If you’re looking for a fun summer outing that also makes a real difference for the men and women who served our country, mark your calendar now. The Griffin-Spalding Military Affairs Committee (GSMAC) is hosting its annual Veterans Benefit Clay Shoot on August 22, 2026, and this year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
What Is GSMAC and Why Does It Matter?
The Griffin-Spalding Military Affairs Committee was created in 2006 to recognize veteran contributions to our community and to respond to their concerns. The Committee is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization (supporttheirhonor.org), and it operates on a simple but powerful belief: our veterans deserve a hand up. Spalding County is home to nearly 5,000 veterans, and by GSMAC’s best estimate, between 100 and 130 of them are experiencing homelessness on any given day. The committee works year-round to change that through fundraising, community outreach, and events just like this one.
The Big Project: Hanleiter Veterans Center
Proceeds from this year’s clay shoot will go directly toward something truly exciting for Griffin – the new Veterans Service Center being developed by Spalding County at the historic Hanleiter Methodist Church property. Case Management will be provided by long-time partner DSPII Waypoint, whose ongoing support for Veterans in this community has made a lasting impact. Donations and event proceeds are helping GSMAC move forward with plans and ongoing operational expenses for the Hanleiter Veterans Service Center, and the community has been rallying around it. Sponsors at the top levels will even receive recognition with their name on a plaque inside the Hanleiter Veterans Center – a lasting tribute to businesses and individuals who stepped up when it counted.
This is a legacy project for Griffin and Spalding County, and the clay shoot is one of the most direct ways the community can invest in it.
A World-Class Venue: Cherokee Rose
This year’s shoot takes place at Cherokee Rose, one of Georgia’s premier shooting sports facilities. With its stunning grounds and top-tier infrastructure, Cherokee Rose is the kind of venue that makes a great day even better – whether you’re a competitive shooter who appreciates a world-class course or a first timer who just wants a beautiful setting to enjoy the sport. It’s the perfect backdrop for an event of this caliber, and another reason out-of-county shooters won’t want to miss the trip to Griffin.
Backed by the Griffin-Spalding Business and Tourism Association
This year’s event has an extra boost: GSMAC received a grant from the Griffin-Spalding Business and Tourism Association (GSBTA) specifically to fund advertising aimed at bringing in shooters from outside Spalding County. That kind of regional reach is a game-changer – it means more competitors, more energy on the course, and ultimately more funds raised for the Veterans Center. The GSBTA’s investment signals that this event is more than a local gathering; it’s becoming a destination shoot that puts Griffin on the map for the broader shooting sports community.
New This Year: Prize Money!
Here’s something to get excited about if you’re coming to compete: the 2026 clay shoot will feature prize money for the first time in the event’s history. That’s right – this year you’re not just shooting for bragging rights and a great cause, you’re shooting for a real payout. This new addition raises the competitive stakes and is sure to draw serious shooters from across the region. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor eyeing the top prize or a recreational shooter looking for a new challenge, this is the year to show up and show out.
How to Participate
Whether you’re a competitive shooter or just looking for a great reason to get outdoors, there’s a spot for you at this event. Individual shooter registration is $250, and team registration (four-person teams) is $1,000. You can register directly at supporttheirhonor.org/clay-shoot-registration.
Can’t participate as a shooter? Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, ranging from $50 to $1,200:
Five Star sponsors ($1,200) receive a four-person team entry, prominent logo placement on the event banner, a company sign at a firing station, five social media posts, and name recognition on a plaque at the Hanleiter Veterans Center.
Even at the entry-level Ammo Sponsor tier ($50), your name appears on shooters’ ammo boxes and you receive social media recognition. Every level makes an impact.
Don’t Forget to Book Your Stay!
For the second year in a row, the Historic Griffin Hotel is offering a 10% discount to stay for the weekend of the event, so be sure to book your stay at HistoricGriffinHotel.com before they sell out.
Get Involved
Beyond the clay shoot itself, GSMAC welcomes everyone who wants to support their mission. The committee meets at 10:30 AM on the second Tuesday of each month at the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center at 143 North Hill Street. All are welcome – there is no membership requirement.
This August 22nd, come out, support our veterans, and have a great time doing it. Griffin shows up for the people who showed up for us – and this is one of the best ways to prove it.
Register or learn more at supporttheirhonor.org
Sponsorships available at supporttheirhonor.org/clay-shoot-sponsorship
Sources: Griffin-Spalding Military Affairs Committee – supporttheirhonor.org. Clay Shoot Registration: supporttheirhonor.org/clay-shoot-registration. Sponsorship Levels: supporttheirhonor.org/clay-shoot-sponsorship