You may recognize Laura Francese if you read archery magazines, or shoot Martin bows. You may also recognize her if you are a Buffalo Bills fan. I was delighted that Laura took the time to answer some questions from me. What a great interview! ~Desert Rat

First off, Laura – thanks for taking time to answer my questions – it is very much appreciated!

1. Laura, you’ve had an interesting life. Tell us a bit about your childhood. Also about your family.

I had a very active childhood. My parents loved to camp and fish and travel. I learned to snow ski when I was two and water ski when I was five. I’ve been fishing my entire life and have continued to love the outdoors. All my siblings were at least 6 years older than I, so I felt a little bit like an only child. But there were lots of neighborhood kids to hang out with always..

2. You’re the current “Martin Girl” – tell how that has changed you, and what it is like to be such a “public face’ for a large organization.

I’m not a big fan of the term “Martin Girl” in fact I didn’t even really know what it meant at first since I was so new in the archery industry. Working with Martin in their ads has definitely put me in the public eye more than I was really aware it would. I’ve never been interested in being recognized or being “famous”. However, with the little bit recognition that has developed, I have tried to use it to help others in anyway that I can… I will continue my efforts to help raise awareness about Breast Cancer as well as many other organizations I believe in. I will also continue to support, raise money and awareness for our military and their families in the US and overseas. I want to see this industry grow and if I can help in any way then that makes me happy.

3. Now that you are involved at such a high level with the “archery business” – what are some things that came as a surprise to you?

In all honesty I do not see myself at a “high level in the archery business”. I have so much more to improve on and learn. I hope that I can keep learning and become a better archer and hunter as I continue to practice and learn from so many great people. There are a lot of things that surprise me but I’ll just mention one and that is that people still ask me if “I really shoot”. It’s not really a big deal anymore……I just kind of chuckle to myself.

4. I read about you doing some turkey hunting on your website. Do you hunt a lot? What do you like to hunt most? Any favorite places? Any dream hunts on your list of things to do in the future?

I hunt every single day that I am available. Doesn’t matter if I am sick, recovering from surgery, or haven’t slept in two days. If I’m available….I’m hunting. As of right now I don’t have a favorite thing to hunt. I’m about to go on my first Elk hunt and I am sure it will be amazing. A dream hunt to me is sharing a hunt with great friends and having a great time! It could be anywhere hunting anything and I would love it!

5. Are you still cheer leading? Tell us about that! Is it is exciting and glamorous as it seems?

Yes this is my third season with the Jill’s. It is an amazing experience. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be on the squad. It’s not so much about “glamour” to me but when I think of my experience so far, these things come to mind.

* Troop visits…..to be able to go to the military bases and tell them face to face how much we all appreciate them. It is amazing and priceless to be be able to visit them.
* The amazing opportunities we have to help with all kinds of charities.
* I love all my girls. I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet to be able to have 40+ sisters. It means so much to me and I miss them on the days we don’t see each other. They inspire me.

6. I know you support Wounded Warriors – tell us a bit about your work with that organization.

My husband discovered it actually. I’ve just tried to raise awareness and help raise money for the organization. I have a lot of military friends as I’m sure most of us do and I want to help as much as I can. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have had to help.

7. What is ahead for you? What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I just want to keep growing as a person everyday. If I can do some good in this world for people and animals, that’s what makes me happy. I love to do so many things and I can’t wait to see what else is out there for me!

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