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Vietnam Veterans of America will hold its 15^th biennial National Convention August 17-20 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. Some eight hundred delegates from VVA chapters across the country are expected to join hundreds of other Vietnam veterans and guests in Reno. The delegates will set the organization’s course for the next two years, hear from an array of speakers, attend information sessions, and take part in special events. That includes the Awards Banquet, which honors Vietnam veterans and others in the arts, on Saturday evening, August 20.

“We have come a long way since our humble beginnings in 1978,” VVA President John Rowan said. “VVA today is a highly effective force on the national, state and local levels, acting on behalf of Vietnam veterans, their families, and all veterans. We’re proud of our accomplishments over the last 33 years, and we’ll celebrate the past as we work for the future in Reno.”

Richard Pimentel, the disabled Vietnam veteran who is one of the nation’s foremost disability rights advocates, will give the Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday morning, August 17. Other special guests scheduled to take part in the Convention include Vietnam veteran Homer Hickam, the author of the acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys and many other books, and the actress, comedienne, and singer Vicki Lawrence, who entertained the troops in Vietnam. Hickam and Lawrence will receive VVA Excellence in the Arts Awards at the Convention’s culminating event, the Saturday Night Awards Banquet.

For more information visit http://www.vva.org/

Pimentel suffered severe hearing loss after a Viet Cong rocket attack in 1968 and now strongly leads the advocates responsible for the congressional passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act.

The Convention will be held August 17-20 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Eight-hundred delegates from VVA chapters across the country are expected to join hundreds of other Vietnam veterans and guests in Reno.

Other special guests scheduled to take part in the Convention include Vietnam veteran Homer Hickam, the author of the acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys, and the actress, comedienne and singer, Vicki Lawrence, who entertained the troops in Vietnam. Hickam and Lawrence will receive VVA Excellence in the Arts Awards at the Convention’s culminating event, the Saturday Night Awards Banquet.

Team USA made history at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on Saturday when the U.S. men’s saber and women’s foil teams won gold at the Pan American Zonal Championships which completed a U.S. sweep of all 12 gold medals awarded during the six-day event.

The last two gold medals of the Pan Ams marked the first time in history that a U.S. Team has swept the gold medals at a Zonal Championships.

USA Fencing Executive Director Greg Dilworth said the hundreds of cheering fans on home soil motivated the players and he was happy to win gold in front of a home crowd.

Top eight results are as follows:

Men’s Team Saber
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Venezuela
4. Argentina
5. El Salvador
6. Brazil
7. Chile
8. Mexico

Women’s Team Foil
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Venezuela
5. Puerto Rico
6. Mexico

Read the full article here by US Fencing.

Live video will begin streaming each evening at approximately 6:00 p.m. (PT) at www.rmef.org/elkcamp.

The special Friends of the Foundation breakfast with Bob Eubanks also will broadcast live beginning at about 8:00 (PT) on March 4.

Video will be archived and available for online viewing following each event.

Elk Camp’s host hotel, the Peppermill, is assisting RMEF with the live broadcasts.

The 27th annual RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo is March 3-6. Most daily events such as the expo, RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, seminars, luncheons and auctions will be held at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. Evening events and the breakfast are at the Peppermill. For Elk Camp agendas and other details, go to www.rmef.org.

The broadcasts will not include concerts.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

1. The line between “Get the camera!” and “Get the straitjacket!” is always a little blurry here.
2. You’ve heard the expression, “So hungry I could eat a cow.” Test the theory here with burgers as big as your head. No, really. Just ask the Travel Channel.  
3. Reno Tahoe is home to the 519,700 Sq. Ft. Reno-Sparks Convention Center (owned and operated by the RSCVA); home to more than 20,000 hotel rooms, and more than 8,200 average daily departure seats from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Basically, it’s easy to get here, and even easier to navigate once you’re here.  
4. You can get a world-class experience at a price your wallet will appreciate. Throughout the last few years, Reno Tahoe has invested more than $1 billion in hotel renovations and expansions, including chic rooms, fine dining and fabulous meeting space.
5. If you prefer to ditch the ho-hum meeting space for a more off-beat location, try the National Bowling Stadium, the “Taj Mahal of Ten Pins,” Nevada’s only accredited Art Museum, a multi-million dollar AAA ballpark, the National Auto Museum or historic properties along the shores of Lake Tahoe.
6. Our room rates are very attractive and competitive, in some cases 30% less than other destinations. (Remember the $1 billion+ upgrades? We weren’t kidding when we said you’d get more bang for your buck.)
7. 300 days of sunshine. Average. In Reno Tahoe you can do a few runs on the slopes, play a round a golf, catch a ball game and treat yourself to a great dinner – all in a day’s work.
8. Reno Tahoe hosts 290 days (at least) of special events each year. SoMeT, when you’re here in November, you’ll be just in time for the 30 feet of fresh powder at 18 world-class ski resorts. From your hotel to the lift line it’s no more than one hour. Après ski, treat yourself to a treatment so unique, only 8 spas in the country feature it! Why is Reno among the elite few? Find out for yourself.  
9. Reno Tahoe is bursting with history, plenty of “aha” moments that may catch you off guard. Like, did you know Mark Twain started his writing career in Reno Tahoe? Or, did you know Marilyn Monroe shot her last film in Reno? Learn all about our colorful past during the Passion in the Desert Tour through downtown Reno.  

