Veterans, Guns & Cigars North Carolina

Meritorious Foundation and Shields & Stripes join forces to co-host Veterans, Guns & Cigars North Carolina at Oak Grove Technologies, bringing together veterans, first responders, and industry leaders for an unforgettable outdoor marksmanship experience centered on fellowship, mentorship, and honoring those who serve.

NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

Join Thousands Of Veterans Who’ve Successfully
Increased Their VA Disability Ratings

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WHAT WE DO

Meritorious Veterans, Guns & Cigars brings together military veterans, SOF operators, law enforcement, and industry leaders for a unique blend of networking and marksmanship competition. Proceeds cover attendance costs for transitioning service members, wounded warriors, and their spouses. To date, we have sponsored 400+ veterans across eight states.

Veterans, Guns & Cigars North Carolina at Oak Grove Technologies’ Test & Training Center delivers an unparalleled experience at one of the nation’s premier private training facilities, offering attendees an immersive environment built for connection, camaraderie, and mission-focused engagement. Compete in teams of four or individually while networking with executives, government contractors, business owners, veterans, and first responders, building powerful relationships for business, career growth, and mentorship. Competitors face off in pistol and rifle challenges, with top performers advancing to 3 Gun championship. Winners take home premium firearms and tactical prizes. 

OUR PARTNER: SHIELDS & STRIPES

For this event, we are proud to partner with Shields & Stripes, is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring the lives of veterans and first responders through a holistic, team-based approach to healing. Through immersive programs combining mental health care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, wellness, and peer support, Shields & Stripes helps participants overcome visible and invisible wounds and move forward with renewed purpose.

WHY JOIN US

• Network with the military community, first responders, and key stakeholders
• Connect with government agencies, defense contractors, industry executives, and key influencers
• Demo firearms, optics, and tactical gear
• Compete in pistol, rifle, and shotgun challenges to win firearms and tactical prizes
• Engage military talent with active security clearances
• Support the military community. Proceeds fund Meritorious Foundation veteran and spouse mentorship programs, and Shields & Stripes wellness programs.
• Ticket proceeds cover costs for active duty, transitioning service members, and wounded warriors to attend free
• Open to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced shooters
• Veterans, spouses, first responders, and civilian supporters welcome

COMPETITION DETAILS

• Competition tickets include match fee, guns, and ammo for pistol, rifle, and shotgun competitions, plus full range access, demos, networking, food, drinks, and cigars.
• General admission tickets provide full range access, demos, networking, food, drinks, and cigars.
• Team tickets include entry into the team competition, individual competitions, and all general admission perks.
• First-place winners of individual competitions win a firearm (all competitors use the same model). Second and third-place winners receive tactical prizes.
• Top individual shooters advance to 3-Gun Championship.
• Bring your own ear and eye protection (basic protection provided).
• Wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
• Event is hosted rain or shine and has multiple covered areas.
• Competitions are executed by trained personnel to ensure safety, compliance, and quality.
• FFL on site to transfer firearms to the winners.

SPONSOR AN HONORED SHOOTER!
100% of your donation supports an action packed, full day of adventure networking and mentorship at Veterans, Guns & Cigars! Your support provides guns, ammo, range access, meals, libations, cigars, and camaraderie!

SPONSOR A TEAM OF FOUR! 
Give your company the opportunity to sponsor a team of active duty service members, wounded warriors, veterans, and community partners for an unforgettable experience of camaraderie, networking, and mentorship at Veterans, Guns & Cigars.