Three military personnel walking through a shallow river with cloudy sky overhead.

About Us

We are combat veterans who know the weight of service, sacrifice, and the challenges faced once home. After leaving the military, we found renewed purpose in the outdoors. Elements of hunting demands the same discipline, patience, and resilience developed in uniform.

Conservation

At the 4th Man Veterans Foundation, we are also dedicated conservationists. We believe in the responsible, ethical harvesting of game animals to sustain healthy populations, protect habitats, and provide nutritious food for our families and communities. Guided by principles like the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, we support regulated hunting that contributes to ecological balance, habitat restoration, and long-term species health.

Hunting isn't just recreation for us; it's a tool for wellness, stewardship of the land, and honoring the legacy of service.

Two hikers dressed in orange jackets walking on snow-covered ground in a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks and a blue sky with clouds.

Core Values

Camaraderie We forge unbreakable bonds among veterans in natural spaces where trust and understanding flow easily around the campfire, in the blind, or on a mountainside. True healing thrives alongside those who’ve walked the same path.

Resilience We turn challenge into growth. Hunts teach patience, perseverance, and the grit to rise after setbacks. Transforming difficulties into triumph and carrying those lessons into everyday life.

Integrity We honor donors with total transparency and accountability. Every dollar directly funds veteran experiences. No hidden fees, no waste. Clear reporting and responsible stewardship ensure your support creates real impact.

Inspiration We inspire others by sharing stories of perseverance, renewed purpose, and victories obtained in nature, and in life. Our hunts, follow-ups, and visible transformations prove healing is possible.

Person carrying a large backpack with massive moose antlers attached, walking through a grassy field with overcast sky.
A man sitting on a hillside with vegetation and hills in the background, wearing camouflage clothing and a hat, with a prosthetic leg.

Message from the Founder

Every veteran has a story. Some are unique, others shared. After leaving the military, I explored paths relationally, professionally, and academically, but I always felt safest among fellow veterans.

When friends heard about my hunting trips, they often said, “I’d love to do that, but I don’t know where to start.”

That sparked my passion for introducing combat vets to hunting and gave birth to the 4th Man Veterans Foundation.

There’s something powerful about tackling tough challenges in nature with trusted friends. Sitting in silence, owning your thoughts without distraction.

I call that healing.

Every disabled veteran deserves it.

— Joshua Tempco

Board of Directors

A man with a beard and baseball cap sitting in a modern armchair with a wolf fur on the backrest, against a dark background, with a side table holding deer antlers next to him.

Joshua Tempco - Founder and CEO

Josh is a combat veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines Scout Sniper Platoon, including a deployment to Iraq. Following his military service, he continued supporting global operations as a security contractor in Afghanistan. He holds an MBA from Golden Gate University and brings strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to the board.

A lifelong passionate hunter, Josh understands firsthand how time in the outdoors surrounded by fellow veterans fosters camaraderie, healing, and reconnection after service. He is deeply committed to ensuring this nonprofit delivers life-changing hunting experiences that support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of America's heroes.

A man with a beard and long hair, wearing a black baseball cap and black t-shirt, stands on a boat in a body of water. An American flag is visible behind him, and a city skyline with a bridge is in the background.

Brian Sweigart - Board Member

Brian is a distinguished combat veteran of the United States Army. A West Point graduate, he was commissioned as an Armor Officer and led troops through multiple combat deployments, serving in roles including Tank Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader, Troop Executive Officer, and Rifle Company Commander.

Following his military service, Brian continued in protective operations as a security consultant in Abu Dhabi for several years. In 2016, he co-founded Surefox North America, a veteran-owned security consulting firm where he serves as Chief Operating Officer. The company has grown rapidly, employing hundreds of veterans and providing them with meaningful careers that value their skills and expertise.

Smiling man wearing sunglasses making shaka hand gestures in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Mike Rios - Board Treasurer

Mike is a combat veteran of the United States Army, with multiple deployments to high threat environments where he led teams under intense pressure and built unbreakable bonds with his fellow service members.

Today, Mike applies his discipline and analytical skills in the finance sector, where he manages complex financial strategies and planning. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in finance at Harvard University, further sharpening his expertise in resource management, strategic decision-making, and long-term organizational growth. All of these skills he brings to the 4th Man Veterans Foundation board.

A man in camouflage hunting gear, smiling, kneeling in a forest beside a large, dead black bear that is lying on the ground.

Evan Dextraze - Board Member

Evan is deeply passionate about giving back to the veteran community and has dedicated much of his career to the hunting and shooting industries. He served as Senior Media Relations Specialist at Swarovski Optik, where he built relationships, promoted world-class optics, and supported the precision shooting and hunting communities with top-tier gear and storytelling.

As a part owner of the Ultimate Hunting Experience, Evan helps create unforgettable outdoor adventures that blend skill, camaraderie, and the thrill of the hunt. His extensive involvement in precision shooting further sharpens his understanding of discipline, focus, and the mental benefits that come from time on the range or in the field.