The HHAUSA Podcast

Navy Veteran Jeff Bruss wasn't brought up in a hunting family in spite of being born and raised in The Northwoods of Wisconsin. That didn't stop him from getting into archery and taking a spike buck with a bow and arrow in 1997 which lit a fire in Bruss that hasn't gone out since. 

After graduating college shortly before Y2K, Jeff landed a job in Three Lakes working for a publishing company on websites and databases. Continuing to chase whitetails would eventually lead to an elk hunt out West, where dust covered equipment inspired Bruss to develop a waterproof bow case. Soon after, Rugid Gear was born.

Thankful that he didn't have any traumatic experiences during his time in the military, Jeff did see the impact of PTSD on some of those he served with and he wanted to find a way to give back. I received an email from him in mid-April, offering his support to HHAUSA in the form of product donations that we rely on for our fundraising efforts. I cannot overstate how important relationships like the ones we have with Bruss and Rugid are to the success of our mission. Like those who carry supplies to the front line soldiers in combat, we couldn't do our job without the like of Jeff and countless other manufacturers that make up the HHAUSA family.

A great conversation that I look forward to having again, I anticipate the day that I can share the 3D range with Jeff and learn more about the fellow Wisconsinite that I now call a friend.

To learn more about Rugid Gear, check out their products at www.rugidgear.com and follow them on Instagram and YouTube.

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  

Regardless of what line of work we are in, we all need rest. In a world that tells us to "keep on grinding" to get ahead, it's no wonder that mental health is at the forefront of so many conversations these days. Burning it at both ends will lead to burn out, every single time.

In an effort to spin all the plates that I have going at any moment in time, I felt a short break was in order from recording this podcast. I didn't know how long that break would be but knew that God would call me back to the mic on His watch, not mine. He did just that when I saw a post from friend and pastor Stacy Hensley of 3B (Bible, Believer, Black Lab) Ministries last week. The father of six is all too familiar with packed calendars and felt the need to take a sabbatical from social media and I had to reach out to him. I knew there was a reason for both of us withdrawing in this season and wanted to find out more and share it with our listeners. Hensley gladly accepted the invitation and I couldn't have chosen a more appropriate guest for my return.

Having a grandfather who stormed Omaha Beach in World War II and other relation that wore the uniform, Stacy is a patriot through and through and has a passion for serving the military in his ministry. An upbringing in the outdoors has also made Stacy popular with the hunting crowd and a frequent speaker at wild game dinners across the country. A hospice chaplain, the Georgia native has been privy to some amazing conversations with men and women who have fought for our country and shared their stories with him before they passed on. 

This is a conversation that has to be heard to truly appreciate the kind of impact that Hensley is having on those God is putting in his path. So sit back for the next sixty minutes and enjoy one of my favorite podcasts to date with a man that I know we will be seeing more of here at HHAUSA.

Stacy will be returning to social media (Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok) and when he does, I look forward to tuning into his messages again. They have spoken to me more than once when I needed it and there is a good chance that one of those future messages could be meant for you.

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  

If you are fortunate, you've had the opportunity to know or meet a World War II Veteran. With those still living well into their 90's, these national treasures are few and far between and as part of The Greatest Generation, helped change the fate of the world nearly 80 years ago.

Dave Morse was blessed to spend many days of his childhood with his grandfather, who served in World War II. With his father being a Vietnam Veteran, service was something instilled in the young boy at an early age and he knew that he too wanted to serve his country when he grew up.

Being from the Midwest, it was only natural that the two elder Morses took young David to the blind and he was bitten by the waterfowl bug not long after he learned to ride a bike. A man of integrity and strong faith, Dave credits his late grandfather for the man he has become as he continues to serve in the Minnesota National Guard.

An unexpected deployment to Iraq shortly after his college career began, the then 19 year old grew up in a hurry and is thankful for his time in the desert. Unfortunately, like so many who fought the Global War on Terrorism, too many of his fellow soldiers were lost to suicide after returning home and Morse was led to do something about it.

In 2008, Dave began getting some of his friends struggling with PTSD into hunting and fishing and instantly saw the life changing benefits of those experiences. Starting the Wounded Warriors Guide Service in 2009, his passion for the outdoors would lead to an opportunity to start American Heroes Outdoors TV a few short years later. 

Working as a manager at Grand Forks Scheels, the dots connected quickly and the show continues to impact the lives of the Military, Law Enforcement and First Responder communities today. 

In the summer of 2022, emails led to phone calls which culminated in an invitation to HHAUSA Mission 24 last month outside of Madison to Dave and three other Minnesota National Guardsmen. The quartet competed and won the team event at The Beastmode Archery Endurance Race. They thoroughly enjoyed their weekend and plan to return in 2024 as their mission grows.

