The HHAUSA Podcast

Growing up in Arizona, Caleb Brewer joined the military in 2005. After reading a book about the Special Forces, he found his true calling of becoming a Green Beret.

While conducting combat operations in the treacherous Helmand Province of Afghanistan in 2015, his life changed forever when he was critically injured by an IED. Losing both of his legs, Brewer began the long road to recovery. It was during that process that he would discover the sport of archery.

It didn't take long and he was working on his own bows, started bowhunting and quickly experienced the benefits, both mental and physical, that his new passion had to offer. In 2020, working with Operation Enduring Warrior, Caleb started an archery program for the 501c3 to offer the same healing he had found to others.

Purchasing an archery shop in his hometown of Tucson in November of 2021, Brewer is now pouring into the lives of people from around the country, using archery and his inspirational story to make a difference.

We talk a bit of hunting as well including another near death experience this fall where he was swept up in a raging river. He would survive and weeks later, take an awesome bull elk in a story that truly inspired me and I am sure will leave you feeling the same.

A humble man not wanting to be in the limelight, Caleb Brewer provided a great service to our country and paid the price. He hasn't allowed that slow him down and is doing great things for the Veteran and archery community. We are thankful to have him as part of the HHAUSA family and hope to collaborate in the future to positively impact even more lives. To connect with him, you can follow Caleb Brewer on Instagram as well as Stick Sniper Archery or visit www.sticksniper.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  

One of my greatest shortcomings is that I seldom take time to rest. Between being a business owner, running a nonprofit, having a weekly podcast, and trying to be a good husband, family man and friend, it doesn't leave me with a ton of free time. Having danced too close to the edge at least once or twice a year for the past decade, I have to consciously tell myself to slow down, usually with a reminder from my wife and a few close friends. If I don't, I start juggling too many things and run the risk of being less effective in all areas of my life. Since rediscovering my faith in 2016, God has shown me what true rest really looks like. While still a work in progress, I feel that I'm doing a better job of self care and as a result, operating in a more positive headspace on a regular basis.

I decided in early September to take a few weeks off from the podcast to rest, reflect on the successes of the 2022 HHAUSA event season and begin working on next year. Missions 21 and 23 rounded out the shoot schedule and we hosted our first ever HHAUSA Banquet in partnership with our good friends at Whitetails Unlimited. The third film in the HHAUSA Film Series from Sam Ubl and Chase Nation debuted that evening, featuring my trip to Washington DC in July on the Old Glory Honor Flight. It also included the presentation of a $70,000 check to Never Forgotten Honor Flight out of Mosinee. The culmination of a three year goal to fund a full flight out of central Wisconsin, it was there where that I really developed my love for our Veterans and where many of the ideas for HHAUSA originated.

Successes aside, it was also a bittersweet summer as we moved throughout Wisconsin. knowing that the time was coming to move on to other cities and regions that will allow us to grow the organization and impact more lives in the Veteran and First Responder communities. That said, we will not be returning to Waushara Archers in Wautoma, Rib Mountain Bowmen in Wausau, Twin City Rod & Gun Club in Neenah or Blackhawk Archers of Stevens Point in 2023. We want to thank these clubs for opening their doors and ranges to us over the last few years and taking us to the next level. They will continue to receive our support on the for profit side for their club functions and we strongly encourage you to check out their shoot schedules in 2023 and beyond. 

Tomah Warrens Sportsman's Alliance in Warrens and Antler Archers in Wisconsin Rapids will once again be hosting events for HHAUSA in 2023. We have two other cities confirmed and waiting on a third with the complete lineup for next year due out in late November.

A quick weekend trip to Nashville for a 3D shoot on 9/11 also planted seeds in The Volunteer State for what will hopefully be a great fundraising opportunity for HHAUSA next summer. Thank you to my good friends Al Quackenbush, Chad Stillman, Josh Vegors and Ira Dean for one of the greatest evenings of my life and a powerful conversation that I will never forget.

