After founding HHAUSA in 2019 our first big fundraising goal was to raise enough money to sponsor an entire Honor Flight to Washington DC for our Veterans here in Central Wisconsin. Thousands of arrows, dozens of archery shoots and $70,000 later, that dream became a reality on October 16th of this year.

One of the perks of sponsoring a flight was getting to choose two guardians to fly and accompany Veterans on this day to remember. Mari Austin, an employee at HHA Sports, was one of those guardians. Her parents both served in World War II, were married for 68 years, and passed away within three days of one another. 

Sadly, neither was able to go on their Honor Flight. However, Mari was able to honor them both in a very special ceremony at the World War II Memorial in October. She shares that experience, more about her trip and the life of her parents on this very special episode.

On this Veteran's Day weekend, we want to thank all those who have served our country and continue to make it the land of the free, because of the brave. Let us never forget all those who have served to protect our freedoms. We cannot ever take that for granted.

For more information about The Honor Flight Network, visit honorflight.org

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

HHAUSA is not alone in what we are doing to help combat post traumatic stress in the Veteran and First Responder communities. There are many organizations across the country doing great work in this field, including others in the archery space. The Michigan based Shoot For Life is definitely one of them.

I was blessed to meet Tom Spisz through the outdoor industry a few years back and we instantly struck up a friendship. Also a man of faith, the avid archer felt led towards a greater purpose as a 23 year old college student back in 2013 in what would lay the groundwork for Shoot For Life. A nonprofit organization promoting the physical and mental health benefits of the sport of archery, they are transforming lives one event, one arrow at a time.

Running similar archery shoots as we do here at HHAUSA, Spisz and his dedicated team of volunteers have built an ever growing community of support, comradery and lifelong friendships around the bow and arrow.

Having endured some of the same struggles in his personal life as I did a decade ago, Tom and I both can attest to how truly life changing archery can be, even for someone who may not suffer from PTSD. Together, our respective organizations are making a difference in spite both of us having busy schedules with our day jobs.

Also donating full archery setups to Veterans with their Bows For Vets Program, Shoot For Life is doing God's work in The Great Lakes State and we are excited to collaborate more with them in the near future. Thank you for your service Tom, and may God bless you and your team!

To learn more, you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram and visit their website at www.shootforlife.org

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

2023 has been a big growth year at HHAUSA and we have been blessed to continue crossing paths with some amazing individuals. I met Rick Young at the Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis back in January and we instantly hit if off. We would see each other again a month later in Florida at what will now be the venue for our first ever, out of state, HHAUSA shoot in 2024. Travelling for Centershot Blue, an archery ministry that is introducing the sport in cities across the country through the world of law enforcement, Young and I became fast friends. We connected for a third time at our Vortex event in April and it's safe to say the Wisconsin native is officially part of the HHAUSA family.

Growing up in The Badger State, Rick picked up a love for the outdoors well before he could drive a car and loves spending time hunting and fishing with friends and family.  Firefighting and EMS work ran in his family and so it was a natural career path for Young when he finished school. One of those early jobs also required a law enforcement background and Rick soon found himself wearing all three of those hats and serving his community.

A near fatal accident where he was sideswiped in his squad by an 18-wheeler and a bout with cancer just months later would help to bring Rick out of a dark place and closer to his faith. 

With a clean bill of health and new outlook on life, Young now wants to help others by sharing his story and love of the outdoors with the help of the Centershot Blue program.  We are excited to partner with them in 2024 and meet more folks like Rick who have overcome adversity thanks to a bow and arrow.

Stay tuned as well for an upcoming film early next year with Young, HHAUSA Podcast alumni Aaron Scheer and Chad Stillman and others as we chronicle their September 2023 Colorado elk hunt.

To learn more about Centershot Blue, visit their website at www.centershotblue.org

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

It's hard to believe that we are at the end of our 2023 HHAUSA season already but it's a reality and I continue to be humbled at the ever growing support that our mission is receiving. While I will miss seeing the HHAUSA family for a few months, I am excited for some time off to reflect, recharge and prep for what is lining up to be the biggest year in our history in 2024.

With return trips to Tomah Warrens Sportsman's Alliance and Antler Archers and a maiden voyage to Racine Instinctive Bowmen, we were blessed with three amazing weekends of archery.

A lot of familiar faces hit the 3D ranges here in Wisconsin and we met a bunch of new friends as well that are now part of our band of brothers and sisters. Young and old, beginners to seasoned archers, I can't say enough about the depth of community that has developed in just four short years.

The 2nd Annual HHAUSA Banquet with Whitetails Unlimited was also a hit on Friday, August 18th, as our attendees were treated to the next HHAUSA film featuring our good friend Kyle Mindiola and his Veterans organization Archery Origins.