I am blessed to now call Dave Morse a friend, a brother in Christ, and look forward to continue working together to make a difference. It sounds redundant but I feel like our respective organizations are just getting started and the sky is truly the limit to what we can do together.

To learn more about American Heroes Outdoors TV, visit their website at 
https://www.americanheroesoutdoors.com and check them out on Bally Sports North, Midco Sports, Waypoint TV, YouTube, 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  

One of the upsides to social media is that it makes it much easier to meet people that just a couple decades ago we may have never crossed paths with. Amanda Hoenes is one of those individuals and I am so thankful for that introduction for many reasons.

Not only is she a GWOT Veteran who proudly served her country in the Marines for six years, The Show Me State native is also an avid outdoorsman with a passion for sharing that love with others. It was that passion and her sense of adventure that allowed her to accept my invitation to Mission 24 here in Wisconsin last month and our new friendship officially kicked off.

Ever the thrill seeker and not one to stay in one place too long, Hoenes has lived a lot of life in her 40 plus years on this earth and in a few different locales. But she still has some ground (and water) to cover. Sensing the urge to disconnect from a society thrown into chaos during the pandemic in 2020, Amanda sold her house and set out to solo paddle the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers in a 17 foot canoe. With her new four legged friend in tow, the 6-month, 3,300 mile journey is captured in her new book "Digging Deeper". All I can say is that it is a must read and one that you can't put down.

Managing the family farm in Missouri and getting kids off their devices into the outdoors through her latest venture, True Path Adventures, Hoenes is using her experiences to impact and empower others to live life to the fullest. Also promoting the book through speaking engagements, there is no grass growing under her feet as she continues to fulfill God's purpose for her life.

I look forward to continuing to work with Amanda as she lives out that purpose. You can learn more about her and True Path Adventures, grab a copy of Digging Deeper, and follow her on Instagram at the links below.

https://www.amandahoenes.com/

https://www.truepathadventures.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Digging-Deeper-Veteran-Missouri-Mississippi-ebook/dp/B0BNXSR5S3

https://www.instagram.com/amandahoenes/?hl=en

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 a miracle that Mike Dragich is even here. Shot at point blank range in a gang related incident at 19 years old, he should have bled out from his injury had a close friend not tracked him nearly a mile into a backyard where he lay going in and out of consciousness. A major wake up call that he needed to change his ways, the Ohio native joined the Marines and God began to soften the heart of the hard nosed fighter.

Shortly after leaving the hospital, Mike rededicated his life to Christ and asked to be used for His purposes. Running the martial arts program while in the Marines, four years in the military was all that God had planned for Dragich as he and his wife started their family.

Now a successful businessman, MMA fighter, and nuisance alligator trapper in Florida, Mike launched Project Savior Outdoors in January of 2023 in an effort to fight Veteran suicide and PTSD. Having lost 15 men that he served with to suicide since 2015, Dragich and his team are coming alongside those struggling, empowering them through the outdoors and sharing the love of Christ.

We are excited to be a part of PSO and had the pleasure of spending a few days with Mike and his crew at Mission 24 last month in Southern Wisconsin. They will be launching their own podcast soon to continue spreading the message and impact even more lives in the years ahead.

God has Mike and Project Savior Outdoors on the fast track to do great things in the Veteran space and share his love along the way. To learn more, you can follow them here:

https://www.instagram.com/bluecollar_brawler/

https://www.instagram.com/projectsavioroutdoors/

https://www.projectsavioroutdoors.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  

I love to talk. I love to write. But sometimes less is more. Starting with today's episode, I am going to shorten these descriptions up and allow the content of the podcasts to speak for themselves.

Nearly two years in the making, Mission 24 did not disappoint and the impact will be felt for years, even lifetimes for those in attendance. A bold statement I know but lives were changed forever outside of Madison Wisconsin last weekend as nearly 150 Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, and civilians came together around archery and the outdoors.

From the private tour of the Vortex facility to the 3D archery shoot at Blackhawk Bowhunters to the sporting clays shoot at Oregon Sportsman's Club to the Beast Mode Archery Endurance Run and Chris Kroeze concert at Tyrol Basin, it was a weekend for the ages.

So many friends, so many supporters and so many sponsors (thank you Vortex Optics, Mission BBQ, Lottza Mottza Brew Pub Pizza, 1st Phorm Outdoors and The Kniestedt Foundation) made this event possible. Keep late April of 2024 open as we are already planning for next year. 

If you have never been to an HHAUSA weekend before, this podcast will have you hooked and punching your ticket for Wisconsin faster than you can say cheese curds. So sit back, relax and enjoy the conversation as editor Logan Chartand and I talk about the biggest gathering in our history.

