Veterans Sports Mens Association

The Veterans Sportsmens Association (VSA) is a federally recognized 501c3 nonprofit based in Poughkeepsie, New York, built entirely by volunteer veterans and civilians committed to honoring service through action. Every dollar raised goes directly to local veterans, active duty military, National Guard, Reserves, and their families.

The VSA runs a full suite of firearms instruction:

• •NRA Certified Courses: NYS Pistol Permit Safety Course (18 hours classroom + range qualification), NRA Basic Rifle Course, NRA Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course, Introduction to Precision Rifle Shooting
• •Law Enforcement Training: NRA LE Instructor Development Schools in Precision Scoped Rifle (Oct 28-Nov 1, 2024) and Handgun/Shotgun Instructor certification (June 23-27, 2025)
• •Civilian Response Training: CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) provided free to nonprofits, schools, and churches. Grant-funded equipment for Force on Force, Active Shooter Response, and Suicidal Subject Response training
• •Precision Rifle Events: Regular precision rifle shoots at partner locations including Tommy Gun Warehouse in Greeley, PA and KAHR Arms facilities

• •ShredVets - Free skiing and snowboarding for Hudson Valley veterans at local mountains including Thunder Ridge and Windham ski areas. The program emphasizes snow sports therapy as a healing modality for veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

• •Team River Runner Hudson Valley - The VSA partnered with Team River Runner (the nation's largest adaptive and therapeutic paddling program for veterans) to launch HV TRR Chapter in 2025. All watersports programming including kayaking, canoeing, and adaptive equipment training is free for disabled veterans and active-duty service members. Programs operate across the tri-state area along the Delaware River and between NYC and Albany.

• •Wappingers Creek Water Derby - The VSA restarted this historic canoe and kayak race in 2025 after a 6-year hiatus. Originally begun in 1970 by WWII submarine veterans, the 2025 race marked the 50th running. The event runs the last Saturday in April from Pleasant Valley through LaGrange to Poughkeepsie's Greenvale Park.

• •Whiskey, Bourbon & BBQ: Annual fundraiser (September) benefiting Hudson Valley Honor Flight, featuring local NY and veteran-owned distilleries, breweries, wineries, cideries, and live music. Free admission for active duty military
• •Let Freedom Ring: Machine gun shoots and outdoor events
• •Veterans Day Dinner & Turkey Shoot: November events at partner ranges
• •Fishing Events: Spring and summer outings for veterans
• •Wappingers Creek Clean Up: Regular environmental restoration efforts
• •Raffle Events: Custom 1911 pistols donated by KAHR ARMS (Liberty and Revolution models)

The VSA partners with premium facilities:

VSA-PA launched in 2024 in the Poconos region, expanding the nonprofit's reach across northeast Pennsylvania with regional training events and social programming.

All VSA members are 100% unpaid volunteers. The organization accepts: - Monetary donations (one-time, monthly, or yearly) - Stock donations through StockDonator platform - Emergency supplies and equipment donations

"Veterans Serving Veterans" - the VSA's core principle manifested through tactical training, outdoor therapy, community connection, and direct financial support for local heroes.

Office Location: 1335 Route 44, Suite 1, Pleasant Valley, NY

Proud Member: National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)