Meritorious

Meritorious runs Veterans, Guns & Cigars—a shooting competition and networking event that brings together active duty personnel, transitioning veterans, National Guard and Reservists, business executives, and professional shooters. The formula: pistol, rifle, and shotgun competitions, plus cigars, drinks, dinner, and real business networking. No participation trophies—first place winners take home a firearm provided by sponsors.

Each event runs full-day at private facilities like 66 Mountain Retreat near La Grange, Wyoming. Guests are assigned to squads of ~25 people, rotating through three shooting stations:

• •Pistol Range (50 yard)
• •Rifle Range (100 yard)
• •Shotgun Range (2000m)

Competitions are managed by trained personnel with FFL on-site to handle firearm transfers to winners. Pistols and 9mm are provided for those who don't bring their own firearms and ammo.

Ticket prices vary by category (Active Duty request, Business Professionals, National Guard/Reservists, New Shooters). All tickets include:

• •Full day range access and facility use
• •Guns and ammunition
• •Open range time
• •Custom pistol, carbine, and rifle competitions
• •Coffee and light bites on arrival
• •Dinner and drinks
• •Cigars
• •Awards ceremony
• •Networking with other attendees

Military spouses and novice shooters can opt into the New Shooter Program instead of competing—no shooting experience required.

Guests can book overnight accommodations at 66 Mountain Retreat. Options include the Round House, Bunk House, Writers Cabin, and Hunting House, starting at $200/night. Most attendees report wishing they'd stayed over after the full day of shooting.

Meritorious launched in one state two years ago and now operates in 8 states. The mission: reach all gun-loving states within five years. Events connect executives who served 20 years ago with today's Tier 1 operators and everyone in between.

Ticket sales and donations fund sponsorships for transitioning veterans. In 2023, Meritorious sponsored 200+ veterans to attend events, focusing on improving well-being, quality of life, and career placement. The organization collaborates with chambers of commerce and economic development councils to connect veteran talent with hiring companies.

Beyond the shooting events, Meritorious operates an on-demand business networking platform (desktop and mobile—Apple and Android). The app enables:

• •B2B and B2C networking
• •Mentorship connections
• •Career search and recruitment
• •Virtual and in-person event coordination
• •Direct outreach to active duty, transitioning veterans, and military spouses
• •Nonprofit collaboration on military support initiatives

• •Mentor Connect runs virtual events alongside in-person shoots, bridging veterans and military spouses with executives and business owners year-round.

"We're More Than a Competition. We Are an Ecosystem."

Meritorious addresses a real gap: financial, legal, and tech barriers make it hard for organizations to reach military populations effectively. Their gated community model integrates mentorship, tracks meaningful analytics, and increases engagement for stakeholders.

Sponsors include Smith & Wesson, Davidson's, Hyperion Munitions, and other tactical brands. Winners receive actual firearms and the latest tactical products—not generic trophies. The organization actively recruits corporate sponsors and accepts in-kind donations for demos and raffles.

• •Corporate Sponsorship: Sponsor a state or nationwide with ROI including on-site visibility, social media campaigns, and PR outreach.

• •Sponsor an Honored Shooter: $125 gives one veteran or military spouse full event access plus private mentorship.

• •In-Kind Donations: Send the latest gear for demos, competitions, raffles, or online auctions.

• •Fundraising: Create individual or company fundraising pages in two minutes.

Meritorious operates across 8 states with La Grange/Cheyenne, Wyoming as a key hub (66 Mountain Retreat, 2065 Rd 51, La Grange, WY 82221). The organization also serves Denver, Colorado and markets to Wyoming statewide.

• •---

• •Founded on a simple idea: America's veterans and military-connected professionals deserve spaces where they can compete, network, build careers, and find mentorship—all in an environment that respects who they are.