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  

While we try to bring new guests on as much as we can, I do enjoy having "old' friends back on the podcast to catch up and see what's new from our last discussion. I met Collin Cottrell back in his early days in the archery and outdoor industry and don't know where those 15+ years have gone. We have both matured a ton since that first encounter and God has blessed us both with amazing lives and ministries. Both civilians but with a heart for those who serve our country and communities, I like to think that we are leveraging our connections in our respective circles to make the lives of others better.

Long embedded in the world of marketing and owner of C3 Media, Cottrell founded High Caliber Hunts in 2021, bringing men together around a shared interest in hunting several weekends a year in Texas. Trying to live out Proverbs 27:17, these "iron sharpens iron" gatherings are about much more than hunting. Like minded men are seeing life change through open and honest conversations around the fire, diving into topics ranging from business to marriage to faith and everything in between. Surely not the first to conduct retreats of this kind, I have to applaud my friend for his passion and commitment to investing in the lives of others from a place of seeking nothing in return. A recent offline chat with him revealed just how rewarding making these connections is for the soul as I experience very similar feelings at our HHAUSA events. It's impossible to put a price on connecting good people and I look forward to the day when HHAUSA and High Caliber Hunts can pull off a joint trip together. Stay tuned!

Not one to let the grass grow beneath his feet, the Minnesota native has jumped into the world of personal training and is steadily building a list of clients in that arena. Using his own weight loss journey of dropping 100 pounds in just two years, Cottrell is quickly finding success and again helping others become the best version of themselves. He also talks at length about a 100-mile ultra run that he completed in March and how impactful it was for him on many levels.

While I could definitely get myself in better shape with his program, it was his upcoming Mastermind Group in late summer 2023 that really grabbed my attention. Partaking in my first series of sessions of this nature during COVID in 2020, I realized the benefits of getting vulnerable with a handful of likeminded individuals seeking self-improvement.  I look forward to being part of his inaugural group and guarantee that it will be lifechanging for everyone involved.

I could go on and on about what this guy means to me and how our friendship has grown since the 1st of the year as we have reconnected and realized just how much the Lord had blessed us with this reunion. We never know the impact that we will have on other people's lives in the moment and where it may lead. I am thankful for men like Collin Cottrell, who like myself, has left behind his old self to become a servant for a world that is desperate for Godly men to step up and not be afraid to share their faith. As human beings, we will always be limited in what we can accomplish but with God, all things are possible. Collin and I will continue our conversations in the weeks and months ahead and I’m excited for where those will lead.

Interested in a High Caliber weekend? Visit www.highcaliberhunts.com or reach out to Collin on Facebook and Instagram.

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  

Many of us who are passionate archers and outdoorsmen can credit our fathers for getting us into the sport. You can add New Yorker Jeremy Cavaretta to that list. Hunting at a young age and perhaps "too young" according to the law back in the late 80's (you'll need to listen to the episode for the full story!), "Jay Alpha" kept his nose clean throughout high school because he didn't want to miss an opportunity to take to the woods with his dad. A star athlete, we was home before the parties got started thanks to the deep bond he was building with the elder Cavaretta who served in Vietnam.

Feeling called to serve his country , Jeremy joined the Navy in early 2001, prior to 9/11, and much to his families surprise.  Excelling during his time in the service, he spent his last few years in Guantanamo Bay, guarding some of the same high profile prisoners that he had a hand in sending there. Working with the FBI and CIA and conducting interrogations, it was only natural that the Master-at arms would move into the world of Law Enforcement after getting out. Having already taken civil service tests for State Trooper and Department of Corrections while home on leave, Cavaretta was poised to transition to a new career stateside postmilitary. A hiring freeze put that on hold for a short time until he got the call from the DOC and was off and running in his next season of life.

The family man continued his obsession with archery and the outdoors, staying fit with jiu-jitsu and boxing. But his life took a near fatal turn in December of 2017 after he felt a heart flutter while in the tree stand. After getting an EKG at an appointment that his wife had scheduled, he was shipped to a cardiologist who could only discover a murmur. After requesting  a stress test once he revealed his line of work to the doctors, the ultrasound revealed a dangerous aneurysm and he was rushed into a life saving surgery.

Recovering quickly and back to work in 90 days, he would compete and take two 2nd places in a big jiu-jitsu tournament just a year later while continuing to fill his trophy room each fall with some impressive headgear. He and his wife both work out with their family and want to set an example for their children that they can take care of themselves and have fun while doing it.

Sadly, his world was shattered in February of 2021 when he lost his father, his lifelong mentor and hunting partner. Just twelve months later, his brother passed away, leaving him without his two best friends and family members that he had made so many memories with in the field.

Having started to film his hunts to preserve them forever for his kids and future generations to see, Cavaretta continues to take to the woods to feel closer to his late father and brother but also to clear his head from years in the service. Like so many that suffer with PTSD, he finds a peace and solitude that is difficult to locate elsewhere and wants to help others who struggle discover that same healing. 

