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| United Special Sportsman Alliance, Inc. [USSA] is a 501-C3 Non-profit "dream wish" granting charity, that specializes in sending critically ill and disabled youth on the outdoor adventure of their dreams! USSA adventures give our youth, something to look forward to, and help sustain them in their time of need! Families are whisked away from the mundane, man-made world of hospitals, and high medical bills by giving them a place of peace to focus on the quality of life, family ties, and the wonders of our natural world! USSA is composed of a 100% volunteer staff from all walks of life; Bonded together by a common love for our fellow mankind and a deep respect and appreciation of our worlds natural resources. By working cooperatively with caring "Adventure" donors; as well as generous individual and corporate sponsors, USSA has made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of children and their families. The public's image of all sportsmen is enhanced, through this valuable community service and new lifelong friendships are made! To learn more about USSA read on
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Prologue: A "Square Deal "
"In utilizing and conserving the natural resources of the nation, the one characteristic more essential than others is foresight….The conservation of our natural resources and proper use constitute the fundamental problem which underlies almost every other problem of our national life" Teddy Roosevelt address to National Editorial Association, Jamestown , VA. June 10, 1907 |
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As the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt made conservation an important issue of his administration. He created four Big Game Refuges, five National Parks, the National Forest Service, and fifty-one National Bird Reservations. Roosevelt was a staunch advocate for the protection and management of our nation's wild game, for the preservation of wild lands, open spaces, and the proper, sustainable use of the nation's natural resources. The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation League bears his name today. President Roosevelt believed America's natural resources to be a critical source of American society's character and wealth. Roosevelt believed conservationism in itself to be an essential democratic movement, necessary to maintain and to strengthen our democratic country. President Roosevelt touted the merits of a "Square Deal" for every American. In a speech to the New York State Fair September 7, 1903, President Roosevelt said ""Let the watchwords of all our people be the old familiar watchwords of honesty, decency, fair-dealing, and commonsense."... "We must treat each man on his worth and merits as a man. We must see that each is given a square deal, because he is entitled to no more and should receive no less. "The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us." At USSA, President Roosevelt's belief in a Square Deal and dedication to conservation live on, and are as valid today as when they were spoken!
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| I. Introduction: Meet our charity |
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| The United Special Sportsman Alliance, Inc. [USSA] is a 501(C) 3 non for profit "dream-wish" granting charity that specializes in sending children with life threatening illnesses and disabled youth on the outdoor adventure of their dreams! News announcements in the medical community are full of unexplained, miraculous remissions and recoveries of patients that remain upbeat and hopeful in their battle with a disease. Science continues to marvel at the unexplained "healing" phenomena we call the power of prayer. A "holistic approach", where a patient's "mind and outlook" is treated as well as their disease, is gaining acceptance nation wide. USSA adventures give patients something to look forward to; and help sustain them in their time of need! Families are whisked away from the mundane, man-made world of hospitals, and medical bills by giving them a place of peace to focus on the quality of life and family ties. We hope to help empower all Americans to pursue their life long dream of an outdoor adventure. |
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USSA is composed of a 100% volunteer staff from all walks of life, bonded together by a common love for our fellow mankind and a deep respect and appreciation of our world's natural resources. By working cooperatively with caring donors like land owners, preserve owners, ranches, outfitters, fishing lodge operators, boat owners, and campground owners; USSA is able to coordinate a true life adventure for everyone. Generous corporate and individual sponsors (through membership) help pay the associated expenses incurred by the recipient while attending the dream wish adventure. Together this strong team structure has allowed USSA to grant over 2,500 dream adventures to these special people since September 2000, and the number keeps growing rapidly each year.
