WYOMING – The early morning fog was just lifting over the Wyoming prairie when young Cooper stood tall, just four feet four inches, but armed with surprising knowledge and an even bigger spirit. “Because I’m an American, sir,” Cooper said confidently, reciting the ballistics of a 6.5PRC round during a safety briefing. For his father, a veteran, and the Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation (RMHF), moments like this are what make their mission so meaningful.
A mission born from experience and family
Founded in 2021 by veteran and lifelong hunter Brian “Sol” Soliday, alongside Floyd “Doc” Holliday and retired Army Command Sergeant Major Dale Veneklasen, RMHF exists to create unforgettable hunting and fishing opportunities which bring veterans and their children closer.
“Since 2010, I’d been organizing veteran and Purple Heart hunts,” Soliday explained. “But I noticed a gap when youth hunts weren’t supported by some nonprofits. Doc, Dale and I decided to start RMHF to focus on building strong bonds between veterans and their kids.”
How RMHF works
Veterans can register online at rmheroes.org/heroes-registration and choose hunts tailored to their families. RMHF offers a variety of hunts, elk, pronghorn, turkey and even a special bison hunt in northern Wyoming most of which are primarily on private lands.
Hunts typically last a day for youth or a weekend for veterans, often including multiple generations.
“Many kids have had cold, unsuccessful hunts before,” Soliday said. “We secure private land and special state permits to give these kids exclusive, memorable experiences.”
Beyond the hunt
For many families, RMHF’s hunts are more than just outdoor trips, they’re moments which heal and strengthen family ties. Cooper’s pronghorn hunt, for example, was the highlight of his year.
“We get handwritten thank you notes from the kids,” Soliday shared, “and I keep every single one.”
These shared experiences ripple through families and communities, with stories and shared meals fostering veteran pride and connection. RMHF’s work has also drawn support from local organizations and donors, further fueling their mission.
Community support powers the mission
RMHF relies on a network of volunteer guides, generous landowners, donors and partnerships with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Wyoming Game and Fish. Locals can help by donating, offering land access, or volunteering as guides.
“We’re always looking for people who want to help veterans and their families create lifelong memories,” Soliday said. “It’s a simple way to make a big impact.”
Looking ahead
Since its founding, RMHF has served 180 veterans and families and plans 23 youth and 23 veteran hunts for 2025. The foundation’s guiding philosophy remains clear: to build lasting bonds between veterans, active-duty military, and their families through the outdoors.
Veterans and families interested in reconnecting can learn more and sign up at rmheroes.org.
For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit rmheroes.org or contact Brian Soliday at sol@rmheros.org or 303-250-5537.
