the Mission

Your generosity ensures we can continue offering life-changing experiences to those who have served.

Ways to Support:

Become a monthly donor
Sponsor a veteran experience
Volunteer your time
Share our mission with others

Become a Recurring Monthly Donor

Thank You for Standing With Us

Every message you read, every story you share, and every gift you give strengthens the mission of Wings of Valor Lodge. We are deeply grateful for your continued belief in what we do.

With appreciation,
The Wings of Valor Lodge Team