MEETEETSE — A combat veteran will get a free hunt thanks to the efforts of a Powell man, the Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation and Cody businesses.

Powell resident and professional hunter Ken Klemm, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Veneklasen of Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation, and an anonymous donor, will host Purple Heart recipient Retired Sgt. Maj. Alan McOmie (U.S. Army, retired) and treat him to an authentic, spot-and-stalk bison hunt on private land west of Meeteetse. This annual wounded warrior hunt will be provided free of charge for McOmie. This hunt is also greatly supported by several generous Cody businesses and includes Ray and Chris Hatfield of Nature’s Design Taxidermy, Wyoming Legacy Meats, and Greg Buchel of Big Horn Armory — who donated one of his lever action rifles for use in this and any future Purple Heart Bison Hunts, according to an organization press release. 

SGM McOmie enlisted in the Army in August 1999 as an infantryman at the age of 19. Once he completed Basic Training and OSUT (one station unit training) he was assigned to 3-7 IN in Fort Stewart, Georgia. While assigned to 3-7 IN, SGM Alan McOmie served from the position of Rifleman through Team Leader with a deployment to Kosovo in 2001 conducting combat operations. 

Once his Kosovo deployment was complete, SGM McOmie was reassigned and moved to Fort Wainwright, Alaska. While assigned with 1-17 IN, SGM McOmie served in the positions from Team Leader, Rifle Squad Leader, and Weapons Squad Leader. SGM McOmie deployed to Iraq for 16 months, spending 12 months in Mosul and four months in and around Baghdad running multiple combat patrols and raids in search of multiple insurgent groups. 

Once his Iraq deployment was complete, SGM McOmie was reassigned and moved to Fort Lewis, Washington. While assigned to 2-1 IN, SGM McOmie served as a Platoon Sergeant with a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan, SGM McOmie was injured during a combat patrol and received a Purple Heart. During another combat patrol (movement to contact), SGM McOmie’s small unit came under heavy enemy attack by a near ambush resulting in casualties. During the firefight, SGM McOmie moved forward and closed the distance with the enemy using small arms fire and hand grenades resulting in several enemy KIA. SGM McOmie then began to medically treat his wounded soldiers and medically evacuate them via helicopter. For his actions and heroism that day, SGM was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Once his Afghanistan deployment was complete, SGM McOmie was reassigned and moved to Fort Benning, Georgia. While assigned to 2-11 IN, SGM McOmie served as a line company First Sergeant then Headquarters and Headquarters Company First Sergeant (HHC). SGM McOmie was then moved to Fort Richardson, Alaska assigned to the 199th IN BDE. SGM McOmie was then reassigned to Vilseck Germany, 4-2 CAV Regt as the Operations Sergeant Major. While in Germany, SGM McOmie was then again deployed a few more times to numerous countries, though the deployments were much smaller and less time spent in country.

SGM McOmie then moved to Fort Carson, Colorado where he prepared himself for retirement. SGM McOmie hung up his uniform and boots in September 2019. 

SGM McOmie’s awards and decorations include the BSM-V, BSM, Purple Heart, MSM (3rd award), ARCOM (6th award), AAM (6th award), VUA, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Kosovo Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Air Assault Badge. 

SGM McOmie resides in Riverton with his two sons, Wyatt (20) and Hunter (18).

“We’re pleased to put together this seventh Annual Purple Heart recipient hunt,”  event co-sponsor Klemm said. “It’s a real joy and a privilege to be able to give back to our troops in a meaningful way. We understand how ethical hunting and time in nature can help heal the soul and we are so glad that we are able to provide this hunt for Mr. McOmie.”

Those wishing to thank this brave warrior for his service are invited to stop by an after-hunt dinner Saturday evening, Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Irma Restaurant in Cody and offer their heartfelt expressions of gratitude for this man’s service.

Klemm has worked closely with his friends Veneklasen and Brian Soliday, founders of the all-volunteer Rocky Mountain Heroes Foundation (rmheroes.org), to organize and execute this hunt. CSM Veneklasen served in the 10th US Calvary Regiment, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, in many deployments and is himself a highly decorated veteran with four Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. The American Buffalo is central to his past unit’s military culture and these hunts always provide special significance to him. Veneklasen makes his home near Fort Carson and now dedicates his time to helping wounded warriors integrate into society. He was recently honored at the Armed Forces Bowl in Texas in December of 2024 as Vortex Optics Believe in Hero’s campaign winner.  

Visit rmheroes.org to learn more about the important services they provide. Visit KlemmHunts.com to learn more about the buffalo hunts offered in Park County.