VETERANS, GUNS
& CIGARS

TAMPA AT SOF WEEK  |  17 MAY 2026

VETERANS, GUNS
& CIGARS

TAMPA AT SOF WEEK  |  17 MAY 2026

National Presenting Sponsor

VetClaims.AI National Presenting Sponsor Meritorious Veterans, Guns & Cigars

Join thousands of veterans who’ve successfully
increased their VA disability ratings

State Presenting Sponsor

RISE A Real Estate Company Proud Presenting Sponsor of Meritorious Veterans, Guns & Cigars at SOF Week

JOIN US AT PINELLAS OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGE

JOIN US AT PINELLAS OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGE

Win an FN 509 LS EDGE

Compete in our pistol competition
sponsored by FN

Win an FN 509 LS EDGE

Compete in our pistol competition
sponsored by FN

Win a Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle II

Compete in our rifle competition
sponsored by Colt

Win a Colt Enhanced Patrol Rifle II

Compete in our rifle competition
sponsored by Colt

The Only Event Where Networking Requires a Steady Aim

The Only Event Where Networking Requires a Steady Aim

Veterans, Guns & Cigars brings together military veterans, SOF operators, law enforcement, and industry leaders for a unique blend of networking and marksmanship competition.

VetClaimsAI Sponsor of Meritorious Veterans Guns and Cigars
RISE A Real Estate Company Proud Presenting Sponsor of Meritorious Veterans, Guns & Cigars at SOF Week
Colt Firearms Sponsor Meritorious Veterans, Guns and Cigars
FN Firearms Sponsor Meritorious Veterans, Guns and Cigars
Meritorious Veterans Guns & Cigars at SOF Week Ruger
Meritorious Veterans Guns & Cigars Aimpoint
Magpul
Vortex Optics
Meritorious Veterans Guns & Cigars at SOF Week Mantis
Smith & Wesson
Meritorious Veterans Guns & Cigars at SOF Week Silencer Central
Stags Arms Meritorious Veterans, Guns & Cigars
Meritorious Veterans Guns & Cigars at SOF Week Aero Precision Stag Arms
Exclusive Charter Services Veterans, Guns & Cigars at SOF Week
Meritorious Veterans Guns & Cigars at SOF Week USCCA Delta Defense
400+ Veterans in 8 States

Trusted by major outdoor and sports brands, with support from donors and ticket proceeds, we have sponsored 400+ transitioning veterans, wounded warriors, and military spouses in 8 states.

400+ Veterans in 8 States

Trusted by major outdoor and sports brands, with support from donors and ticket proceeds, we have sponsored 400+ transitioning veterans, wounded warriors, and military spouses in 8 states.

COMPETITIVE SHOOTING. UNMATCHED NETWORKING.

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.

TRAIN LIKE AN OPERATOR: PINELLAS OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGE

3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762

Our Venue Sponsor, Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range, is the largest in the county and home to premier competitions including USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge. During the event, the private action bays will be dedicated exclusively to hosting individual and team competitions alongside live-fire demonstrations. The facility’s professional-grade design supports everything from small arms drills to advanced tactical exercises, giving sponsors a dynamic environment to showcase capabilities and engage participants directly where the action happens.

DEMO & SHOWCASE: TARGETED BRAND IMPACT

Sponsors engage directly with 100+ executives and military professionals on-site and reach over 20,000 veterans, transitioning service members, and industry professionals nationwide. With access to SOF Week, the annual convention for the entire Special Operations Forces community May 18-21, jointly sponsored by USSOCOM and the Global SOF Foundation, your brand gains visibility at an event that draws over 19,000+ attendees. Showcase your products and capabilities in range bays, exhibitor areas, and logo placements across event promotions while engaging a high-value audience with vested interest in your brand. Meritorious is also partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor TAP program on 42+ military installations globally to promote career opportunities.

COMPETITIVE SHOOTING. UNMATCHED NETWORKING.

COMPETITIVE SHOOTING. UNMATCHED NETWORKING.

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.

TRAIN LIKE AN OPERATOR: PINELLAS OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGE

TRAIN LIKE AN OPERATOR: PINELLAS OUTDOOR SHOOTING RANGE

3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762

Our Venue Sponsor, Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range, is the largest in the county and home to premier competitions including USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge. During the event, the private action bays will be dedicated exclusively to hosting individual and team competitions alongside live-fire demonstrations. The facility’s professional-grade design supports everything from small arms drills to advanced tactical exercises, giving sponsors a dynamic environment to showcase capabilities and engage participants directly where the action happens.