Last but not least, another three year journey came to an epic conclusion on the evening of September 28th. I was blessed to harvest "Houdini", a mature Wisconsin whitetail that I had been chasing on my home farm since first spotting him on trail cameras in 2018. Tipping the scales at 200 pounds and green scoring 169" and change, he's by far the largest buck I have put on the wall in 35 years as an outdoorsman and I could not be more thankful. 

Overall, 2022 was a great year and I cannot thank you, our listeners, enough for the continued support of all things HHAUSA. We have some exciting things in store for 2023 and beyond and I can't wait to share those with you in the weeks and months ahead. Until then, have a safe and blessed hunt, God bless our Veterans and First Responders 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  

Started in 2017, Patriot K9s of Wisconsin has been working hard to combat PTSD in the Veteran community by getting service dogs into the hands of those who need them.  While I have several friends with service dogs, this was the first deep dive I had ever taken behind the scenes of an organization responsible for providing these life changing, and in many cases, life saving animals to their owners. I was able to meet with our guest and tour their facility last week and see first hand the impact of the work they are doing.

A Veteran himself impacted by post traumatic stress and Veteran suicide, Lani Rethaber volunteered for Patriot K9s in 2018. A lifelong dog lover and wanting to help his fellow Veterans, Lani walked away from a very good job as a logistics manager with a trucking company to follow his passion and now serves as the Executive Director for the Wausau Wisconsin based nonprofit. With a long waiting list and beginning to outgrow their building, Patriot K9s, like many organizations of its type, is always in need of additional volunteers and other resources.

Growing pains aside, strong local support for their cause has allowed them to accomplish a lot in a few short years. Higher vet bills, extensive training and the long hours required by multiple parties have pushed the price tag north of $20,000 to deliver a dog to its new owner. In spite of the increased cost, Patriot K9s has placed over 60 dogs with Veterans in need since 2017 and is changing lives but there is more work to be done. If you would like to volunteer, donate or support Patriot K9s of Wisconsin, visit their website at patriotk9s.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Here at HHAUSA, we appreciate the work than Lani and his dedicated team are doing across the state. Part of our mission is to help fight the battle against PTSD and the 22 Veterans a day that take their lives. As we continue to grow, we are excited to grow our relationship with them and look forward to expanding our partnership in 2023 and beyond.

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  

Connected through a mutual friend several years ago, my first real interaction with Jeff Vance was being part of one of his podcasts back in July of 2020. A master communicator and someone you could talk with for hours (which many have including myself), Jeff has been a blessing to my life, the archery community and the mission of HHAUSA.

In spite of some hard times in the late 2000's that left Vance homeless and wandering the western part of the United States, he found himself and came out the other side of it a new man with a different perspective on life. Now happily married, highly successful in his 9-5 and with a rapidly growing fanbase and the Bucks of America Podcast, Jeff is living his best life.

Like so many people that we have met through HHAUSA, Vance has a huge heart for the cause, helping others and sharing his passion of archery and the outdoors. He's also an accomplished chef and, speaking from personal experience, knows how to entertain a crowd with his culinary skills. Always tweaking and improving his recipes, just typing this takes me back to the two get togethers we had at his house and the assortment of meats coming off of his smoker. Jeff, when's the next dinner?

Regular attendees at HHAUSA shoots around Wisconsin, Jeff and his wife Elysia love our sport, our Veterans and First Responders and making new friends.  Always quick to great you with a huge smile and a bear hug, you'll be hard pressed to find a more genuine, likeable human being than Jeff.  He's a man that enjoys the simple things in life, fully understands and appreciates his blessings and pays it forward with little to no fanfare. This world could use a lot more people like Jeff Vance!

I enjoyed our conversation but as it always does, it went by too quickly. There's no doubt that we will be return guests on each others podcasts, continue sharing the range and meals together and build on the wonderful friendship that we have started. I look forward to those times together with my friend and brother in Christ.