10. We can count.

The SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention includes more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, leasing over 650,000 sq. ft of booth spaces. The exhibitors’ generous donations of valuable items for SCI’s auctions ensure that SCI can advocate on behalf of hunters in the United States and at international wildlife forums like CITES. SCI’s Political Action Committee (SCI-PAC) raised nearly $200,000 to advance sportsmen’s interest in federal elections. A special auction for disabled hunters was purchased during the Saturday evening dinner and it raised $150,000 for the SCI Foundation’s Humanitarian Services Programs. 

SCI is also pleased to announce the full list of award recipients at the 39^thAnnual Hunters’ Convention. Award winners include members and chapters who display a strong commitment to and have made great contributions to the sport of hunting; displayed a dedication to the conservation of wildlife; have a history of service to the global hunting community, and are committed to SCI’s programs and mission statement to be First for Hunters.

David Allen, RMEF president and CEO, says the landmark figure is within reach in 2011 because of two primary reasons; first, RMEF and its partners in 2010 chalked up 163,658 acres worth of mission accomplishment, for a lifetime total of over 5.9 million; second, RMEF’s organizational momentum continued to build even through the bumpy economy of the past 12 months.

“While many businesses and nonprofits alike have struggled to keep the lights on, RMEF pressed forward and delivered more good things for elk and hunters. That success speaks to the passion and dedication of our 10,000-plus volunteers nationwide, a record number of new members, an incredible staff and amazing partners,” said Allen.

“If together we can harness the energy and focus and accomplishments from 2010, I believe we’ll see some very special headlines from RMEF in the year ahead,” said Allen.

RMEF and its partners tallied the following highlights in 2010:

• Enhanced 89,106 acres, mostly on public lands, for elk and other wildlife
• Reached lifetime total of 4,963,527 acres, mostly on public lands, enhanced
• Permanently protected 74,552 acres for elk and other wildlife
• Reached lifetime total of 973,484 acres permanently protected
• Surpassed 622,000 acres secured for public access including hunting
• Launched elk restoration initiatives in Missouri and Virginia
• Recorded 12 percent growth in RMEF membership for a record total of 178,000
• Reached 1.3 million people with positive messages on hunting and conservation
• Received the highest rating, 4 Stars, from America’s top charity ratings service
• Finished the RMEF fiscal year with budget-positive black ink

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

It comes as a surprise to many that behind these paintings is the vibrant and absolutely delightful 28-year-old Amy Keller-Rempp. Keller-Rempp has been an artist for 18 years, drawing from her love of the outdoors to create realistic paintings of the animals she has admired her entire life.

“I have to give all credit to God for being blessed with this talent since I was a small child,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp grew up in eastern Ontario, Canada, in a very rural community; her family’s home sat on 300 acres of land. Hunting and fishing as a family was part survival, part family-bonding. Creating art around her experiences eventually became a way of healing for Keller-Rempp as a young child.

“I was about seven years old when my dad was diagnosed with MS. The next 14 years were a difficult journey for the family,” Keller-Rempp said. “To get through those years of life, I relied on art and creativity to relieve that stress.”

Keller-Rempp’s father was an avid outdoorsman, the true inspiration for her love of nature, and continued to hunt even from his wheelchair, up through his passing in 2008.

“It came to the point where my father could only leave for deer season. My entire family would get together to make sure he could get out to hunt white-tailed deer in November,” said Keller-Rempp.

It was this very experience that drew Keller-Rempp to Safari Club International.

“I saw that Safari Club International gave the opportunity to the disabled to get out into the wilderness, and I connected with them quickly.”

Among Safari Club International’s (SCI) many humanitarian efforts is the Disabled Hunter program, designed to help disabled hunters experience the hunting tradition. According to SCI, since 2005, SCI Chapters have provided 1,009 disabled hunters with hunting opportunities. There are more than 555,000 hunters and shooters with disabilities in the United States alone.

“SCI stood out above all the rest to me. The fact that they are diverse and, in addition to helping disabled hunters, give money to schools in South Africa. It’s all over the world,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp first got involved with the SCI chapter in Northern Alberta in 2009, submitting art to the yearly chapter dinner and banquet. In 2010 Keller-Rempp created an original, acrylic painting of two bighorn sheep. The piece was the highlight of the evening and was live auctioned for an astonishing $12,000, one hundred percent of which was donated to SCI.

