Episode 123: Kasey Bruce Centershot Ministries

Growing up on the family farm out West, Kasey Bruce learned what work ethic was all about at an early age. That mentality would stick with him through high school and decades later as he served our country in the United States Navy. Meeting Aaron Scheer proved to be a divine encounter and would lead him to his new position with Centershot Ministries and Centershot Blue.<br /><br />Now a passionate archer, Bruce is using his servant heart to change lives through the sport of archery, literally around the world. Travelling from coast to coast here in the US and to Africa as well, he is seeing firsthand how transformational a bow and arrow can be. Whether it's in the younger generation as part of the JROTC program or seeing the smile on the face of a Veteran, First Responder, or Law Enforcement Officer through Centershot Blue, life change is happening with Scheer and Bruce leading the charge.<br /><br />I met Kasey a couple years ago at the Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis and connected again a month later at a private Centershot event in Florida. Our friendship quickly grew into a brotherhood built around faith and I am excited about what the future holds for our respective ministries. All I do know is that the sky is the limit and with leaders like Kasey investing in the lives of others, the HHAUSA Centershot connection is a pairing that is sure to have impact for years to come.<br /><br />To learn more about Centershot and Centershot Blue, visit their websites at:<br /><br />https://centershot.org/<br /><br />https://centershotblue.org/<br /><br />You can also reach Kasey directly at: kasey@centershotblue.org</p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

00:58:46

Episode 122: Mike Fox Pastor On Fire

Growing up with a father who was a firefighter, young Mike Fox had no idea that he would one day be serving the very men that he looked up to as a child. After a few stops and starts in his teens, the Missouri native received some direction from the elder Fox when he mentioned going into ministry. Having never thought about it up to that point, his destiny was confirmed at a lunch with his own pastor to discuss his future.<br /><br />Sadly, Mike's father would tragically pass away before he had the chance to see his son on the pulpit at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Weston Wisconsin. But it was in his dad's hospital room during his final days that Mike was given a very clear direction as to who he would be serving.<br /><br />Archery became a passion for Mike as well and was the common thread that brought us together. A chance encounter with one of his coworkers at a showing of The Chosen in February of 2024 would lead me to my new friend and brother in Christ. Mike and I instantly hit it off and as is so often the case, it felt like we knew each other for decades.<br /><br />He instantly became part of the HHAUSA community, rooming with former fire chief Bob Barteck and Mike Dragich and Rick Hall of Project Savior Outdoors at Mission 28 in April. Mike was able to see the impact of our program and will be a bigger part of it moving forward.<br /><br />This was another great conversation of a man ordained by God to serve a community in need. You can find Mike on Facebook and Instagram or email him at pastormike@mtoliveweston.org</p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

00:57:27

Episode 121: HHAUSA Season Update with Logan Chartand of Whiz Bang Media

It's been a while since I hopped on here to chat with my good friend and podcast editor Logan Chartrand. With plenty to discuss since Mission 28 kicked off our event season back in April, this was another great conversation.<br /><br />Logan brought his family up for their annual HHAUSA outing in June to Blackhawk Archers and Mission 30 and had another great experience. It's hard to believe that as I write this, the calendar has turned to August and we only have one event left in the 2024 season. So much has happened and the doors that keep opening for us have been nothing short of amazing. We are truly blessed to do this work.<br /><br />Our weekends and our guests on the podcast continue to have a positive impact on the lives of our service members and all of us that have become a part of the HHAUSA family. With big things in store for 2025, we cannot thank you all enough for the support and will be sharing more of next year's plans as we get into the fall.<br /><br />Thanks again HHAUSA Nation, we couldn't do this without you!</p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

00:45:08

Episode 120: Aaron Ritter LIMB-Itless Outdoors Part 2

Now in its third year as a nonprofit organization, the A3G Grant Initiative has skyrocketed from an idea in Aaron Ritter's mind to a life changing gift to amputees across the United States.<br /><br />We pick up just weeks after 2024 recipient Dustin Pruett took ownership of his first compound bow setup and a great assortment of other archery and outdoor gear to get him off and running. A double lower limb amputee, the aspiring firefighter was apprehensive about shooting a vertical bow for the first time since grade school. But Ritter and his team's mantra of "overcoming obstacles through archery" gave him enough confidence to trust the process and give a stick and string another try.<br /><br />From the first arrow sent downrange at the GAS Bowstrings headquarters in Kentucky last month, Pruett's life and those in attendance changed forever. It wasn't simply the fact that the world of archery added another member to its ranks that day. Lifelong friends were made, tears were cried, bread was broken, and everyone left the week with a tank that was fuller than when they pulled in.<br /><br />That is the power of community and selfless people, serving one another, and looking for nothing in return. Funny thing is, and I say this from my own personal experience, is that we receive far more from serving than we could ever dream or imagine.<br /><br />We are honored to be a small part of the success that has become the A3G Grant Initiative. Like HHAUSA, their mission is to change lives, one arrow at a time, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this great program. <br /><br />To learn more, visit www.limbitlessoutdoors.com/a3g-initiative and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.<br /><br />Applications for 2025 will open in January so stay tuned to their social media and ours for more details.</p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

