Dallas – October 06, 2026 -- The 13th Annual Great Americans Shoot raised $2.4 million for Special Forces Trust, funding mental health care and family support programs for Green Berets.
Held October 2–4 in the Dallas area, the event brought together 25 teams pairing civilian supporters with members of the nation's Special Operations Forces. A clay-target competition took place Saturday at Dallas Gun Club in Lewisville, followed by a multi-gun competition Sunday at Extreme Tactical Gun Club in Waxahachie. Representatives of Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders and Air Force Combat Controllers attended.
Funds will expand access to mental health care and crisis support
Money raised will support Special Forces Trust programs that provide mental health care, crisis assistance and opportunities for military families to reconnect. "Our Green Berets have carried the weight of service for decades, and their families have carried it alongside them," said Jodi Burns, CEO of Special Forces Trust, adding that the funds will help the Trust respond when the community needs support most.
Beyond the Battlefield offers anonymous therapy access
A central piece of the Trust's work is Beyond the Battlefield, its mental health, operational stress management and suicide prevention platform. Green Berets can request therapy using an anonymous identification number, with one-on-one sessions and peer support available. The Trust also connects those with more intensive needs to treatment and organizes hunting, fishing and other shared experiences to build camaraderie.
Family programs reach spouses and children
THRIVE programs offer spouses gatherings, workshops and resources addressing deployment and military life, while STRIVE programs provide activities for children. Mettle and Moxie family weekends give service members and their families chances to reconnect while learning approaches to physical, emotional and mental challenges tied to service.
Founder's inspiration traces to a 2011 web series
The Great Americans Shoot was founded by Mike Reynolds, an Austin native and descendant of the Kleberg family associated with King Ranch. Reynolds told The Dallas Morning News the event has raised approximately $20 million over the years. This year's gathering drew supporters from Texas, Arizona, Florida, California, New Jersey and Connecticut. Reynolds said his inspiration grew from meeting military participants through the 2011 online series Maximum Warrior, which led him to create a way for civilians to express gratitude through direct action and personal connection.
A masquerade ball in Arlington offers another way to give
Supporters can continue backing the cause at the Hope & Purpose Masquerade Ball on October 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, which benefits Beyond the Battlefield directly. Individual tickets range from $125 to $250, with tables priced at $1,800, and sponsorships remain available.