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 contact@bvousa.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
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