American Heroes Program
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Celebrating our American Heroes—military personnel, police officers, and first responders—is a wonderful initiative of the Kansas One Shot Turkey Hunt mission. It is our privilege to offer this program to those who have dedicated themselves to their country, community, and families, as well as those who have demonstrated exceptional service. We are looking for sponsors to provide a TriStar gun for each American Hero. If you know someone who qualifies for this program, we encourage you to them for this event. Please fill the form below and submit it to the KOSTH Board of Directors.
2025 American Heroes
Brian Arturburn, originally from Illinois, grew up in El Dorado, Kansas, and began his law enforcement career with the Wichita Police Department in 1992. On February 7, 2017, he was severely injured during a vehicle chase when struck by a suspect's SUV, resulting in life-threatening injuries, including brain bleeds and organ damage. After a craniotomy and five weeks in a coma, he spent six months in rehabilitation at Craig Hospital and additional time in Texas before returning home in October 2024. Despite his disabilities preventing him from returning to duty, Brian remains passionate about law enforcement and is grateful for the community support during his recovery. He is married with two children. Brian is sponsored by Col. Robert Ruch
Adiel Garcia began his career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a combat medic in the U.S. Army, serving in locations including Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Fort Sam Houston, Texas. After leaving the military, he worked as a paramedic while pursuing his education, eventually becoming an educator. For nearly ten years, Adiel taught paramedic and healthcare courses at community colleges and high schools in South Texas. Currently, he serves as a part-time Adjunct Assistant Professor in the EMS Program at a local community college and holds the position of Division Chief of Education & Integrated Healthcare at Johnson County MEDCT. Fluent in Spanish, Adiel has a passion for international EMS development, particularly in Latin America, and has authored several training manuals while designing and delivering numerous continuing medical education courses. Over the past two decades, he has been invited to speak at conferences and teach EMS-related topics in 15 different countries. Adiel is committed to lifelong learning and is currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Education program, anticipating the defense of his dissertation within the next year. Adiel is sponsored by Valentin Hernandez
Mark Nutsch served in the Army as a Ranger Regiment and Special Forces officer, with multiple combat deployments. Following the 9/11 attacks, he led ODA-595, one of the first Special Forces teams to enter northern Afghanistan, where he advised resistance leaders to unify various militia forces against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Frequently riding on horseback, Nutsch and his inter-agency team led unconventional warfare operations that liberated northern provinces and played a crucial role in toppling the Taliban regime. He has been featured in several books, including Swords of Lightning, co-authored with his teammates, as well as the Hollywood film 12 Strong and the documentary Legion of Brothers. Nutsch is a highly sought-after, sharing insights from his unique leadership experiences and the rapid growth of his Horse Soldier Bourbon business. He is also actively engaged in coordinating resources and support for his Afghan allies and their families, who stood alongside U.S. Special Forces during the challenging times following 9/11. Mark is sponsored by Central Mechanical Wichita, LLC
2024 American Heroes
Kyle Mellard – Wichita Police Department​
Tharon Mott - Emporia EMT/Firefighter
Daniel Shields - Butler County Kansas Paramedic
American Heroes Sponsors
**Valentin Hernandez
**Col. Robert Ruch