DEMO & SHOWCASE: TARGETED BRAND IMPACT

DEMO & SHOWCASE: TARGETED BRAND IMPACT

Sponsors engage directly with 100+ executives and military professionals on-site and reach over 20,000 veterans, transitioning service members, and industry professionals nationwide. With access to SOF Week, the annual convention for the entire Special Operations Forces community May 18-21, jointly sponsored by USSOCOM and the Global SOF Foundation, your brand gains visibility at an event that draws over 19,000+ attendees. Showcase your products and capabilities in range bays, exhibitor areas, and logo placements across event promotions while engaging a high-value audience with vested interest in your brand. Meritorious is also partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor TAP program on 42+ military installations globally to promote career opportunities.

BUY TICKETS

BUY TICKETS

BUY TICKETS

Purchase individual tickets, or register a shooting team of four. Spectator tickets available. All tickets include event and range access, food, drinks, cigar, and networking. Competition tickets includes guns and ammo. All shooter levels welcome.

Purchase individual tickets, or register a shooting team of four. Spectator tickets available. All tickets include event and range access, food, drinks, cigar, and networking. Competition tickets includes guns and ammo. All shooter levels welcome.

FAQ

FAQ

10:00AM
DOORS OPEN | CHECK IN

Coffee & light bites

10:00AM to 12:00PM
OPEN RANGE TIME & DEMO BAYS
Guests must bring their own guns and ammo

11:00AM to 12:00PM
TEAM COMPETITION

Safety brief, team competition overview
Guns and ammo provided to registered teams

12:00PM
BBQ LUNCH & INTRODUCTIONS

Welcome remarks, safety brief, individual competitions overview

12:45PM
COMPETITIONS BEGIN | FIRST ROTATION
Guns and ammo provided to all guests
(Squads rotate when all squads complete each round)

•  RED | Start at Pistol Range
• BLUE | Start at Rifle Range
• GREEN | Start at Shotgun Range

Pistol — rotate to — Rifle — rotate to — Shotgun — rotate to — Pistol

1:30PM
COMPETITIONS | SECOND ROTATION

•  RED | Move to Rifle Range
• BLUE | Move to Shotgun Range
• GREEN | Move to Pistol Range

2:15PM
COMPETITIONS | THIRD ROTATION

•  RED | Move to Shotgun Range
• BLUE | M3ve to Pistol Range
• GREEN | Move to Rifle Range

3:00PM
3-GUN CHAMPIONSHIP
All guests rally at pistol range | Top Placeholders Announced & Compete

3:30PM
NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR
Drinks, cigars, networking

4:00PM
AWARDS

5:00PM
EVENT END

The event takes place at Pinellas Outdoor Shooting Range, 3700 126th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33762. Please check your registration confirmation for any additional details.

The event is held rain or shine. Please check the local forecast and dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day. Parts of this facility are covered. All action bays are covered.

The event welcomes executives, government contractors, business owners, military veterans, first responders, and civilian friends of our military community.

Click here to purchase tickets. Early registration is recommended due to limited spots.
Yes! Sponsorship opportunities are available and provide direct access to a high-value military-connected audience. Please click to view sponsorship deck. You can purchase sponsorships directly through our ticketing site. Contact us at clientservices@meritorious.us with questions.
You can support by sponsoring an Honored Shooter. Purchasing a ticket on their behalf helps cover costs for transitioning veterans, wounded warriors, and military spouses to attend the event for free. Click here to Sponsor an Honored Shooter. Navigate to the Sponsor drop down menu and you will see “Sponsor an Honored Shooter.”

Be Part of the Legacy

Help build the most powerful professional network ever created for Veterans — one that fuels opportunity, leadership, and impact for generations. Donate, Partner, Sponsor, Mentor, or Advocate.

Be Part of the Legacy

Help build the most powerful professional network ever created for Veterans — one that fuels opportunity, leadership, and impact for generations. Donate, Partner, Sponsor, Mentor, or Advocate.

THE MERITORIOUS FOUNDATION

THE MERITORIOUS FOUNDATION

The Meritorious Foundation is a premier Veteran network that combines immersive outdoor experiences with targeted virtual industry events, creating an enduring ecosystem where Veterans are empowered to lead, grow, and give back, while advancing their careers, launching businesses, and building lifelong relationships rooted in mentorship and mutual support, all at no cost to participants.

300 Veterans

Sponsored on Veterans, Fishing & Cigars charters

100 Active Duty

Attended Veterans, Guns & Cigars events for free

300 Mentees

Matched with mentors at virtual Mentor Connect events

600 Attendees

Engaged in industry networking events hosted virtually

200 Companies

Connected with Veterans at in-person and virtual events

10 Nonprofit

Virtual communities sponsored impacting 10,000 veterans

MAKE A DONATION

MAKE A DONATION

CONTACT US

Katherine Kostreva

Katherine@Meritorious.us
727-492-6421

CONTACT US

Katherine Kostreva
Katherine@Meritorious.us
727-492-6421

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