(Columbus) - The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) has proudly signed on as a supporter of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s (USSAF) Trailblazer Adventure Program. The partnership will allow Trailblazer participants to learn exciting shooting techniques from expert marksmen.

“We are enthusiastic about the new relationship between the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and the Trailblazer Adventure Program,” said Frank Price, education director for the USSAF.  “The young people and families who take part in Trailblazer will benefit tremendously, as the USAMU has agreed to send members of its shotgun team to several events.”

At the noted events, some of the world’s top skeet, trap and double trap shooters will put on demonstrations and provide expert firearms instruction to the newcomers.  The skilled Unit members have won hundreds of individual and team national titles with more than 40 world championships and 21 Olympic medals.  They use 12-gauge shotguns to track, aim and shoot at clay targets moving up to 65 mph.

“We can’t think of another program in the country where kids will have access to this level of expert instruction,” said Price.  “We’re positive that the relationship with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is going to make the Trailblazer experience even better for all of the families involved.”

Trailblazer is designed to expose youth and families to outdoor activities and promote an outdoor lifestyle. The largest scale outdoor program of its kind, it has brought the thrill of outdoor sports to nearly a quarter of a million people since its inception in 2001. In 2006, 72 events are scheduled in 36 states. 

The USAMU joins the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Cabela’s, The Outdoor Channel, Boy Scouts of America, and numerous other organizations that believe Trailblazer is a positive program for America’s youth.

The Trailblazer Adventure Program was honored by the U.S. Department of Interior in 2004 as a recipient of its Take Pride in America Award.  The award recognized Trailblazer as one of the leading conservation education program in the country. 

For a complete list of national sponsors and partners in the Trailblazer Adventure Program, as well as more information about Trailblazer events around the country, go to .

The USSAF protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them.  It is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.

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