Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Tetrault
Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was raised in Minnesota, but my story truly begins on September 11, 2001. I was a junior in high school, sitting in class, watching the world change in real time. Nine days later, I enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard. At 17, I didn’t fully understand the weight of that decision, but I knew one thing—I couldn’t just sit back and watch.
At 18, I deployed to Bosnia as part of SFOR 14, a peacekeeping mission in a country still recovering from war. I returned home, but not for long. By 19, I had been promoted to E5 Sergeant and was gearing up for Iraq. In 2005, I deployed to LSA Anaconda for what would become the longest deployment of the war—22 months, 16 of them in-country. We lived under the constant threat of mortar fire, conducting combat reconnaissance patrols, running convoys, securing perimeters, and adapting to an environment where hesitation could mean harm or life ending.
Coming home after Iraq wasn’t the return to normal that people assume. The transition was brutal. The camaraderie, the purpose, the structure—it was all gone. I turned to education, earning degrees in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Strategic Security. I landed a job as a Federal Reserve Police Officer, working in campus protection and emergency services response. But something didn’t sit right. I wanted to do more.
That’s when I decided to chase a lifelong dream—becoming a Minnesota Conservation Officer. I traded in federal law enforcement for the rugged unpredictability of the wild. Alone, deep in the forests and on the frozen lakes of northern Minnesota, I enforced conservation laws, investigated poaching rings, and found myself in high-stakes operations. But it wasn’t just about busting poachers—it was about protecting something bigger. The land. The wildlife. The traditions we pass down.
Yet, the weight of the badge—whether in the military, federal law enforcement, or as a game warden—came with an unseen cost. Isolation wasn’t just about being alone in the woods. It was the kind of loneliness that follows you home. The things you see, the things you carry, the friends you bury. I’ve responded to the deaths of close friends, including a snowmobile crash where I watched someone I cared about take his last breath. I’ve stood over the body of another friend who took his own life. I’ve watched my coworkers and fellow veterans lose themselves to the demons that war and service leave behind.
In just a few short years, I lost eight coworkers—two in the line of duty, one to suicide, and the rest to medical complications that felt just as cruel.
In 2017, I co-founded Hometown Hero Outdoors (HHO). The idea was simple: give veterans, first responders, and active military a way to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with themselves. What started as a handful of outdoor trips exploded into a movement. Today, HHO has taken thousands of heroes on outdoor adventures that serve as a lifeline for those battling PTSD, depression, and the weight of service.
But it’s not about the hunt, the catch, or the adventure itself. It’s about what happens in between—the quiet moments where walls come down, where stories get shared, where someone realizes they’re not alone. The outdoors is just the vehicle; the real impact is in the connection, the camaraderie, and the chance to step away from isolation, even for a little while.
Through HHO, I’ve watched brothers and sisters rediscover purpose, laughter, and the simple joys of life outside of uniform. I’ve seen the weight of isolation lift, even if just for a weekend in the woods. I’ve witnessed friendships forged over campfires, moments of healing on the water, and the realization that we are never as alone as we think we are.
But above all else, I would be remiss not to mention the greatest part of my life—my family. In a world that has often felt chaotic and unpredictable, my wife and our seven children (blended family) have been my anchor. With kids ranging from 17 to just 4 years old, they are my greatest joy and the foundation that keeps me centered. Their love, laughter, and unwavering support—especially from my **incredible wife, who stands by me in every endeavor—**have given me the strength to keep moving forward.
My story isn’t just about what I’ve done—it’s about why I keep going. Service isn’t a job. It’s a calling. Whether on the battlefield, in the field as a conservation officer, or leading HHO, my mission has always been the same: protect, serve, and make sure that no one fights their battles alone.
And the best part?
We’re just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Not even close. From the battlefields of Iraq to the isolation of law enforcement, to losing friends and fellow service members, the road has been anything but easy. Transitioning from war to civilian life was brutal. The camaraderie, the structure, the purpose—it was all gone, and like many veterans, I struggled to find my footing. Law enforcement brought new challenges, from high-risk operations to witnessing tragedy firsthand. I’ve stood over the bodies of friends, responded to calls no one should have to take, and buried too many people I cared about.
But every struggle shaped the mission I have today. The weight of service is real, but so is the power of connection. That’s why I co-founded Hometown Hero Outdoors—to give others a way out of that darkness, to remind them that they’re not alone, and to give them the same sense of purpose that kept me going. It’s never been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t change a thing—because every challenge has led to something greater.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hometown Hero Outdoors: More Than an Outdoor Trip—A Lifeline
Hometown Hero Outdoors (HHO) isn’t just another outdoor nonprofit—it’s a lifeline for veterans, active military, and first responders who need a way to reconnect, reset, and rediscover purpose.
