Five Finger Death Punch has never, ever shied away from its dedication to American troops, and now guitarist Zoltan Bathory is continuing down that road in a very different away. According to a press release, Bathory has joined the board of advisors for VETPAW (Veterans Empowered To Protect African Wildlife), "landing logistical support to the group while raising awareness of the crisis Rhinos and Elephants face."
Here's what Bathory had to say about his joining.
"I heard a lot about VETPAW from the local Tanzanian rangers I was roaming around with in Africa a couple of years ago. So I contacted them and we ended up forming a close relationship. This year, I was on the ground in South Africa with their anti-poaching unit to see and experience first hand what they do. I have been working with non-profits for a decade, helping Veterans whatever way I can, and this was just a perfect and righteous cause. VETPAW employs combat veterans and they protect endangered wild life – combining two causes I care about."
VETPAW was formed in 2012, is a non-profit, and hires post 9/11 veterans who are under or unemployed to go to work in conservation and anti-poaching. VETPAW has trained approximately 1,000 African Park Rangers in the latest counter-poaching techniques, and has led to the arrest of 50 suspected poachers thus far.
Say what you will about Five Finger Death Punch as a band, but Bathory sure seems like he's bent on making the world a better place.