If you want to follow Jeff and Bucks of America Podcast, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram and wherever you download your podcasts.

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  

Meeting just before his days with Buck Bomb began, Mike Homan and I had some good times together on the trade show circuit. But those good times took a toll and by the grace of God, we are both still here and better men on the other side of the darkness we once shared.

Long before leaving the Air Force, Homan's battle with alcohol had started and would plaque him for nearly 30 years. Through two stints in the Air Force and careers in the private sector, Mike was a functioning alcoholic. In 2007, he was pro staffing for a broadhead company in the archery industry and it was there that we first crossed paths.

After going back to Iraq as a contractor in 2012, the opportunity arose to work with the up and coming scent company Buck Bomb. Having become friends with the owners travelling the road together, they brought Mike on to run their newly developed fishing brand. Sadly, a series of unfortunate events would eventually lead to the sale of Buck Bomb to private equity in 2015. Less than a year later, Mike found himself retired at 45 years old and his downward spiral picked up speed to the point of nearly drinking himself to death.

Drowning in selfishness and self pity, he had started to neglect his family and felt like he had no purpose. Now drinking every day to the point of blacking out, it would take not one but two, near fatal car accidents, for Homan to finally realize that he needed to seek help. Passing out at the wheel after seeing the shattered windshield during his second wreck, the fractured glass was a stark reminder of what his life had become.

Mike knew that God was telling him it was time to change his ways and he voluntarily entered rehab for 35 days. Having recently celebrating one year of sobriety In August, he is a new man with a new life. Starting Buy Veteran Owned USA in the summer of 2022, Mike is promoting Veteran owned businesses using his years of experience in the outdoor world and making a difference and living with purpose serving others again.

While I did not serve, Mike and I share a similar path to where we are today. We both overcame life threatening battles with alcohol thanks to the love of our wives and the grace of God, strengthening our faith in the process. I'm excited about what the future holds for my friend and look forward to seeing him live out his purpose, changing the lives of others along the way.

You can follow BVO USA on Facebook and Instagram, visit their website at www.buyveteranownedusa.com or contact Mike 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  

Serving is something that runs in Chris Berkers' family. His father was in during the Bay of Pigs in the late 1950's, Chris himself served in the Navy from 1997 to 2002 and his daughter is currently in the National Guard.

Starting as a guardian for a World War II Veteran in the early days of Old Glory, Berkers was hooked and it wasn't long before he began taking on a more active roll that culminated into his current position as President. A dentist living in Appleton Wisconsin, Chris and I talk about how little it takes to say thank you and just how special the mission of Honor Flight is to our Veterans. With several groundbreaking trips, Old Glory has set itself apart from other branches across the country. Their Return To Pearl trip in 2011 (taking 19 WWII Veterans back to Pearl Harbor) and Return To Nam (taking 52 Vietnam Veterans back to Vietnam) in 2019 are among Berkers' favorites. 

OGHF covers Northeastern Wisconsin and has always done things a little differently than other Honor Flights and I was able to experience flying with them out of Oshkosh and the EAA AirVenture in July. Travelling with 99 Vietnam Veterans as part of a Yellow Ribbon Flight, it was an unforgettable day for everyone fortunate enough to be a part of it. Recognizing the need to come along our GWOT (Global War On Terrorism) Veterans, plans are in the works for an event with them in the near future as well.

Like everyone that I have worked with in the Honor Flight family the past seven years, Chris Berkers has a contagious energy about him and lives and breathes all things Honor Flight. It's that passion that enables this amazing organization to deliver an experience of a lifetime to our Veterans and their families, showing them the recognition and gratitude that they so deserve.

