Meritorious Foundation and Shields & Stripes join forces to co-host Veterans, Guns & Cigars North Carolina at Oak Grove Technologies, bringing together two organizations committed to supporting those who serve.

Full-circle moment: Pictured left is where the Veterans, Guns & Cigars journey began in North Carolina five years ago, with active duty Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) joining us for our inaugural event. Today, we return to North Carolina with Shields & Stripes.

Attendees 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.

Test & Training Center 158 Rushing Rd. Hoffman, NC 28347

Our Venue Sponsor, Oak Grove Technologies, operates one of the nation’s premier private training environments, preparing military, law enforcement, and industry partners through realistic, mission-focused scenarios. OGT owns and operates a 300+ acre Test & Training Center adjacent to Camp Mackall and near Fort Bragg for innovation, prototyping, testing, training, and mission rehearsal. The facility features a 7,500+ square-foot multi-story shoot house, small arms ranges, realistic cultural training villages, cyber range, virtual training room, coordinated airspace, and more. Oak Grove also delivers unmanned systems training through OakGroveUxS, offering Basic, Advanced, and Custom programs for air, ground, and maritime operations.

Sponsors engage directly with 100+ executives, veterans, SOF professionals, and military leaders on-site while reaching 100,000+ members from the military and defense communities through Meritorious’ events, digital platforms, and partner networks. Showcase your products, capabilities, and mission through range experiences, exhibitor opportunities, and integrated brand visibility while connecting with a high-value audience aligned with your organization. Meritorious also partners with the U.S. Department of Labor TAP program across 42+ military installations globally to support veteran transition and career opportunities.