If I invited you to an event where spending time with veterans, active military and first responders would lead to contagious smiling, laughter and new friendships, would you come? Of course you would! This past weekend, I was blessed to do that, but it’s far more than words in an article. I will try to lay the groundwork and share the overview, but in order to fully grasp the magnitude of what God is doing in Wisconsin and around the country, you’ll have to attend an HHAUSA/Centershot Blue event.
The nine hour drive to Wisconsin to see one of my best friends, other brothers in Christ and Facebook buddies went by quickly. I met up with HHAUSA President Chris Hamm and the ENDEX Archery crew at our hotel to drop my gear off before helping set up the archery scramble 3D targets at the Oregon Sportsman’s Club. Hugs, handshakes and laughter started things off right.
At the club, we set up targets for the Friday evening scramble, flicked man-eating ticks off arms and legs, and met a few more folks from Centershot Blue. Over dinner, we all got to know each other and while I didn’t know many of them, they all felt like family. That’s what I love about these events.
Early Friday morning, after devotions, prayer and coffee, we made our way to Vortex Optics headquarters in Barneveld, WI. Right away I spotted a familiar face. Chad Stillman and I hadn’t seen each other for a couple years (the last time was when we both were able to share our testimonies at the Target the Heart prayer breakfast at the 2023 ATA Show) and the hug we shared showed it. I met so many wonderful people, including Rick Devericks and Steve Browning, whom I would get to shoot with on Sunday morning. Spoiler alert, we have a great time! After introductions to Vortex staff, we had an incredibly detailed tour of the facility; from Vortex Edge, manufacturing, assembly, testing and the people. I think that’s what makes Vortex so great, the people. Yes, their optics are top-notch and I love them, but the people make the company great.
After the tour, we drove back to the Oregon SC for the archery scramble. Here is where it gets even better and one of the main reasons I come to these events. Out of random draw, I was set up to shoot with former Navy diver, Eric C. He shared his story with me and it hit home for reasons I will not share here, but I could relate to his story through my own family. This right here. This is why I come. Not only for the archery, but for the stories and the sharing of stories that are difficult to share anywhere else. The evening was capped off by the music of Wisconsin native and runner-up on The Voice Chris Kroeze. Talk about talent!
Shout out to Centershot Blue’s Rick Young for securing my peep after the shoot. The knot in my thread popped and it wasn’t looking good. I did not have my Halo serving, but Rick had some and that allowed me to shoot the rest of the weekend. Thanks, Rick!
The next day found us up early and at the Stoughton Conservation Club. I fell in love with this facility and what it has to offer. 3D archery course in the woods, 3D course in the wide open field, long range archery, sporting clays and incredible people. April 26, 2025 was a day I’ll not soon forget because God was on the move. A gentleman came in as we were setting up the silent auction and preparing to hit the 3D courses. Joe Magruder was shooting alone and Chris invited him to join us. Once we shot the first target the jokes and conversations started. This was when I knew it was going to be a great day. As I write this I am getting teary-eyed and choked up because I truly cannot put into words how God connected all of us that day. As we shot and talked, we got to know Joe and his story. I feel blessed that Joe felt comfortable enough to open up and share. As we walked and talked (we did more talking than walking which made us a bit slow), we had another archer sneak in behind us. It just so happened that it was Brad Wernewski (copyright on photos 1, 3 4 & 6 below), who I hadn’t seen since my last HHAUSA event four years back. We have been Facebook buddies for a while, so this made for some fun conversation. After introductions, we continued to shoot together, share stories and simply have a great time shooting foam.
Once we completed the woods course, Chris and Brad had to get back to the clubhouse, so Joe and I continued shooting the field course. Our conversation was genuine, heartfelt and polite. You could feel the Holy Spirit in our presence as we talked. Joe and I were shooting pretty much the same all day, not podium-level, but not bad either. He had to get over to the Kniestedt Foundation sporting clays event, so we opted to close out the day on the elk targets. Joe loves to hunt elk, so it was fitting we shot here last. At 45, 53 and 59 yards, Joe made great shots on all three. Talk about a fitting end!! We snapped photos and marveled at the connection we had. As I said, I was blessed to be given the opportunity to shoot with my new friend, Joe.
After lunch, I watched the long shot shooters and then the steel buck challenge. It was entertaining and painful to hear the explosion of arrows against steel. The final was a rematch from the previous year between Chris Huntley and Owen Frohmader. The decisive arrow came from Owen at 60 yards where he nearly centerpunched the 12-ring. Congrats Owen!
After dinner, we were blessed to have Centershot Blue’s Dan Simons share his testimony outside the restaurant. Powerful and joyous. You could feel pure joy and the presence of God in that circle!
Sunday morning was supposed to involve packing the truck, driving to Oregon SC for a quick morning shoot, and me hitting the road by 9:00 AM. I felt a nudge to not rush the morning, that I would get home safe, but to relax and have fun on the course. The 38-degree temps were a little chilly, but we were ready for some 3D archery. Our morning group consisted of Joe Magruder, Rick Devericks, Steve Browning, Chris Hamm and me. We were also joined briefly by believers Grady and Dana Leow (the official HHAUSA photographer). As we made our way through the course, you could feel the bond our group had formed. The heckling, the guidance and the shouts of jubilation when hitting a 12-ring (or simply hitting foam for me). For nearly three hours, we shot our bows, shared stories and had a wonderful time. We finished the morning with a prayer, followed by some powerful manly hugs and then I hit the road back to Tennessee.
Many have said this about this weekend; words cannot describe how powerful this was for everyone. It was needed by many. God brought together a massive group of people that needed to be there for one another. The events were fun, fulfilling and full of soulful value. I made some new friends, found some peace and I’m already looking forward to another HHAUSA/Centershot Blue event. If you are looking to support a great cause, shoot your bow and have some meaningful conversations, I encourage you to attend one of the remaining three HHAUSA events this summer. You’ll be thankful you did.
Be First to Comment