Veterans Committee
Veterans Committee
Honoring Those Who Serve
Recognizing and honoring the heroes who risk their lives for our freedoms has always been a core tradition at SCI Foundation. Through our Veterans Programs, we pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice in meaningful ways.
Here are a few examples of activities centered around veterans that the SCIF Veteran’s Committee supports:
Veterans Breakfast
Each year, at the SCI Convention the SCIF Veterans Committee and Trijicon host a Free Veteran’s Breakfast honoring veterans.
A powerful gathering of veterans and supporters came together for the 2026 Veterans Breakfast , hosted by the SCI Foundation’s Veterans Committee. Attendees included SCIF President‑Elect John Colglazier, SCIF Combat Veteran of the Year Kyle Tripp, keynote speaker Major General (Ret.) Mark O’Neil, Congressman August Pfluger, and partners from Trijicon and Union Hill Hunting.
SCIF Chapter Awards
Each year, SCIF and the SCIF Veterans Committee recognize chapters for sponsoring activities for Veterans and their families. Awards are given out during the Veterans Breakfast at the SCI Convention.
The following SCI Chapters received awards at the 2026 Veterans Breakfast:
- Alamo City
- Gateway, Lehigh
- Mid Atlantic
- Alaska
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Music City
The Alaska Chapter was also recognized with the Veterans Eagle award for going above and beyond.
If you would like your Chapter to be recognized, request a nomination packet. This includes the application, details of veteran projects or donations of $1000 or more in support of veteran projects by your chapter in 2026.
Request a packet from:
Armando Gutierrez
[email protected]
SCIF Combat Veteran Hunt
Recipient Kyle Tripp – President of the Alaska Chapter
Kyle served as an Army Combat Veteran Active Duty Feb 2004-Jun 2024. Kyle valiantly served his country over repeated deployments and willingness to put himself in harms way for our freedom.
Recipient of Bronze Star, Meritorious Serves Medal (3), Ranger Tab, Army Commendation Medal (5), Army Achievement Medal (3), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2), Meritorious Unit Award (3), Army Good Conduct Award (6), National Defense Service, Iraq Campaign Star (5), Global War On Terrorism, Korea Defense Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Overseas Service Ribbon (3), NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge w.Rifle Bar
In 2025, a Natural Disaster affected tribes in Alaska. Kyle arranged hunts to feed the tribes during their time of need.
Kyle received a 3-day, 2-night Axis deer hunt in September 2026 donated by Union Hill Ranch in Kopperl, TX, for one hunter and one non-hunter.
SCIF Veterans Committee Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is considered hallowed ground in the United States. It is the final resting place for numerous U.S. presidents, heads of state, military officers and dignitaries.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a sacred memorial site at the center of Arlington National Cemetery and one of the most iconic memorials in the nation. The neoclassical, white marble tomb stands atop a hill overlooking Washington, D.C.
Since 1921, it has provided a final resting place for one of America’s unidentified World War I service members, and Unknowns from later wars were added in 1958 and 1984. The Tomb also serves as a place of mourning and a site for reflection on military service.
Contact
To learn more about SCIF’s Veterans programs, how you can get involved, or to make a donation, complete the form or contact:
Armando Gutierrez
[email protected]
