Episode 31: Aaron Ritter LIMB-itless Outdoors Part 2
We resume our chat with Navy Veteran and Founder of Limb-itless Outdoors Aaron Ritter on this episode of The HHAUSA Podcast. Taking a ten year break from active service in the 90's, Aaron began pursuing a career as a fireman in his home state of Washington. His very first call involved a young girl who was run over multiple times by a vehicle and the traumas often associated with Veterans instantly became real within his new profession.
A difficult but necessary conversation, Ritter goes to a place he doesn't often care to and discusses the thoughts and images that drew him into the darkness that nearly took his life, Suffering from PTSD, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and depression following the motorcycle accident that took his lower leg, Aaron started the counseling process but saw minimal results. Financial problems, struggles with alcohol and relationships ensued and he had hit rock bottom.
Thanks to a tightknit family, several close friends and the addition of a service dog, he began to claw his way out of the hole he had been living in. Never completely free of struggles but now a beacon of positivity with his wife by his side, a relentless drive to be active in the outdoors has Aaron in a far better place. Combined with a new love of writing, the Washington State native formed Limb-itless Outdoors, a blog designed to share his passions with the world and reach people in need.
We also revisit the A3G Grant Program, created to provide a complete archery setup to one amputee a year in the United States and introduce them to archery. From the early returns and support, I know that this initiative will grow much quicker and larger than either of us expected and we are excited to be with him on the journey.
I cannot thank Aaron enough for his willingness to share his story, as hard as it may be, with the end goal of helping others in the midst of turmoil. This once again confirms to me that the men and women of our country will continue to serve long after their uniforms come off and in doing so, will change and save lives. When you talk with him or listen to him speak, you walk away feeling energized, ready to take on the world and whatever challenges life throws your way. It has surely thrown its fair share at Aaron but in spite of it all, he is motivated more than ever to live his best life. By sharing our experiences with others, we can make a difference in people’s lives and in his own words, "BE LIMITLESS"!
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