Episode 57: Jeff Litteral Take 2!

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