The behind the scenes work has been underway for months to make 2024 our most ambitious and impactful year yet and we cannot wait to start sharing more details as we head into the fall.

We want to thank everyone that makes HHAUSA a success. To our listeners, clubs, shoot attendees, volunteers, and sponsors, we say thank you. Without you, we could not serve those who have and continue to serve us.

For all the outdoorsman, we pray for a safe and successful hunting season and look forward to seeing everyone again next year. May God bless you and God bless America!

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

Little did I know that volunteering for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight seven years ago would lead me to starting HHAUSA. Such are the plans of God that are so much higher than anything we could ever dream up on our own.

For those not familiar with the Honor Flight, it is a nonprofit organization that sends World War II, Korea and Vietnam Veterans on an all expense paid trip to Washington DC to visit the memorials erected in their honor. Having been on the flight six times as a  guardian, I can say that it is one of the best days of my life and I cannot imagine the emotions felt by our Veterans.

I am blessed and honored to have Earl Morse, Veteran and Physician Assistant and Co-Founder of the Honor Flight Network joining me on this very special 100th episode of The HHAUSA Podcast.

Starting to see an influx of World War II Veterans during his practice in the early to mid 2000's, Morse would ask all of them if they had plans to visit the newly constructed World War II Memorial in Washington DC that was built in their honor. Getting far more nos than yeses, Earl felt compelled to take matters into his own hands and the rest, as they say, is history.

I'd like the conversation to speak for itself so won't dive much further into the details of a podcast I have looked forward to for the better part of two years. Suffice it to say, with over 130 chapters across the United States and now in access of 250,000 Veterans flown to our nation's capital to see the memorials, the Honor Flight Network has changed countless lives and will continue to do so for decades to come.

Earl, thank you for your service and for being a light to so many. I look forward to the day that we can break bread together, swap stories and give thanks for the many blessings that we have been given by the God we serve.

To learn more about the Honor Flight, visit www.honorflight.org

You can also find Earl Morse on Facebook or email him at [email protected]

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

My connection with the Tennessee based outdoor apparel company BowAdx dates back to 2017. Meeting one of their staffers, Rick Devericks, at the Department of Defense Warrior Games in Chicago has been life changing. A Veteran and avid archer, Rick should be familiar with fans of The HHAUSA Podcast, having been on twice and as recently as last month.

This week's guest and I have been playing a game of cat and mouse for the better part of a year and finally aligned schedules to record an episode. A busy family man, archer, corrections officer and staff manager for BowAdx, Tracy Rogers knows a thing or two about being busy.

A recent surgery had him laid up long enough to slow down for an hour and I wish we used video on here. The pink backdrop of his daughter's bedroom was a sight to see but you'll have to take my word for it. Sorry Tracy!

Growing up in Arkansas, he started hunting at a young age and like many of us in our late 40's, engineered a thing or two from what was around the house to try and get a leg up on the game. I won't spoil the story but let's just say that I will never look at a swing set again without thinking of Mr. Rogers!

On a serious note, the Razorback has spent more than two decades inside the walls of a prison and has stared evil straight in the face on more than one occasion. Crediting his strong faith for keeping him going, Tracy has also had the chance to share that faith through his work and have a positive impact in a place that needs it the most.

Good friends and hunting partners with BowAdx owner Chad Davis, I look forward to one day sharing the 3D range, deer camp or dinner with Tracy and we thank him for his service.

On a personal note, I get a handful of uplifting messages from Rogers each week on Instagram and can't tell you how many times they arrive just when I need them. God has a way of placing people in our lives and I am thankful that He put Tracy in mine.

You can add Tracy on Facebook or follow him on Instagram at t.rogers35

Last but not least, don't forget to checkout BowAdx on social media or visit their website at www.bowadx.com

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

Anyone that knows me is aware of the fact that I am a big NASCAR fan. I've been blessed to have crossed paths with a few folks in the garage area from drivers to crewmen to the pastors from Motor Racing Outreach. A few years back I was introduced to Wisconsin native and car chief for Kevin Harvick, Robert "Cheddar" Smith. With a shared love of racing and the outdoors, we hit it off instantly and became fast friends.

Our faith and support of the military also in common, Cheddar and I are in the planning stages of an HHAUSA event with NASCAR that we are excited about it. Until then, we catch up a few times a year over the phone or at the track and finally sat down to have him on the podcast.

Growing up in southeastern Wisconsin, he started working on cars and the idea of moving to Charlotte and a possible career in racing was born. With a few hundred dollars in his pocket, Smith set out for North Carolina and the rest, as they say, is history. Nearly a decade into his tenure at the famed Stewart Haas Racing, Cheddar won a Cup Series title with Harvick in 2014 and a whole lotta races.

