By Chris AvenaFor those who truly live the outdoor lifestyle, it’s never been about headlines, recognition, or applause. It’s about time spent in the field before daylight, lessons learned the hard way, and the responsibility to pass on knowledge so traditions don’t fade with the next generation.That belief sits at the heart of the American Outdoor News Lifetime Achievement Award and it’s why this year’s honor belongs to a man whose influence runs deep across the outdoor industry.Kevin Reese is not just a name many recognize; it’s a name synonymous with mentorship, integrity, service, and leadership. Whether guiding young hunters, supporting new shooters, mentoring outdoor communicators, or quietly shaping the future of the industry behind the scenes, Kevin Reese has spent a lifetime doing the work that truly matters.Recognizing a Life Lived OutdoorsAmerican Outdoor News has always stood for the men and women who don’t just talk about the outdoor lifestyle, they live it. The Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those who have spent decades on the land, on the water, and in service to others, ensuring the next generation is prepared to carry forward our outdoor traditions with respect, skill, and purpose.These are the mentors. The leaders. The steady hands who make sure knowledge isn’t lost and that progress doesn’t come at the cost of tradition.Kevin Reese represents all of that.A Career Defined by Mentorship and ServiceThroughout his career, Kevin Reese has been a constant presence wherever mentorship is needed. He guided young hunters taking their first steps into the outdoors, supported new shooters learning responsibility and discipline, and worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of those telling outdoor stories the right way.His leadership within the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) has helped shape countless careers. Through education, guidance, and example, Kevin has mentored aspiring outdoor writers, photographers, and communicators, helping them navigate an industry that values credibility, ethics, and respect for the outdoors.Many professionals working in outdoor media today can trace their confidence, opportunities, or direction back to Kevin Reese’s influence. And that’s exactly how he prefers it.A Marine First, AlwaysLong before his work in the outdoor industry, Kevin Reese served our nation as a United States Marine, a commitment that speaks volumes about the character we honor with this award.The values instilled through Marine Corps service, discipline, accountability, leadership, and service before self are woven into everything Kevin does. They show up in how he mentors others, how he approaches conservation, and how he leads without ever needing to be the loudest voice in the room.That foundation of service is one of the reasons Kevin’s impact resonates so deeply across the outdoor community.A Moment of Honor: Recognizing Service and LegacyIn a meaningful moment during the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Barry Cohen, founder of Protek Watches, honored Kevin Reese not only for his lifelong contributions to the outdoor industry, but also for his service to our country.To recognize Kevin’s time in the United States Marine Corps, Barry presented him with the Protek 250-Year U.S. Marine Corps Anniversary Watch, a timepiece created to commemorate the Marine Corps’ 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment. The presentation served as a powerful symbol of Kevin’s service, sacrifice, and the values that have guided both his military and civilian life.The gesture reflected more than recognition, it was a tribute to a Marine whose leadership has continued long after his time in uniform, and whose lifetime of achievement has left a lasting mark on the outdoor community.Shaping the Industry Without Seeking the SpotlightIn an industry that often celebrates personalities, Kevin Reese has built his legacy by focusing on people. He’s helped strengthen organizations, support ethical standards, and elevate professionalism across the outdoor space, often behind the scenes, where the real work happens.If you’ve attended industry events, participated in mentorship programs, or worked alongside organizations dedicated to conservation and responsible outdoor engagement, chances are you’ve felt Kevin’s influence, even if you didn’t realize it at the time.There’s a simple truth many in the outdoor industry understand: If you haven’t crossed paths with Kevin Reese, you probably haven’t been here very long.Protecting Traditions While Preparing the Next GenerationOne of the defining qualities of Kevin Reese’s career is his commitment to ensuring outdoor traditions are passed on correctly, without shortcuts, without ego, and without forcing the next generation to reinvent the wheel.He understands that progress and tradition are not opposing forces. Instead, when guided by the right mentors, they strengthen each other. That philosophy has shaped how he teaches, how he leads, and how he supports those coming up behind him.From conservation ethics to responsible storytelling, Kevin Reese has helped ensure that the future of the outdoor lifestyle is grounded in respect for the past.Why This Award MattersThe American Outdoor News Lifetime Achievement Award is not given lightly. It represents decades of dedication, countless hours volunteered, and a commitment to something bigger than any single career or organization.Kevin Reese embodies what this award was created to recognize:

• A lifetime of service
• Unwavering integrity
• Leadership rooted in humility
• A passion for teaching and mentorship
• A deep respect for the outdoor way of life

His impact cannot be measured by titles alone, it’s measured by people, by preserved traditions, and by an industry made stronger through his presence.A Thank You From the Outdoor CommunityKevin, on behalf of American Outdoor News, our partners, and the countless individuals you’ve mentored, supported, and inspired—thank you.Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for protecting what matters. Thank you for shaping careers, strengthening communities, and honoring the traditions we all hold dear.This Lifetime Achievement Award and the recognition of your Marine Corps service is more than well-deserved. It’s a reflection of a life lived with purpose.Congratulations, Kevin Reese.