Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Quantico Injured Military Sportsmen’s Association, headquartered at Marine Corps Base Quantico, is the 2015 recipient of The Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award.

The prestigious award, which will be present on Oct. 16 at the Pentagon, is given to organizations whose patriotism and service to troops reflects that of the late comedic actor, Bob Hope.

QIMSA provides outdoor adventures to support injured veterans. Each year volunteers venture shoulder-to-shoulder into the woodlands aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico to promote hope within the ill and injured.

The award solidifies all the efforts and hard work of QIMSA volunteers, industry professionals and local community members who provide funding and resources.

Additionally, this award shows sponsors that their generosity and kindness has made a huge impact toward the wounded warriors that we support, said QIMSA President Fred Salo.

Since 2003, The Natural Resources and Environment Branch aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico have provided special hunting areas to maximize the opportunity for successful harvesting by the wounded warriors.

Contributions and assistance from industry partners also ensure the non-profit organization can provide veterans with a treasured experience. A myriad of donated hunting equipment includes: weapons, ammunition, outdoor apparel, food, and hunting equipment. Donations are a tremendous added value to the program; but most importantly the volunteers that makes this all come together, said Salo.

Salo visits many wounded warriors in military hospitals throughout the National Capital Region and believes that he can support the rehabilitation of injured veterans through the program.

“Our number one goal is to no longer have wounded warriors. This would mean no more veterans are injured in combat. However, we will continue to support our brave troops until there are no more injured,” he said.

According to Salo, many wounded veterans have physical or mental hurdles they have to overcome when spending time outdoors. Showing veterans it’s possible to do those things they use to do helps them to understand their potential.

QIMSA also invites high-profile politicians, senior military leaders, and celebrities on the hunts to further remind the warrior their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Base commander, Col. Joseph Murray is one of many QIMSA volunteers who work behind the scenes to support our wounded, ill and injured. “Our wounded, ill and injured have given a lot for our freedom. In my mind, to give back to them is warranted. They have suffered greatly to serve our country,” said Murray. “I feel personal gratification that Quantico offers a sportsman club that goes above and beyond to give back.”

The ceremony to present the award will be conducted at the Pentagon on Oct. 16. For more information on QIMSA please visit www.qimsa.org.

— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com