About as down to earth as you are going to get, Robert is passionate about spending time in the outdoors fishing, hunting and enjoying God's creation in his downtime with his girlfriend. After a divorce and a difficult season of life, Smith was reintroduced to his faith by Cliff Daniels from Hendrick Motorsports, giving him a new lease on life.

There are certain people in life that you just feel better after spending time with and Cheddar is definitely one of those people in mine. Enjoy the podcast and make sure to give him and his Stewart Haas Racing teammates a follow on the socials!

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

I first crossed paths with my close friend Bob Barteck over a quarter century ago. My earliest memories of Bob were of a man who always had a smile on his face, an encouraging word to offer and a heart for serving others.

Those trademark characteristics are alive and well today but nearly came to an abrupt end last summer on a mountaintop out West. Suffering a massive heart attack while on vacation with his wife Kris, the Wisconsin native details the harrowing story of how he had to put years of training as a firefighter/paramedic to use to keep he and his wife calm and get him safely to a hospital from the remote location.

A man of strong faith, Barteck credits the Lord with saving his life that day and putting complete strangers in his path to make that happen. It was a life changing event that caused him to rethink his priorities, so much so that he has turned in his retirement papers early and will be stepping down as the Fire Chief in Wausau by the end of 2023.

With his first grandchild on the way, Bob is excited to start a new season of life, enjoy his family and friends more, build a new home with Kris and continue to serve wherever God calls him to. I am not alone in sharing in the excitement of this next chapter for Bob and am anxious to see it unfold.

A passionate outdoorsman, I have no doubt in my mind that we will be seeing more of him on the HHAUSA circuit, using his gifts, talents and life experiences to come alongside others in need of assistance. While the uniform may be coming off for good this year, Bob Barteck will continue to live his life doing what he does best: serving others with a contagious joy that this world needs more of.

I've been blessed with some amazing friends in my forty eight years and Bob is surely one of them. A wealth of knowledge and always eager to pay it forward, share his story, or a hunting story or two, you can connect with him on Instagram and Facebook.

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

Tyler Geiger is a warrior and was put on this earth to make a difference. For the past half decade, he was doing just that on the streets of Nashville and Billings, doing the hard and often underappreciated work of a law enforcement officer. As the job continued to take it's toll on the passionate outdoorsman and ultrarunner, he and his wife Morgan had the "what if" conversation one night this past April. Less than 24 hours later, Geiger stood in the ER, watching his colleague get his guts checked for bullet fragments after a shooting. It was in that moment that the 30 year old knew it was time for a career change. 

In one of the most open and raw conversations ever on this podcast, Tyler pulls no punches, telling it like it is and goes in depth on his exit from the world of police work. I have a ton of respect for my friend and anyone that puts on the badge day after day to keep us safe. Fortunately, he made it home that night and it's safe to say that the self-improvement guru has a bright future in front of him. Combining his love of fitness and the outdoors, we'll be seeing plenty of Geiger in the months and years to come and I am excited to see him succeed in this new season.

God spared Tyler for a reason and he will continue impacting people through his work, his story and making a difference in a world that needs a whole lot more folks like him.

You can keep up with Tyler on Instagram and check out his Nock Performance podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nock-performance/id1589739377

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15  

I met Rick Devericks at the Department of Defense Warriors Games in Chicago in the summer of 2017. We became fast friends and share our love of country, our Veterans and the Lord. His friendship has been one of many that I am so thankful for and I look forward to sharing some time on the archery range with him some day soon.

Until them, we will have to catch up over the phone and on this podcast. His second time joining us, Devericks recently returned from the DOD Warrior Games in his role as the archery coach for Team SOCOM. I won't spoil the party but let's just say that his prowess with the bow and arrow has spread quickly to those he's been instructing and good things have followed.

Archery is a life long passion for the Rick and he gets range time whenever he can to battle his own PTSD and knows firsthand the value of giving that same gift to others who are struggling. His youngest son has also picked up the bow and time with him is far and away the joy of Deverick's life.

Residing in North Carolina, we hope to some day have an event closer to his home turf that will allow us to see each other in person more often. While plans are still in the works, when that day does come, I know that Rick will be there in the trenches with us doing what he does best, continuing to serve his community through his love of archery and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your service Rick! Keep shining that light brother!

You can find Rick on Instagram and Facebook and learn more about the DOD Warrior Games at https://dodwarriorgames.com/

For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org

To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com

HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes

Hot Shot      15% Off   Code: HHAPartner24
Rugid Gear  10% Off  Code: HHAUSA10
StealthRig   15% Off   Code: Stealth15