Personally, I am excited to be a small part of the Old Glory Honor Flight family, to call Chris a friend and to see what the future holds for this amazing organization. You can find Chris on Facebook, follow Old Glory there and on Instagram or visit www.oldgloryhonorflight.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  

God has a way of bringing people into our lives for a much greater purpose than it may appear at the time. Luke McFarland is one of those people in my life. Meeting over a decade ago through HHA Sports and his desire to use our products, it was only in the last couple years that Luke and I started to connect on a much deeper level. While I knew that he was a Veteran back when we met, I had no idea all that he had been through and am thankful for both our friendship and willingness to share his story.

After stints in the Air Force and Army left him with three separate traumatic brain injuries, Luke had to learn to speak all over again and his life would never be the same. Discovering a new normal and continuing to battle the TBIs, PTSD and other injuries from his service, he returned to the best therapy that he knew of: his love of archery and the outdoors. Able to disconnect from the chaos of the world each time he stepped into the woods, there was something about being in God's creation that brought him a healing like no other. 

In August of 2021, just a day before getting engaged, Luke gave his life to Christ and was baptized. Realizing now that God was in control of everything over the past 20 years, things all started to make sense and he discovered a purpose in his pain. He had a renewed drive to help others suffering from TBIs and other service related injuries.

That drive recently led the Iowa native to became an advocate for the Stronghold Freedom Foundation. This group is fighting for the nearly 16,000 Veterans who served at the Karshi Khanabad Air Base during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2001 to 2005. Exposed to hundreds of toxic chemicals and radiation at the base, 75% of these Veterans will develop illnesses because of the exposure, Luke being one of them.

I've seen it countless times in the Veteran and First Responder community but the passion to serve is something that in simply in the DNA of these individuals. Luke McFarland is a special man and a man on a mission to help those in need. I am honored to be in his circle of friends and look forward to working together more to make a difference. 

If you'd like to get in contact with him, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram or email Luke 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  

Thanks to a glitch in technology, we had to record this episode twice (thus the Take 2 title) and that was just fine with both me and my guest as we always love catching up. 

Nearly a decade ago, I received an email from a Veteran in the market for a new HHA sight inquiring about our Military Discount. Fast forward to July of 2022 and I was finally able to meet the man responsible for sending that email in person.  Though our friendship had graduated to text messages and phone calls, getting to spend a weekend with Jeff Litteral and a close knit group of friends from across the country was hands down the highlight of the HHAUSA season for me.

A Kentucky native, Litteral knew at a young age that he wanted to see the world and not follow in the footsteps of his father and others in his hometown of working the coal mines. Twenty plus years of serving our country blessed Jeff with some great memories and a beautiful bride but also an ongoing battle with PTSD. I appreciate Jeff's willingness to share not only his story but his struggles as well. He fully understands the value in doing so and wants to help others overcome by not being afraid to show weakness and ask for help.

Unsuccessfully trying to fight PTSD early on with pills and alcohol, Jeff's wife gave him an ultimatum that things would have to change if he wanted her and their young daughter to be a part of his life. Taking those words to heart, he began counseling and soon found one that spoke his language, giving him the necessary tools to combat his situation in much healthier ways. He would also get reintroduced to hunting and specifically archery, something that he credits with playing a major role in his routine to keep the demons at bay.

Meeting Jeff in Appleton in July, I'd felt like I had known him forever. Seeing him interact with the rest of our group, whether it was at dinner, on the archery range or at Scheels shopping for a new pair of Hey Dudes, it became apparent just how therapeutic the weekend was for everyone and will be a lasting memory for me. There was a bond formed between Jeff,  Al Quackenbush, Aaron Ritter and myself that is hard to put into words. It felt like a reunion of lifelong friends and made it difficult to say goodbye when Sunday rolled around. But don't worry, Lord willing we will be together again next year. 

Jeff's heart for serving, for archery and for our program has landed him as the point man for a potential HHAUSA event in the northeast in 2023 and we can't wait to announce it. While we are still busy finalizing the details, look forward to him returning for Take 3 just as soon as those plans are complete.

