Norm Hooten (also credited as Norman “Hoot” Hooten) is an American retired United States Army Master Sergeant, former Delta Force operator, healthcare professional, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his military service, including participation in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu—an event depicted in the book and film Black Hawk Down—and for co-founding the veteran-owned spirits and cigar company Hooten Young.
Early Life and Military Career
Norm Hooten grew up in a ranching community in West Texas. He joined the U.S. Army in 1980 and completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, eventually serving with the elite Delta Force special operations unit. During his military career, Hooten participated in numerous operations, including deployments to locations such as Beirut, Panama, and Somalia. He was part of Task Force Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993, a mission that was later dramatized in Black Hawk Down, where his persona inspired the character portrayed by Eric Bana.
Hooten retired from active duty after more than 20 years of service.
Post-Military Career and Healthcare Work
Following his military service, Hooten pursued higher education and a new professional path. He earned a doctoral degree in pharmacy later in life and worked as a healthcare provider at Veterans Affairs medical centers, including the Orlando VA, focusing on helping veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and substance abuse disorders. His work in this field reflects his commitment to supporting fellow veterans beyond the battlefield.
Entrepreneurship: Hooten Young
In 2018, Hooten co-founded Hooten Young, a veteran-owned brand producing premium cigars, whiskey, and other spirits. The company was created to honor the service and sacrifice of American military personnel, inspired by experiences shared among veterans and the brotherhood forged in the military. Its products often bear names and themes linked to military history, such as commemorative cigars marking anniversaries of operations like Operation Gothic Serpent. Ten percent of profits have been directed toward veteran-focused charities and causes.
Under Hooten’s leadership, Hooten Young has released limited-edition products—including cigars like the Paladin Series and whiskey expressions such as a bottled-in-bond bourbon—often unveiled with public tastings and events where Hooten interacts with customers and veteran communities.
Legacy and Public Recognition
Norm Hooten’s life bridges elite military service with post-service contributions in healthcare and veteran entrepreneurship. His story exemplifies the transition from combat veteran to roles emphasizing community support and legacy preservation. Hooten’s portrayal in Black Hawk Down and his ongoing business and veteran support efforts have brought him recognition within both military and civilian circles.
References
- VA News: Chats with the Chief: Dr. Norman Hooten, from Black Hawk Down to VA pharmacist. (VA News)
- Soldier of Fortune Magazine: Meet ‘Black Hawk Down’ Badass Norm Hooten. (Soldier of Fortune Magazine)
- Hooten Young Company History – official site. (hootenyoung.com)
- IMDb: Norm Hooten biography. (IMDb)
- Norm Hooten interview—RECOIL. (Recoil)
- Hooten Young – Operation Gothic Serpent cigar release. (Cigar Inspector)
- Breaking Bourbon press release on Hooten Young Bottled-in-Bond bourbon. (Breaking Bourbon)
- Cigar News: Paladin Series by Hooten Young. (Cigar Inspector)
- Academic page on Norm “Hoot” Hooten’s military role. (Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias)
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