Battlefield Precision at 7,000 Feet
This past weekend, the rugged terrain north of Cody, Wyoming, played host to the sixth annual Heart Mountain Challenge—a precision long-range shooting competition benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. More than 150 top marksmen, including active duty, former Special Operators, military personnel, and civilian competitors, gathered at elevations over 7,000 feet to push their skills to the limits.
Participants engaged in a multi-stage format across two shooting areas, rotating between zones over the course of the weekend. Targets stretched as far as 2,000 yards, delivering both technical and environmental challenges to all involved. Saturday’s precision-focused competition was followed by an awards dinner Sunday evening—an opportunity to connect, debrief, and celebrate shared purpose.
Here’s what made this weekend exceptional:
- High-altitude challenges at 7,000+ feet.
- Two shooting zones to test adaptability.
- Target distance: Up to 1425 meters/4675 feet, demanding ballistics expertise and patience.
- Intimate awards gathering, creating camaraderie among competitors.
Spotlight on Our Sponsors
This impactful event owes much to the dedication of our generous sponsors:
- Silvus Technologies
- VK Integrated Systems
- Jim & Ginger Dager
And a special thank you to Pete Kneip, Match Director
Their support made the Heart Mountain Challenge possible—both on the range and behind the scenes.
Silvus Technologies, a leader in MANET radio systems, develops the StreamCaster family of battle-proven radios. Their MN-MIMO waveform ensures robust, scalable mesh networks, providing unmatched connectivity and situational awareness in contested environments, paralleling the precision and resilience needed in competitive long-range shooting.
VK Integrated Systems delivers advanced integrated weapon platforms and mission-critical communications solutions, empowering end users with cutting-edge capability. Their contribution amplifies both the event’s reach and the Foundation’s ability to serve our Special Operations community.
We also offer a heartfelt thank you to Jim & Ginger Dager for their steadfast personal sponsorship. Their involvement speaks volumes about the community’s commitment to this mission.
Why It Matters
The Heart Mountain Challenge isn’t just about marksmanship—it’s a tangible expression of support. Funds raised directly support SOWF’s mission.
Success at this event defines more than just target scores—it reflects the ongoing value of collaboration between industry partners, competitors, and donors rallying behind a shared cause.