I loved this podcast and hearing from a man who could have easily given up on life many times in his 46 years. But a strong love for his country, his family and the outdoors combined with the true heart of a servant continues to get him up off the mat to fight another day. It's men like Jeremy that make me proud to be an American and to push forward on our mission here at HHAUSA to change and save lives through the sport of archery. We are excited to see what the future holds for him and are thankful that he's on our side. God bless you brother, and thank you for your service!

You can follow Jeremy 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  

Growing up on a farm, Jake Arvold was exposed to animals and hunting at an early age and a lifelong passion was born. Guiding elk in Idaho by the time he was 18, the homeschooled Wisconsin native bought and flipped his first house at 19 and started his own CrossFit gym "The Machine Shed" while in college. Ambitious for someone further along in years, much less a kid barely out of high school. Such is the life of those that are born to succeed and blessed to do what they are passionate about for a living.

Jake continued on that steep trajectory towards his destiny of working in an industry he loved and where he could have impact on the lives of others. A chance encounter at a bodybuilding show would put him on a crash course with the founder of the now globally recognized nutrition brand, 1st Phorm. In what sounded like something out of a perfectly written movie script, Arvold is now two years into his role as the Director of 1st Phorm Outdoors, bringing the clean, active lifestyle giant together the archery and outdoor community. 

Closer to 50 now than 40, I'd be lying if I said that I was a little bit inspired after speaking with Jake to dust off the Bow Flex in my basement and start taking better care of myself. Representative of everything I have come to learn about 1st Phorm since being introduced by friend, former MLB pitcher and President of Premier Pitching Brett Graves, the Missouri based company has products that work and sell themselves. The culture and way they do business is very similar to what we have built on the for profit side at HHA Sports. Great people, making great products and operating from a place of integrity. Apologies if it comes across as bragging and not at all my intention, but I have seen first hand over the past 40 years what it looks like to do things the right way and the rewards that come of it. 1st Phorm is doing just that and I love supporting brands that do business the hold character as high as they do product quality. Unfortunately, that is becoming a thing of the past but not with these guys and if Arvold has anything to say about it.

A great conversation that I look forward to continuing in person later this month when Jake and his team journey to the Badger State for Mission 24, I want our listeners to dive into this one for themselves and find their own takeaways. We appreciate them coming on board as a sponsor for HHAUSA and I know their products will be a big hit with our shoot attendees.  On a person level, I think the Hamm house will be seeing more 1st Phorm products on the doorstep in the near future on our way to being better, healthier versions of ourselves.

You can connect with Jake, 1st Phorm and 1st Phorm Outdoors on all the social platforms and check out his  "Experience More" podcast. To learn more about 1st Phorm Outdoors and to check out their products, visit www.1stphormoutdoors.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  

Picking up a guitar before he ever hopped on a school bus, Chris Kroeze knew from a young age what he wanted to do when he grew up. Becoming so attached to it as a six year old, there's a picture in the family photo album of the little boy falling asleep with one tucked under his arm. Twenty five years later, not much has changed.

Married and a father of two, Kroeze still lives in Barron, population 3,659, a small town in Northwestern Wisconsin. Having long been a household name across The Badger State and with a runner up finish on NBC's The Voice a few seasons ago, success hasn't changed Barron's favorite son one bit. Humble, soft spoken and easy to talk to, Chris has all the characteristics of the Mr. Nice Guy that holds the door for you at the neighborhood Kwik Trip but can rock the house at a moments notice. Once he takes the stage, two decades of picking a guitar quickly grab your attention along with a voice that doesn't come around too often.

Writing songs that vividly capture life here in the Midwest and bring the listener into the story, you can quickly pick up his musical roots that range from classic country to southern rock. My wife and I watched Kroeze and his band in Wisconsin Rapids last Friday night as they entertained the nearly sold out crowd for close to two hours. With a mix of covers and original music, I saw a man that loved what he did for a living and did it well. Human, a song penned for his finale on The Voice, was my favorite of the evening and I look forward to hearing him play it again in April in an acoustic setting for our HHAUSA weekend outside of Madison. 

Thanks to longtime friend and HHA supporter Kurt Walbeck of Outdoor Bound TV, we got connected to Kroeze through Brew Pub Lotzza Mottza Pizza. Having travelled abroad many times to entertain the military, he was a natural fit for the crowd at our biggest event to date. I also have to thank Matt "Mottza Matt" Selvig and his team, for putting this show together.

An avid outdoorsman, I look forward to getting to know Chris better on a personal level and collaborate more in the future to support our service men and women. Gifted with the God given talent to pick and sing, I appreciate his heart for the Veteran community and encourage anyone that appreciates good music and good people to take in a Chris Kroeze show the next time he's in your area. Here at HHAUSA, we like to support and promote the good guys, and Chris most definitely fits the bill.

You can follow Chris on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and check out his website at www.chriskroezemusic.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