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| On behalf of USSA, I would like to thank you for your interest in our charity and would encourage you to further enjoy your visit to the official USSA web site. |
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| May God Bless You! |
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| Brigid O'Donoghue |
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| President and Founder, USSA |
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| USSA Constitution |
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| Any successful organization needs a document which sets out the fundamental laws and code of conduct the organization will strictly adhere to. The United States Constitution is one of the most important national documents and guarantees a level of equal justice for all that is unprecedented in the history of mankind. By reading our USSA constitution, you will get a detailed look into our charities operating philosophy and be assured of the character of those involved in the day to day operations.
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| I. | We believe in the God-given, dignity, inherent value, and equality of all mankind. |
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| a) | All humans regardless of gender, race, religion, age, creed, or physical, mental, economic, and emotional conditions; were created and remain equal throughout their lifetime. Any discrimination whatsoever will not be tolerated. |
| b) | Every recipient, family, sponsor, donor, or associated will be treated with the utmost care and respect in accordance with the principles of love, respect, and generosity set down in our Christianity belief system. |
| c) | We believe in mankind's God-given dominion over the world's animals. Humans have both a right and responsibly to use and care for the world's natural resources. |
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| II. | We acknowledge our world's natural resources as a priceless, irreplaceable gift to the entire world's people. |
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| a) | Conservation and sound management of both our renewable and non-renewable natural resources is of utmost importance for the wellbeing and survival of the human race. |
| b) | Our fish, game, and forest resources respond positively to scientifically valid management principles. |
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| III. | We believe there is a great appreciation of our natural world etched in each of our hearts and an unquenchable desire to experience it personally. |
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| a) | All people regardless of the challenges they may face in life, should have the opportunity to experience our nation's outdoor heritage. |
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| IV. | We acknowledge the indisputable positive role of hunting, fishing, and firearm ownership in our nation's history. |
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| a) | We support ALL constituently guaranteed rights and liberties, and stand firmly behind our second amendment rights. |
| b) | We recognize the important role our fish and game resource has in feeding our nation's people. |
| c) | We encourage all states to pass a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the citizens the right to hunt and fish. |
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| V. | We believe the family is a unit created and blessed by God. We affirm the importance of the family as an American institution. Strong, positive family values are essential for the long term survival of our nation. |
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| The Vision |
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 Much notable advancement in civilized society begins with a concept in the conscious and imagination of man. The late Dr. Martin Luther King began one of his famous speeches with the words "I have a dream". Dr. King's dream of equality for all is still alive, thriving and relevant today.
Although not as wide in scope as Dr. King's dream, U.S.S.A.'s vision is focused primarily upon equality for all Americans in the pursuit of their outdoor sports heritage. Through participation in outdoor sports, family bonds will be strengthened, new friendships made, and a deep appreciation of our natural world will be cultivated! Challenged Americans will be encouraged to leave the traditional mundane boundaries of their bedrooms and hospital rooms to challenge the outdoors at a pace they can handle and enjoy! |
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| Our Goals |
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| 1. | To grant children with life threatening illnesses, disabilities and challenged youths the outdoor adventure of their dreams. |
| 2. | To promote and protect the rights of all Americans to participate and enjoy our national outdoor heritage. |
| 3. | To promote principles of conservation and sound Natural Resource management. |
| 4. | To help the general public better understand the numerous difficulties and challenges critically ill and disabled Americans must face on a daily basis. |
| a. To help re-integrate these special Americans back into normal, everyday life. |
| 5. | To help empower all challenged Americans to follow their dreams of living an exciting life in the great outdoors. |
| 6. | To enhance the general non-hunting/fishing public's image of hunters and fisherman by ushering in a "New Era of Sportsmanship" and provide a valuable community service by raising public awareness of important conservation issues and topics. |
| 7. | To promote and encourage greater hunting and fishing recruitment from all segments of society. |
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| Our Mission |
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With our vision and goals firmly in sight, USSA takes aim at the numerous obstacles in the way of accomplishing these goals. The USSA mission requires a comprehensive, well-thought out game plan to bring the mission to a successful conclusion. Lofty goals are great, but there must be a focused plan to make our vision a reality to the nation's people. Like it or not, the long-term survival of our hunting and fishing heritage will probably depend on:
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| 1. | Sportsman recruitment from all segments of society. |
| 2. | Beginning sport hunting and fishing recruitment of all our youth at a younger age. |
| 3. | Increased firearm safety education and awareness to help reduce accidents. |
| 4. | Increased public awareness of the sportsman's vital role in Natural Resource Management and financing. |
| 5. | Increase public awareness of the role of fish and game in feeding our nation's people. |
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The following strategies are necessary for a successful completion of USSA's mission.