01:09:13

Episode 119: Aaron Ritter LIMB-Itless Outdoors Part 1

We can only be so successful in our own power and are own strength. For nearly 30 years of his adult life, Aaron Ritter tried life his way and it wasn't working. Failed marriages, financial hardship, and hard living should have put him six feet under a long time ago. But God had other plans.<br /><br />After meeting Aaron virtually through close friend Al Quackenbush in late 2021, something special started between the two of us. Over time, more and more men of faith were placed in Ritter's life. Little by little, the walls that he had built over three decades began to come down, culminating in a return to his faith in January of 2024.<br /><br />Whether those of you reading this or listening to this podcast are Christians or not, you cannot deny the divine nature of what transpired in Aaron's life or his ministry in the past 24 months. There is simply no other explanation for his transformation than of a power higher and greater than anything here on planet earth.<br /><br />Having witnessed the beautiful journey my friend has been on has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and hope that you will too.<br /><br />The first of two back to back episodes with Aaron, you can learn more about LIMB-Itless Outdoors at www.limbitlessoutdoors.com and follow him on Instagram and Facebook.<br /><br /></p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

01:19:21

Episode 118: Jason McCoy ENDEX Archery

Social media can be both a blessing and a curse and today's conversation may not have happened without it. After seeing a post on Instagram from ENDEX and Joe McClatchy from Rest and Refit Outdoors, I reached out to both of the groups responsible for providing Veteran and new archer Andrew Denny with his first bow setup.<br /><br />Jason McCoy, cofounder of ENDEX Archery had long been using archery as a means to combat his PTSD and wanted to bless other service members with that same gift. A phone call to fellow Marine Ray Vickers and the ENDEX story began to unfold.<br /><br />Growing up in the south with hunting and the outdoors a part of his DNA, McCoy found himself missing the stick and string while on Active Duty and something had to change. After losing six of his team members to an IED in 2015, he tried to cope with the trauma by isolating himself and turning to alcohol. Realizing that it wasn't a healthy route, he picked up his bow again and instantly found healing and therapy there.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2024 and ENDEX is on mission to change lives one arrow at a time, just as we are here at HHAUSA. We are excited to partner with them and look forward to seeing more success stories come from the work they are doing. If the smile on the face of Andrew Denny on the 3D range is any indication, they are just getting started.<br /><br />To learn more about how you can support ENDEX Archery, visit www.endexarchery.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.<br /><br /></p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

01:06:16

Episode 117: Tyler Stallings StealthRig

Joining the Marines after dropping out of college, Tyler Stallings was the old man in the group of recruits that he enlisted with. That wasn't a bad thing though as the Texas native admitted that he had some growing up to do and was forced to do it quickly. It turned into one of the best experiences of his life and helped mold him into the man he is today.<br /><br />One of the things that he missed the most while in the service was the sport of archery and being in the outdoors. It was there that the idea behind StealthRig was born and the rest, as they say, is history. <br /><br />Fast forward to the 2024 Archery Trade Association Show in St. Louis this past January and Stallings found himself onstage accepting The Impact Award for Best New Product. Beating out over 150 other items launched at the show, the modular bino harness system is unique in that it features a steel plate on the back, allowing you to attach your bow to it and navigate hands free in any environment.<br /><br />I had the pleasure of catching up with Tyler on the show floor as well as seeing him at Mission 28 here in Wisconsin in April. He and his brother in law attended our private event at Vortex Optics and made the trip up to the HHA factory for a tour later that week. With a product ideal for the Western hunter, he will be seeing a lot of The Badger State in 2024, attending all of the Beast Mode Archery Challenge events.<br /><br />A strong man of faith, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Tyler and am excited to see his brand grow as the years go by. His humble nature, servant's heart and passion for the outdoors will no doubt allow him to thrive in a competitive industry. <br /><br />You can follow StealthRig on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as well as visit their website at https://www.stealthrigllc.com<br /><br />Use code Stealth15 to receive 15% off all orders.</p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

