The Armed Forces Initiative is more than just a community; just like the flag we salute, it's a tapestry woven with the threads of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Within our ranks, you will find veterans, active-duty personnel, reservists, National Guard members, and retirees - individuals who have dedicated anywhere from four to 40 years of their lives in service to their nation. It sets us apart, and it's what makes our community truly unique.

We share a common bond through our affiliation with this incredible organization, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and, more specifically, through our membership in the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers program, the Armed Forces Initiative. This bond unites us as a community of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who hold a profound connection to the wilderness, nurtured through the crucible of military service. We are a community that has borne witness to the world's darkest moments and solemnly raised our right hands in defense against evil. Now, we are presented with an extraordinary opportunity: to channel that same dedication towards a cause greater than ourselves - the preservation of our wild places and the creatures that call them home.

Every one of us, regardless of the generation we hail from, answered a call greater than ourselves when we donned the uniform. It's this very call that fuels the selfless sacrifices that define our military community. Many of us have endured conflicts and witnessed unspeakable horrors. Many carry scars, both visible and hidden deep within. But what never ceases to inspire me is our indomitable spirit. Regardless of how dire the circumstances, we always muster the strength to rise and move towards the chaos. Some might romanticize us as the guardians of the flock, the sheepdogs who stand watch, but the truth is, we are the ones who willingly shoulder the responsibility.

Yet, transitioning to civilian life often presents challenges for many of us. This is where the Armed Forces Initiative shines, and it's the members of our community who truly make it special. While we may no longer wear the uniform, the burning desire to serve still courses through our veins. We may no longer march into battle, but the sound of chaos persists, albeit in a different form - the need to advocate for our wild places, wildlife, and public land access. We've exchanged rifles for new weapons, weapons dedicated to conservation. With these tools, we've embarked on a new mission, a mission grounded in selfless service. In this way, we remain warriors, but now, we are conservation warriors.

Consider this a call to action - a call to stand up and get involved. There are countless ways to contribute. Whether it's writing a blog post, engaging with legislators through emails, or participating in a public land cleanup, every effort counts. Maybe it's about mobilizing your local community to join us as members of the Armed Forces Initiative. Perhaps it's taking people out into the great outdoors - guiding them on a hike, a hunt, or a fishing expedition. It's about revealing the wonders of our wild places and explaining why it's crucial to conserve these areas and protect the remarkable wildlife that calls them home. We have the power to showcase to the world just how significant our public lands are for veterans and the profound healing they offer to those who have sacrificed so much, not only for our nation but for others worldwide.

Our engagement needs to extend across our nation, whether at the state level or within our military installations. I recently came across the book "Silent Spring Revolution," which delves into the third wave of conservation in the 1960s and 1970s. I strongly encourage each and every one of you to read it, for it reminds us that it's time for the fourth wave, and we can be the leaders who usher it in. Our motto is "giving veterans a new mission in conservation," and it's a mission we are uniquely suited for. We are unafraid of pain, unafraid to get our hands dirty, and unafraid of failure. In the end, we may lose some battles, but we will not rest until we've won the war. Yes, protecting these wild places we love is a decades-long endeavor, but it's a battle worth entering the arena for. We are warriors, conservation warriors, with a mission to safeguard our wild landscapes for the generations yet to come.