| A. | Effective Communication with all disability related organizations - is essential to finding people who qualify for a dream wish AND providing a safe, healthy, and fulfilling experience for the recipient. Doctors know the limitations of their patients best. |
| B. | Coordinate and cooperate with all wish granting charities - Coordination always provides efficiencies and economies of scale that solo efforts cannot hope to match! The important point is that the wish gets granted to the youth, not who granted it, and gets the credit. Organizations that operate in unity can provide the resource pool and "critical mass" to see a goal to a successful conclusion. |
| C. | Coordinate with our adventure Donors, to help assure a quality experience for all involved - Our landowners, ranchers, outfitters, preserve owners, fishing lodge operators, boat owners, and campground owners seem to get as much out of these experiences as the youth and the family! Family ties are strengthened, and lifelong friends are made. |
| D. | Appreciate and thank our Sponsors and Donors for their involvement - Donors and sponsors are the lifeblood of any charity. All too often, kind and generous donations are left "un-acknowledged". Spreading the word about the character and compassion of our sponsors will allow the general public to make informed choices about the quality of the company or organization they are dealing with. |
| E. | Communicate effectively with all media sources- Any "great story" needs an audience to hear it in order for its subject to have any positive effect on society. A working relationship with all media sources is essential to reaching a broad, diverse audience, which in turn will help promote an enlightened, caring public image and prompt us all to take affirmative, effective action. |
| I hope this introduction will encourage you to read further and meet the USSA "team" that helps make this concept a reality. |
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II. The Team - Meet our people.
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Any team is only as good as the people who make up its roster, and our charitable organization is no exception! The standards are high at USSA, and we pick people who above all, have a genuine commitment to the special people and the natural resources served by our charity. Additionally, a true commitment to and understanding of our national outdoor heritage is a must for all members of the board, committee members, and management team. Each individual contributes their own unique blend of abilities and areas of expertise for a common good. The end result is a truly rewarding and effective outdoor sport wish granting charity!
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USSA is fortunate to have a highly qualified "Board of Directors" to help oversee the management and direction of USSA. Throughout their years of experience in a wide range of fields, they help establish sound operating policies and lend great insight and input on major charity issues. Our board is committed to the principles of respect, compassion, and equality set forth in our USSA constitution. The board's code of ethics serves as a code of conduct for association volunteers and staff in their capacity as board members. Members of the board affirm their endorsement of the code and acknowledge their commitment to uphold its principles and obligations by accepting and retaining membership on the board without receiving any source of income from U.S.S.A.
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A. USSA Board of Directors
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| 1. Pete Normington | Chairman of the Board | BIO. |
| 2. Brigid O'Donoghue | Vice Chairman | BIO. |
| 3. Troy Jens | Member | BIO. |
| 4. Gene Schoonveld | Member | BIO. |
| 5. Joel Espe | Member | BIO. |
| 6. John Olig | Member | BIO. |
| 7. Eric Badofsky | Member | BIO. |
| 8. Lynne Graham | Member | BIO. |
| 9. Walt Smith | Member | BIO. |
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Successful executions of day to day operations are important for a smooth running charity. Since USSA is operated by 100% volunteer labor, it is crucial to place motivated individuals in these positions since financial compensation isn't possible. Working cooperatively with the Board and Advisory Council, a high level of efficiency is achieved which results in our nations challenged sportsmen have their dreams come true on a daily basis!