“It was an incredible experience; the highlight of my career,” said Keller-Rempp. “I feel very passionate about giving back and this is an appropriate charity and event for me and my lifestyle.”

Following the tremendous success of the Alberta event, discussions arose about showcasing Keller-Rempp’s work in Reno.

“We talked about what was appropriate and decided upon a moose. The images started coming to me even before we finished discussing. I can visualize these paintings before they’re completed every time,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp’s latest piece, titled “King’s Battle,” is her largest painting to date, standing at 48” x 72”. Its showing at the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada will be the first time Keller-Rempp’s work will appear before an American audience.

“There are so many artists waiting to get in, and I’m so fortunate and blessed. I feel it’s a force bigger than mine and the people involved,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp worked on “King’s Battle” for five weeks. It has safely arrived in Reno and is ready to be part of a four-day auction during Safari Club International.

“I’m honored to be a part of an event that helps shed some light on hunting. Hunting and conservation is huge. For people to have the opportunity to learn about different animals; the science, biology, animal control, repopulation, disease control. To have all of this information on hand is incredible,” said Keller-Rempp.

You can see Keller-Rempp’s piece, “King’s Battle,” during Safari Club International Annual Hunters’ Convention, January 26-29, 2011, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

As for what’s next for Keller-Rempp, she says a busy year is ahead.

“I’m living in Alberta now and have fallen in love with western Canada. I have several shows lined up, including one on February 18 in Fort McMurray, and there are talks of a show on Vancouver Island as well,” said Keller-Rempp. “I will forever be thankful to SCI. They gave me an incredible opportunity, putting my work before so many people, and I will forever be indebted.”

The WSF will once again offer sheep and other permits from Alberta to Nevada and Texas to California and nearly every western state, province and tribal nation in between. With the support of our generous auction bidders, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and donors, the WSF expects to raise more than $5 million in revenue to help wild sheep, and other wildlife across North America and around the globe. Without these all important conservation dollars, many wildlife conservation programs would not exist, limiting hunter opportunity and the quality of wildlife and their habitat. For a complete listing of the special sheep and other permits offered visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org.

Celebrating its 2011 event, the WSF has again partnered with MidwayUSA as the Official Sponsor of the convention. “MidwayUSA’s generous sponsor support demonstrates their recognition of WSF as the premier mountain hunting organization in the world!” Gray Thornton, WSF President & CEO noted on this ongoing partnership.

In addition to the special permits dedicated to state, tribal, and provincial conservation,  the 2011 WSF convention will offer on auction nearly $2 million in hunts, trips, wildlife art,  fine sporting arms, hunting gear, and accessories for the wild sheep and hunting enthusiast. Funds generated at The Sheep Show will help wild sheep conservation efforts throughout North America and the world.

The three-day convention and expo is open to the public, Thursday through Saturday, February 9-12 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Show hours are 10 am – 6 pm Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm Friday and 9 am – 6 pm Saturday. Daily admission is only $15 with $10 off coupons available at Reno-Sparks Cabela’s, Scheels and Sportsman’s Warehouse stores. As an added incentive to attend the show “floor credit” drawings will be offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday for credits valued at $1,000 to $5,000 to be used with Expo exhibitors. Five (5) $1,000 credits will be drawn Thursday, two (2) $2,500 credits drawn Friday and one (1) $5,000 credit Saturday. Attendees must be present to win. Daily passes are available at Expo Registration.

The banquet and live auction events kick off Wednesday evening February 9^th at the Silver Legacy’s Reno Ballroom downtown. WSF will hold their legendary auctions Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. In addition, a Ladies Brunch, International Night party, Ram Awards breakfast and Life Member Breakfast will be held at the Silver Legacy. Other events include a Sporting Clays Shoot with USA Shooting Team members Wednesday morning at Sage Hill Clays, a Sportsman’s Prayer Breakfast Thursday morning and a wine tasting in the expo hall Friday. Visit the Foundation’s website for a full schedule and details on the events.

The Wild Sheep Foundation, formerly the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, was founded in 1977 by sheep and mountain hunting enthusiasts and conservationists. With a membership of more than 10,000 worldwide and a chapter network in North America, WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, wild goats, other wildlife, and their habitat. Since forming in 1977, the Wild Sheep Foundation has raised and expended more than $80 million on conservation and education programs in North America, Europe and Asia. During 2010 alone the Wild Sheep Foundation raised and put on the ground more than $2.85 million to wildlife conservation and other mission programs.

For a full schedule of events, to register for the annual convention, join as a member or for more information on the Foundation and their many conservation and education programs, please visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org or contact them at 720 Allen Avenue, Cody, Wyoming  82414 USA. Telephone 800-OK-FNAWS. Email info@wildsheepfoundation.org.