FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — The annual Commanding General’s Turkey Hunt returned to Lake Kyle, Fort Campbell, Ky. on April 18, 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition that brings together Soldiers, veterans and civilians through mentorship, outdoor skills and shared experiences.
Now in its 46th year, the event has grown from a small gathering into a meaningful community tradition rooted in connection and opportunity. According to participants, the hunt is about more than harvesting game, it’s about building lifelong relationships and passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
“We had this female Soldier, " said Jack Smith, a veteran of 2-17 Cavalry Regiment during Operation Desert Storm. “We got camouflage for her, somebody loaned her a shotgun. I mean this is what these guides do. We all bring extra stuff in case Soldiers need it. She went out and got her first turkey and after she got out of the Army, it changed her whole life trajectory, and she became a wildlife biologist in Oklahoma.”
The event pairs experienced guides with Soldiers and participants, many of whom are new to hunting. These relationships often extend far beyond the weekend.
“This builds relationships,” said Kevin Brown, a turkey hunt guide. “There are people that I’ve met a decade ago that I’m still in contact with. So, you find somebody that’s either as passionate about it already, or you introduce somebody to the passion of turkey hunting, and then you’ve got that connection for life.”
For Soldiers, the hunt offers a unique opportunity to develop skills they can carry into both their professional and personal lives.
“The best part about this is to be able to put more stuff into my toolkit to use for myself and my kids when we go to the field to go hunting,” said Sgt. 1st Class Corey Peters, assigned to 1-506th Mobile Brigade.
The weekend’s events also highlight strong partnerships between the installation and local organizations. A dinner held Friday evening was sponsored by Oak Grove Gaming and Racing, while the Saturday luncheon was sponsored by Patriot Chevrolet. Additional support came from Tipton Construction, which provided commemorative hats, and Nightingale, which supplied turkey calls for participants.
The luncheon meal was prepared by Genesis Express Incorporated, a nonprofit organization based in Cadiz, Kentucky, that has served communities since 1987. The organization focuses on supporting youth and the elderly through outreach and educational programs.
“Every dime we raise, we put it right back into the community. We have a tutoring program that has about 20 students in it,” said Bobby Acree, president of Genesis Express Inc. “This is love. I have never been on this side of Fort Campbell and it’s beautiful. It means a lot for us to come out and help and support an event like this.”
As the Commanding General’s Turkey Hunt continues to grow, it remains grounded in its original purpose of bringing people together through shared experiences, mentorship and service. For many participants, the impact extends far beyond the hunt itself, creating bonds that last a lifetime and shaping futures in unexpected ways.