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B. USSA Major Operating Officers
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| 1. Brigid O'Donoghue | President and Founder | BIO. |
| 2. Joel Espe | Vice President | BIO. |
| 3. Walt Smith | Financial Advisor | BIO. |
| 4. Pete Normington | Business Advisor | BIO. |
| 5. Ron Johnson | Business Advisor | BIO. |
| 6. Annette Johnson | Communications Director | BIO. |
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In order to maximize creativity and unleash the charities potential, an "Advisory Council" helps enlighten board members on topics and issues in their particular area and field of expertise. Although they don't vote, their role is very important in keeping ideas fresh and operations running smoothly.
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C. USSA Advisory Council
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| Field of expertise | |
| 1. Debbie Curzio | Public Relations | BIO. |
| 2. Michael Clark | Feeding the Hungry | BIO. |
| 3. Jim McFarlane | Hunt Coordination | BIO. |
| 4. Clay Dyer | Fishing Topics & Issues | BIO. |
| 5. Michael Betters | Financial Advisor/Acct. | BIO. |
| 6. Lee McDonald | Hound Hunting Advisor. | BIO. |
| 7. Tom Mijal | Turkey Hunting Advisor. | BIO. |
| 8. Sean Timmons | Pheasant Hunting Advisor | BIO. |
| 9. Debbie Campbell | Children Advisor | BIO. |
| 10. John Mozingo | Children Advisor | BIO. |
| 11. Michael Olson | Advisor | BIO. |
| 12. Nick Foppiano | Fishing and Hunting Advisor | BIO. |
| 13. Micah Slaughter | Hunt Director and Public Relations | BIO. |
| 14. Lee McClendon Jr | Fishing Guide and Public Speaker | BIO. |
| 15. Ron Johnson | Public Relations & Media | BIO. |
| 16. Dallas Hawkins | Advisor | BIO. |
| 17. Scott Heinrich | Exotic Wildlife Hunting Advisor | BIO. |
| 18. Teresa Lindsey | Family Support Advisor | BIO. |
| 19. Pam Dore | Children Advisor | BIO. |
| 20. Perry Powell | Advisor | BIO. |
| 21. Jeremy Hage | Taxidermy Advisor | BIO. |
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In the day-to-day operations of USSA, there are a significant number of young people who really take hold and lend a helping hand in the operation of USSA. All too often, today's youth are criticized for being a selfish generation. We feel that is not a fair and accurate assessment and that these young people deserve recognition for their unselfish contributions to the welfare of those less fortunate. As a young person community service and involvement is an important part of anyone's résumé. Get involved now!
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D. USSA Youth Outdoor Leaders
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| Andrew Klein | BIO. | | Cory Graham | BIO. |
| Eric Cory | BIO. | | Kenneth Allington | BIO. |
| Kyle Wyss | BIO. | | Lindsey Allington | BIO. |
| Luke Hammond | BIO. | | Matt Normington | BIO. |
| Miles Miller | BIO. | | Scott Normington | BIO. |
| Shaina Reed | BIO. | | Wes Normington | BIO. |
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Last, but certainly not least, this group of people is one of our favorite! They were our first teachers. They took care of us when we were sick. They fed us and consoled us when we were down. We all have one. Yes, we are talking about mothers. These caring individuals don't see what kind of suit you're wearing; they see your heart and soul. They work tirelessly behind the scenes volunteering for a wide variety of duties.
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We would like to acknowledge these special mothers, and their important roles in supporting USSA, its children, and its community service mission! THANK YOU ALL, from the bottom of our heart!!!
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E. USSA Humanitarian Committee
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| Frieda O'Donoghue | BIO. | | Tracey Hewison | BIO. |
| Norma Normington | BIO. | | Rebecca Wyatt | BIO. |
| Faith Connell | BIO. | | Carol Cory | BIO. |
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If you would like to get involved in any aspect of USSA with volunteer assistance Click Here
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