“Women who stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women. … This was a people's war, and everyone was in it.”

Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby

Inscribed on the National WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.

Women have served in every major American conflict since this nation's founding. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to today's global conflicts, they have shared the burden of defending our country for more than two centuries.

On January 24, 2013, the military officially rescinded the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule, ending the ban on women serving in frontline combat roles. By then, women had already spent more than a decade fighting alongside their male counterparts in the streets of Iraq and in the mountains of Afghanistan supporting the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

The policy change removed barriers once considered unbreakable. Women gained access to thousands of positions previously closed to them, pushing boundaries and advancing into leadership roles across every branch of service from Aviation Attack Squadrons to elite Special Operations units.

Since 9/11, over 300,000 women have answered the call to serve. More than 150 have made the ultimate sacrifice, and another 1,000 have been wounded in combat.

Women today make up nearly 20% of our nation's armed forces, serving across every occupational specialty and leadership level. Yet despite their contributions, they remain one of the nation's most underserved veteran populations.

To recognize their service, KUIU partnered with Montana Grit Outdoors, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting female veterans and first responders. Through KUIU's Veteran Nonprofit Partnership Program, the organizations launched a women’s-only whitetail hunting retreat designed to create community, healing, and time outdoors for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.

The opportunity came together through longtime KUIU friend and veteran hunt donor Nathan Theriault of OMM Outfitters. He approached KUIU with an opportunity to offer annual guided hunts on a large Texas ranch owned by a friend and fellow patriot.

Montana Grit Outdoors then conducted a nationwide application process and selected three extraordinary women whose military careers embody courage, resilience, and continued service.

These are their stories.

CHRISTINA HUMPHREY

HAYLI DANIELLE

KARI MATHEWS

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GIVING BACK

KUIU and its partners are honored to recognize and support these remarkable women. Their stories represent the courage, resilience, and commitment demonstrated by countless female veterans and first responders across the nation.

To learn more about KUIU's Veteran and Gold Star Family Hunt Programs or to become a donor or partner, contact Justin Shaffer at justins@kuiu.com or visit the Veteran Non-Profit Partners page on KUIU’s website.

KUIU would also like to extend its sincere thanks to the outfitters, donors, and corporate sponsors who make these opportunities a reality.