Last, but certainly not least, let's all give the social media newcomer a  follow on Instagram at 1sglitt

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've been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people over the past decade as my involvement has increased within the military and first responder communities. Not playing favorites in any way but one that sticks out is my good friend Ross Witucki. The combination of his story, his humility and his heart to serve struck a chord in me from early on in our friendship and I have a great deal of respect for the man he is and how he carries himself. Simply put, this world needs more people like Ross.

Listening to him share his beginnings in archery and bowhunting took me back to my roots in the sport that is so central to our mission here at HHAUSA. Little did I know that over 40 years after I first picked up a bow, we would be promoting it as a therapeutic, and in some cases, life saving tool for those suffering with PTSD. Outside of quality time spent with his wife and two young children, Witucki credits archery and the outdoors as his saving grace to combat the struggles he has endured in his career as a firefighter and EMT.

Called to service for the Wisconsin National Guard after witnessing the 9/11 attacks on TV in high school, Ross enjoyed an uneventful career in the military for the most part. It wasn't until he began serving in the firefighter and paramedic world that he started to experience the traumas that come from seeing people on their worst days. Not picking up on it right away but with the love and support of his wife Erin, the Wituckis have been able to find tools to live with the effects of PTSD.

He also speaks openly about the positive impact that archery and the HHAUSA events have had on him. From the mental therapy that archery provides to the sense of community and belonging that is often lost when people leave the military, he has found a new family here at HHAUSA and we are so thankful that he did.

A self taught archer and a very good one at that, I am honored to call Ross my friend and appreciate the strength and courage that it took for him to share his story. While this was his first ever podcast, it surely won't be his last as we both know the power of sharing our struggles in hope of helping others. PTSD is all too common in his line of work and we want to be a part of a solution by exposing others to the sport we love so much.

We also look forward to debuting Ross's story in 2023 as part of our ongoing HHAUSA Film Series with Sam Ubl and Chase Nation. While still in the beginning stages, it promises to offer hope for those dealing with post traumatic stress and we appreciate Ross and his family in advance for changing lives.

You can follow Ross 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  

If we allow it to, life will pass us by if we don't intentionally take a moment now and then to slow down, reflect and celebrate our victories, both big and small. Personally, I'm guilty at times of focusing on bottom lines, followers and dollars and cents, momentarily distracting me from our core mission: to change lives of Veterans and First Responders through the sport of archery.

Logan Chartrand joins me again this week to chat about our last two events and the impact felt by those in attendance. Without giving too much away, we were able to be a part of Aaron Ritter's E3G Amputee Grant presentation from Limb-Itless Outdoors outside of Appleton in early July.  First year recipient Andrew Macek was left speechless when he was given a truckload of gear to help successfully launch him into the sport that brings us all together. Aaron did not disappoint in delivering a heartfelt message to the crowd of how much the journey has meant to him and we look forward to coming alongside him once again in 2023 as he continues to touch lives through his passion of the outdoors.

It was also great to finally shake hands and break bread with Veteran, longtime HHA supporter (and new Instagram influencer) Jeff Litteral. Getting to spend three days with Jeff, share the course and hear about his heart and willingness to step up has us hopeful for a trip out east to his home turf for an HHAUSA event in 2023. 

My very close friend Al Quackenbush also joined us from Southern California at Mission 20. It was Al who first introduced me and the HHAUSA family to Aaron. It was our first time all being together and made for an amazing weekend, the only downside being that it went by way too quickly. I can speak on behalf of all of us though in saying that it was one that will not soon be forgotten and helped us both individually and collectively define our purpose. Even though Al nor myself have never served our country, a  special bond has formed between the four of us and I am so thankful for the connection that we share.

As we head into our last two shoots of 2022, the future is looking very bright for HHAUSA and I am excited to unveil our plans for 2023 in the coming months. None of this would be possible without the Aarons, the Als, the Jeffs, the Andrews and countless others that have come into my life and who support this cause. Thank you all for your selflessness and stepping up to serve those who allow us to do what we do.

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