“I attribute my love for the outdoors to my dad. The lessons he taught me and the memories we made are a huge part of my life to this day.”
Kyle Engel, Folds of Honor Scholarship Recipient
Before heading west to pursue a degree in wildlife biology at the University of Montana, Kyle Engel originally developed his outdoor experience hunting whitetail and fishing in the Chesapeake Bay with his dad. It was with the help of Folds of Honor that he was able to pursue his educational dreams in Big Sky country.
Kyle and his father Doug Engle
What is Folds of Honor?
An organization with an incredible mission, Folds of Honor supports the families of service members and first responders who have fallen or been injured in the line of duty by providing scholarship opportunities for their children.
“I’m super appreciative of them for helping with my tuition, but I also love their mission and why they do what they do. Everyone’s background is different, but education can help give everyone the same chance to succeed, regardless of their background.”
So when we had the opportunity to bring Kyle down to the SITKA headquarters in Bozeman and give him a memorable experience, we didn’t hesitate. Kyle embodies so much of the SITKA ethos through the way he lives his life and the goals he’s set for his future, and his dad played a huge role in that.
Folds of Honor Mission
Where the Passion Began
“Any chance we had, we would be out in the woods or on the water, and he shared all of his knowledge with me. He taught me a lot about patience, preparation, and to have the utmost respect for wildlife and land. Hunting with him taught me to appreciate the process just as much as the outcome, and to appreciate the experience even when you aren’t successful.”
Those lessons rubbed off so well that Kyle ended up moving across the country for college. To him, it was a “no-brainer” to attend the school with the number-one wildlife biology program in the country - not to mention the “endless opportunities for outdoor recreation”.
What’s Next for Kyle?
After he earns his degree next year, Kyle plans to serve his country in the Coast Guard before becoming a game warden, so he can help ensure that future generations have the same outdoor access and experiences that shaped his life so deeply.
“I was able to make, and continue to make, so many great memories with my family and friends outdoors, and I wanted to learn more about conservation and how to protect these resources. I believe that we need to conserve our wildlife and wild places so that everyone can have the opportunity to make the same amazing memories that I was able to.”
We couldn’t agree more, Kyle. Thanks for visiting and sharing your story with us, and best of luck on the next step.
Learn more about the Folds of Honor mission and how you can support their efforts. Its military scholarships typically open February 1 and closes on March 31 each year.
SITKA has designed a special collection of hunting gear with Folds of Honor - and a portion of the proceeds go towards scholarships for families of the fallen.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING…
Alex Bass
Alex Bass, a seasoned copywriter in the hunting and outdoor space, based in Bozeman, Montana. Also a dedicated father.
