GRINNELL, Iowa –-(Ammoland.com)- A former Air National Guardsman, SSgt. Paul Heaton Jr., of Advance, NC, has been declared the winner of the Matt “Axe” Axelson Tribute Rifle raffle benefitting Special Operations Wounded Warriors (SOWW). Heaton’s ticket was drawn from the 1,397 tickets sold, which netted SOWW a grand total of $69,850.
Matt “Axe” Axelson was a US Navy SEAL who died on June 28, 2005, while fighting in the mountains of Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings.
Matt’s brother Jeff, owner of Axelson Tactical, designed 99 identical rifles to commemorate Matt’s life, his SEAL teammates and all of those who perished on that tragic day. The rifle Heaton won was the last available rifle – serial #AXE01 – that Axelson Tactical held back specifically to assist SOWW.
The rifle is a 5.56mm AR-15 that closely resembles the rifle Matt was carrying on the day he died. The rifle package comes with a custom wood box, color-matched magazines, Matt Axelson challenge coins and 1,000 rounds of Team Never Quit ammunition.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive a rifle dedicated to one of the Operation Red Wings team,” said Heaton. “When I purchased the raffle tickets I did it more to support a worthwhile charity than in an actual belief that I would win the rifle. I know that the last decade of wars have resulted in many wounded veterans, especially in the special operations community, and love what organizations like SOWW is doing.”
The raffle was a coordinated effort by three patriotic industry organizations: Axelson Tactical, who donated the rifle; Snake River Shooting Products/Team Never Quit Ammunition, who donated the ammunition; and Brownells, who coordinated the effort and hosted the raffle on its website.
For more information or to donate to SOWW, visit www.sowwcharity.com.
About SOWW
SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a 501(c)(3) Charity, was formed in August of 2012 for the distinct purpose of providing outdoor experiences to a select group of both active duty and veteran U.S. Military Special Operations Forces, that have received wounds in battle, and that have received our Country’s prestigious Purple Heart Medal. To donate or for more information, visit www.sowwcharity.com.
About Axelson Tactical
Born of a Warrior’s Legacy and Gold Star family run, Axelson Tactical is committed to building top tier products tested and approved by Special Operations combat veterans.
Axelson Tactical manufactures and distributes the highest quality firearms, ammunition, knives, and accessories in the industry. The Axelson Tactical family of brands includes Reaper Outdoors, Team Never Quit, SEAL-1, Busse Knives, Led Wave, and Axelson Tactical, with all products back by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Axelson Tactical is proud to support numerous veterans’ charities. For more information or to place an order call 1-855-SHOP-AXE or visit the Axelson Tactical web page. To stay up to date, follow Axelson Tactical on GearFireHub, Facebook and Instagram.
About Team Never Quit
Team Never Quit focuses on courage, perseverance, faith and hope. Team members personify strength of character, endurance and the resonating message of overcoming challenges and succeeding even when the odds are insurmountable. Never stop, never give up, keep fighting even as life throws you challenges, Team Never Quit. For more about Team Never Quit products, including the Team Never Quit ammo line manufactured in partnership with Snake River Shooting Products and Consulting Inc, apparel line and the newly launched Team Never Quit Podcast, go to https://teamneverquit.com/ and www.snakerivershootingproducts.com.
About Brownells
Serious About Firearms Since 1939
, Brownells is the world’s leading source for gun parts and accessories, ammunition, gunsmithing tools and survival gear. With a large selection of both common and hard-to-find items, and an extensive collection of videos, articles, and gun schematics, Brownells is the expert for everything shooting-related. Committed to maintaining our great traditions, Brownells has more, does more and knows more – and guarantees it all, Forever. For more information or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com. Stay up-to-date with Brownells on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.