Dear USA Shooting Family,
As was previously announced, former USA Shooting CEO Matt Suggs passed away on the 8th of December from complications related to treatment for Esophageal Cancer. Matt was diagnosed in April, leading to him stepping down from his position at USA Shooting. His fight against this disease was dignified, courageous, and he never let it change the type of husband, father, and man that he was. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
At a time like this it is appropriate to share a parting piece of wisdom from Matt and put into context what the shooting sports should be about. Last year Matt was meeting with a group of supporters of USA Shooting and one of those supporters explained how exciting it felt to know their financial assistance would one day help shooters bring medals home to the United States. Matt told those supporters that while overwhelming customs inspectors with importation of precious metal was the overt objective of USA Shooting, there was another goal that was just as important. That goal is to be a life lasting positive influence on all the shooters that have contact with the program. That goes for a young shooter competing in their first Junior Olympics just as much as a National Team Member. That is what makes our sport special.
Matt will be buried at a private graveside ceremony. There will be a public celebration of his life announced at a future date which will be open to his friends and supporters.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,
Will Suggs