TLP 540 – Ryan “KOUP” Kuperus – Retired Gunnery Sergeant USMC

Talking Lead Podcast

Ryan "Koup" Kuperus spent 17+ years in the Infantry, Reconnaissance, and Force Reconnaissance Communities before being Medically Retired in 2017. He has always had a passion for the outdoors and hunting, and that passion has only grown over the years. Koup is a highly decorated combat veteran including a Navy Commendation Medal with Valor and a Purple Heart Medal. In 2007 he was in Humvee rollover breaking his femur, his back, and as he sat at home he realized he was broken physically and mentally. He needed to do something to avoid spiraling out of control. So he picked up a bow, starting hobbling around in the woods with a back brace. What he found was healing not physically, but mentally and spiritually. Being in the woods was better therapy than he received from any doctors office or any prescription medication. The Reason Outdoors was founded by GWOT veterans to take veterans, first responders, and their children on hunting trips, fishing trips, and other outdoor adventures for the sole purpose of sharing all the healthy and positive reasons we hunt and fish.