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P.O. Box 1586 Boone, NC 28607
huntersheroes2013@gmail.com
 Randy CollinsJames Randall, “Randy” Collins tragically passed away Thursday afternoon, August 30, 2018. While in Boone, he served as Chief of Watauga County Rescue for 26 years. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” This is just one of the many thoughts that describe a man that had a servant’s heart. The proceeds from our Memorial Run and celebration will be given to the Randy Collins Athletic Training Scholarship-Yosef Club. |  Sergeant Dillon BaldridgeSergeant Dillon C. Baldridge was killed in action in Afghanistan on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Dillon was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. Proceeds from the 2017 Memorial Run were donated to the mission of the Blue Star Mothers of the High Country and The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, offering support to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one. |  Ben ChappellBen Chappell, a retired NC State Trooper lost his life in a plane crash on April 25, 2016. Ben worked as an NC State Trooper for over 25 years. Anita, Chappell’s wife, and their two children decided that the donations from the Memorial Run would be donated to the Shriner’s Burn Unit for Children, as Chappell had a passion for helping children and was a Shriner himself. |
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 Travis Jake GryderTravis Jake Gryder lost his life on May 11th, 2015 in a tragic motorcycle accident. Travis was a firefighter at Blowing Rock Fire Department and a volunteer at the Watauga County Rescue Squad. Proceeds from the 2016 Memorial Run were placed in a scholarship fund in memory of Travis for those in need of financial help becoming a firefighter, police officer, or EMT. |  Jason M CrispUnited States Forest Service Officer Jason Crisp, who along with his k-9 partner Maros, were shot and killed in Burke county, North Carolina on March 12th, 2014. He has a wife, Amanda Dicks Crisp, and two sons, Garett and Logan. Proceeds from the 2015 Memorial Run were used to create a fund that would lessen the financial burdens and create scholarship funds for Jason’s sons. |  Major Ryan Scott DavidLate Major Ryan Scott David gave up his life fighting fires on July 1st, 2012 with the National Guard Air Division on MAFFS 7. Hunter's Heroes feels it's only right and fitting to share the stories of these incredible men who died while making sure others were safe. Ryan's wife, Jenny Ellerbe and their young son, Rob were the recipients of the Memorial Run in 2014. <a href = "http://issuu.com/mtimes/docs/aaw_june_2014" target="_blank">Read More About Jenny Ellerbe Here!</a> |
 Deputy William Mast Jr.Hunter's Heroes started in 2013 as a memorial run for Deputy William Mast Jr. who died suddenly in the line of duty. His son, Hunter Mast, was born 17 days later. That day marked the rise of a hero who will never be forgotten. William's wife, Paige Mast, and their young son, Hunter, were the recipients of the first Memorial Run in 2013. <a href="http://issuu.com/mtimes/docs/novaaw2013" target="_blank">Read more about Paige Mast here!</a> |  Aiden AmasonAiden, a young student of Watauga County, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Desmoplastic Round Blue Cell Tumors at six years old. Aiden's Army was established in 2015 to help Aiden with traveling expenses and medical bills. His scans are currently clear, but he is still receiving treatments. Aiden and his family are determined to win this fight. The proceeds raised from the 2019 Community Dinner will be attributed to Aiden. |  Levi BoyterLevi Boyter, a local 2-year-old, who recently received a kidney transplant, was another 2017 Memorial Run and Celebration recipient. Funds raised assisted the family in paying bills for Levi’s surgery through the organization COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association). |
 Elayne BishopElayne Bishop, a teacher at Watauga High School who was pregnant and undergoing breast cancer treatment, was another 2016 recipient. Proceeds from the dinner went to her family to help with their medical bills. Elayne is an inspiration, never wavering or becoming discouraged in difficult circumstances. Through all the hardship, her love for her family and faith in God speak wonders to those around her. |  Leda WinebargerWatauga County native Leda Winebarger has always seen her life as a journey. Leda was diagnosed with renal cancer and cirrhosis, caused by an unknown autoimmune disease. Leda is grateful for the blessings God continues to pour into her life, and to Hunter’s Heroes for both their support and their inspiration. She invites everyone to remembrance about the journey. |  Jenny McCourryJenny McCourry is a daughter, sister, wife to Adam, and a mother to two beautiful children. On October, 20th of 2014, Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer. In November she began a year-long treatment to fight the cancer. Proceeds from the 2015 Community Dinner will assist with Jenny’s medical bills and the family’s financial burdens. <a href="http://issuu.com/mtimes/docs/aawjuly2015_web" target="_blank">Read More About Jenny McCourry Here</a> |
 Katie WatsonKatie Watson is a young girl in our community who has epilepsy and has undergone many surgeries over the past few years. Katie was the recipient of the Community Dinner in 2014. |  Peyton TownsendFour-year-old Peyton Townsend was killed in a tragic accident on June 8, 2012. Peyton’s parents, Sarah, a nurse, and Randall, a paramedic/state trooper, established the Lilly Grace College Fund in Peyton’s memory. Peyton's sister, Lilly Grace Townsend was the recipient of the Community Dinner in 2013. <a href="http://issuu.com/mtimes/docs/novaaw2013" target="_blank">Read more about Sarah Townsend here!</a> |
Sgt. Chris Ward
&
K-9 Deputy
Logan Fox
Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox responded to a welfare check on 4/28/2021. What they didn't know, was what was waiting on them inside. Deputies were ambushed inside the home by a suspect that had already killed his mother and step-father. Both officers were killed in the line of duty that day. Chris Ward had started his law enforcement career working at Beech Mountain Police Dept and then accepted a position at WCSO in 2018. Chris leaves behind two daughters and his wife of 20 years. Logan Fox started his law enforcement career at Ashe County Sheriffs Office in 2018 and had been at WCSO for almost 2 years. Logan leaves behind his K-9 companion, Raven, his father, sister, and high school sweet heart of 7 years. We will continue to honor these officers and all Law Enforcement always.
Chris and Logan's Families were the recipients of our 2021 8th Annual 5K Race
Ronnie Duckworth
Ronnie was one who always wanted to help others and see others succeed. He gave a lot of his time helping people and giving to the Foscoe/Grandfather community he lived and grew up in, in any way he could. With these funds, we hope others can give back to their community through their career or community service to help people succeed and make their community a better place.
Hebrews 13:16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for which sacrifices God is well pleased.
Ronnie was our 2022 Recipient for our 9th Annual Hunter's Heroes Race. A scholarship was formed in honor of Ronnie and will help new first responders and others to further their education and careers.
Jay Kerley
Jay was tragically killed in a car accident on 10/31/2022, when a drunk driver hit him and another car after Jay dropped his son off at school that morning. Jay served our community and our town for the last 18 years. He started as a volunteer firefighter and EMT at Cove Creek Fire Dept. He also served at as a Firefighter for Boone Fire Dept, Assistant Fire Marshal for Watauga County Fire Marshal's Office, and then had just moved to be the Emergency Management Coordinator. Jay loved to serve his community, but he loved his family as well. Jay left behind his beloved wife Amber, an 8 year old son Jase, and a 7 year old step-son. Jay loved spending time with his family and friends.
Jay Kerley's Son and Step-Son were the recipients of our 10th annual Run to Remember 5/10k race 2023. All proceeds went into a college fund for Jay's boys.
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