At our core, we use the outdoors as a vehicle to combat isolation and mental health struggles. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures aren’t just hobbies—they’re opportunities to step away from stress, bond with others who understand, and break the cycle of loneliness that too often follows service.
What We Do
We provide no-cost outdoor experiences to veterans, service members, and first responders. Whether it’s deep-sea fishing, hunting elk in the mountains, or simply sitting around a campfire with people who “get it,” these experiences give participants an opportunity to reset, find camaraderie, and, in some cases, even rediscover themselves.
What Sets Us Apart?
1. We’re Not Just an Outdoor Group—We’re a Community.
o Anyone can organize a fishing trip. What makes HHO different is that our mission goes beyond the adventure. We create a support system, fostering lasting connections between participants who often stay in touch long after the trip ends.
2. ASIST Training – A Commitment to Suicide Prevention.
o HHO volunteers are trained in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a globally recognized program designed to help individuals recognize and respond to those at risk of suicide.
o Why does this matter? Because we understand that many of the heroes we serve are carrying unseen battles. Our volunteers aren’t just leading outdoor adventures—they are trained to recognize warning signs, provide intervention, and connect individuals to critical resources when needed.
3. 100% Volunteer-Driven.
o Unlike many organizations, HHO is run entirely by volunteers—people who have either served themselves or are passionate about helping those who have. That means every dollar raised goes directly back into funding trips and supporting those who need it most.
4. Breaking the Cycle of Isolation.
o Many veterans and first responders struggle in silence. The reality is, it’s easy to shut down and withdraw, but it’s hard to ask for help. HHO gives them an environment where they don’t have to ask—where healing happens naturally, through shared experiences and time outdoors.
5. We Serve Those Who Serve.
o HHO isn’t limited to just one group. We help military veterans, active service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency responders—because service comes in many forms, and so do the sacrifices.
What Are We Most Proud Of?
We’ve seen lives change because of what we do. We’ve heard countless testimonials who were on the edge but found hope again after a trip. We’ve seen first responders who had given up on trusting others form lifelong friendships. And we’ve watched people who came to us struggling with PTSD, stress, and depression leave with smiles, laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose.
But more than that, we are proud of the fact that our volunteers are trained to handle these moments. Whether it’s a quiet conversation in a fishing boat or a tough talk around a campfire, our ASIST-trained volunteers are equipped to intervene, support, and connect people to help when they need it most.
What We Want Readers to Know
Hometown Hero Outdoors is more than an organization—it’s a movement to remind our heroes that they are not alone. If you or someone you know could benefit from an adventure, camaraderie, and a break from the weight of service, reach out. If you want to support our mission, we welcome donations, partnerships, and volunteers who want to make a difference.
At the end of the day, we’re not just taking people on trips—we’re helping them reclaim something that service and sacrifice often take away: connection, peace, and a reason to keep moving forward.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The Future of Hometown Hero Outdoors & Outdoor Therapy
Over the next 5 to 10 years, we see significant growth and expansion for Hometown Hero Outdoors. The demand for outdoor-based recreation and peer support programs is only increasing, as more veterans, first responders, and service members seek alternatives to traditional mental health care.
We’re already operating in 26 states, and that number continues to grow. Our goal is to expand nationwide, increase the number of trips we offer, and build stronger partnerships that allow us to serve even more heroes.
A few key areas of focus:
• More trips, more impact – Increasing our number of adventures to reach even more veterans and first responders across the country.
• Geographic expansion – Growing from 26 states to full national coverage, ensuring that no matter where someone lives, they have access to an HHO experience.
• Stronger partnerships – Collaborating with like-minded organizations, businesses, and outdoor brands to enhance our offerings and support more heroes.
• Advocacy & awareness – Bringing more attention to the healing power of outdoor experiences and the mental health challenges faced by those who serve.
The bottom line? We’re just getting started. In the next decade, HHO is going to be bigger, better, and changing even more lives—one adventure at a time.
HHO is proof that the outdoors isn’t just a pastime—it’s a path to healing, connection, and renewed purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hometownherooutdoors.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hometownherooutdoors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HometownHeroOutdoors
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hometown-hero-outdoors
- Twitter: https://x.com/The_Real_HHO
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG2D-oV0vHdSvykLLhZQ6bg
