What is Honor Tribe Outdoors?

How Does it Help Local Veterans?

Let’s Go! Fairhope reached out to Honor Tribe Outdoors founder and CEO Brad LeBlanc to learn more about the fundraising event at Oak Hollow on July 28, 2024 as well as Honor Tribe Outdoors (HTO).

LeBlanc, a graduate of Fairhope High School ’00, said he founded HTO as a resource to help combat veterans and Gold Star Families navigate life after the military.

This USO (United Service Organizations) article does not mince words when it comes to the topic: “No one wants to be a Gold Star Family. The title, which is reserved for families of military members who have died in the line of duty, is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief and continued healing.”

A Fairhope native, LeBlanc explained that he decided to partner with a friend in Texas who owns a 9K-acre ranch to co-found Honor Tribe Outdoors after LeBlanc completed his military service. They now organize hunting trips, trail rides, side-by-side adventures and more at the ranch, along with fishing trips and other outdoors expeditions here on the Gulf Coast in order to support local veterans and military families.

“In the military, there is a common mission, a common goal,” said LeBlanc. “Life after the military can feel different. Veterans are back out into society and it can sometimes feel difficult to navigate. Honor Tribe Outdoors gets families together and creates opportunities to gather, support each other, and feel at home again,” explained LeBlanc.

“The magic happens around the campfire, and of course food always brings people together,” said LeBlanc. “We mentor people through what they are going through, the group often serves as a family,” he added.

This marks the second season of Honor Tribe Outdoors adventures. LeBlanc said the group gained their 501c status and is planning a deep sea fishing trip out of Orange Beach later this month in addition to the July 28 event at Oak Hollow. They also organize kayaking and fly-fishing events. “So far we have taken over 100 veterans and families out on trips” said LeBlanc.

Mental health is a priority for the organization which connects individuals and families with resources and others who have gone through something similar. They strive to recreate the feeling of a common mission and goals experienced in the military.

The event at Oak Hollow on July 28 is free to attend, and plates are just $12 each. If you are unable to attend but would like to support the cause, you can donate as little or as much as you’d like on the website, via PayPal or Venmo, and/or learn more or get involved: Honor Tribe Outdoors website at honortribeoutdoors.org, HTO on Facebook, email Brad LeBlanc at brad@honortribeoutdoors.org or call Brad at 719-244-1981.

“Whether you are a veteran seeking camaraderie and healing, a Gold Star Family in search of connection, or a supporter who understands the power of our mission, there is a place for you in our tribe.” – Honor Tribe Outdoors

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