01:04:43

Episode 116: Joe Rhodes The Kniestedt Foundation

We are back after a three month sabbatical from the podcast with now three-time guest Joe Rhodes of The Kniestedt Foundation. The bond that Joe and I have has only grown stronger in the now six or seven years we've known each other and this was a great conversation to dust off the mic with!<br /><br />Partnering for a second year in a row with the Oregon Sportsman's Club, Joe and eight Veteran alumni from the foundation made the trek to Wisconsin in late April and put on a sporting clays fundraiser event. Thanks to our friends at Vortex Optics, Brew Pub Pizza and the musical talents of Chris Kroeze, our guests were greeted with three days of camaraderie, plenty of laughs, a few tears, and full hearts. We wrapped things up with a 3D archery shoot on Sunday and plans are already in motion to make the 2025 weekend our biggest and best one yet.<br /><br />A teacher outside of St. Louis, when Joe isn't instructing the younger generation or spending time with his wife and two children of his own, he's the driving force behind what makes The Kniestedt Foundation tic. With a huge heart for the Military, Veteran and Service Member community, Rhodes finds these weekends as beneficial to his own soul and mental health as the participants do. I share that same feeling and seeing the smiles on the faces of our attendees, knowing that our organizations are providing healing through the outdoors is what fuels us from one event to  the next.  It's that shared passion and our faith that has brought Joe and I so close and we are both excited about what the future holds for our partnership and the positive life change it will bring to those who need it most.<br /><br />To learn more about The Kniestedt Foundation, visit https://kniestedt.org/ and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.<br /><br /></p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

00:44:08

Episode 116: Chad Stillman HHAUSA

As we head into our 5th year as HHAUSA, big things are on the horizon and 2024 is shaping up to be one for the ages. That said, we have reached a point in our history where we need more assistance with the day to day operations, partner relationships, event planning, social media management and general promotion of the work that we do here. <br /><br />After considerable time in prayer and conversation, I am excited to announce that Chad Stillman has been appointed as the Executive Director for HHAUSA. This move will allow us to further our work in the Veteran and First Responder communities, having an even greater impact on people's lives through archery and the outdoors.<br /><br />Chad's background, his story and his passion for the cause will be a tremendous asset to our organization. He will also be jumping on here as my cohost and I look forward to sharing the mic with him. As someone who lives with post traumatic stress, his perspective will take these episodes to a level I was unable to myself and more lives will be changed on a weekly basis.<br /><br />Stillman will be more present at our events across Wisconsin this year, starting with our debut at The Open Season Expo March 22nd, 23rd and 24th in Wisconsin Dells. Knowing how much his friendship and support have meant to me the past five years, I am eager to get into this next chapter and see the fruits of his work.<br /><br />You can connect with Chad on Facebook and Instagram and will be seeing much more of him going forward. Please join me in officially welcoming him to the team!</p><br />For more information about HHAUSA and how you can support our mission, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, shirts, challenge coins and tumblers, visit www.hhasports.com</p>

00:50:51

Episode 115: Mitchell Johnston Dead End Game Calls

We have been blessed with some great sponsors in our five year history. Last January at The Archery Trade Association Show, good friend Aaron Ritter came running into our booth, eager to introduce us to the crew at Dead End Game Calls. While owner Mitchell Johnston wasn't able to make it to Indianapolis, we met the rest of his team and became fast friends.<br /><br />Recently retiring after more than two decades in the firefighting profession, the world champion caller can now focus all of his time of his business and ministry.  In what was another fantastic episode that at times felt more like a Sunday morning church service, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the story behind DHGC and hearing Mitchell's heart for serving a higher purpose.<br /><br />Without folks like Johnston and Dead End, HHAUSA isn't able to do the work we do. Not only the tangible items that they send to our events, these sponsors spread the word about our mission and many times, start one of their own if they don't already have one. It's companies like these that I want to support as a consumer and also lock arms with in an effort to make our world a better place by bringing positive change in the lives of those who cross our path.<br /><br />And if the opportunity to share The Gospel presents itself, both Mitchell and I are always obedient to that call. I was honored to share a message on The Wednesday Word, a video devotional that Dead End puts out on their social media each week, and plan to make a return to it in the near future.<br /><br />Thank you for your service brother! You are a light in the darkness and while you may have hung up your helmet, the fire is still burning.<br /><br />You can follow find both Mitchell and Dead End Game Calls on Facebook and Instagram and check out all their offerings at www.deadendgamecalls.com<br /><br /></p><br />For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org<br /><br />To purchases HHAUSA hats, tees and hoodies, visit www.hhasports.com<br /><br />HHAUSA Partner Discount Codes<br /><br />Hot Shot 15% Off Code: HHAPartner24<br />Rugid Gear 10% Off Code: HHAUSA10<br />StealthRig 15% Off Code: Stealth15 </p>

00:57:42