Episode 87: Jeremy Cavaretta U.S. Navy - Investigator

The HHAUSA Podcast

Many of us who are passionate archers and outdoorsmen can credit our fathers for getting us into the sport. You can add New Yorker Jeremy Cavaretta to that list. Hunting at a young age and perhaps "too young" according to the law back in the late 80's (you'll need to listen to the episode for the full story!), "Jay Alpha" kept his nose clean throughout high school because he didn't want to miss an opportunity to take to the woods with his dad. A star athlete, we was home before the parties got started thanks to the deep bond he was building with the elder Cavaretta who served in Vietnam.
Feeling called to serve his country , Jeremy joined the Navy in early 2001, prior to 9/11, and much to his families surprise. Excelling during his time in the service, he spent his last few years in Guantanamo Bay, guarding some of the same high profile prisoners that he had a hand in sending there. Working with the FBI and CIA and conducting interrogations, it was only natural that the Master-at arms would move into the world of Law Enforcement after getting out. Having already taken civil service tests for State Trooper and Department of Corrections while home on leave, Cavaretta was poised to transition to a new career stateside postmilitary. A hiring freeze put that on hold for a short time until he got the call from the DOC and was off and running in his next season of life.
The family man continued his obsession with archery and the outdoors, staying fit with jiu-jitsu and boxing. But his life took a near fatal turn in December of 2017 after he felt a heart flutter while in the tree stand. After getting an EKG at an appointment that his wife had scheduled, he was shipped to a cardiologist who could only discover a murmur. After requesting a stress test once he revealed his line of work to the doctors, the ultrasound revealed a dangerous aneurysm and he was rushed into a life saving surgery.
Recovering quickly and back to work in 90 days, he would compete and take two 2nd places in a big jiu-jitsu tournament just a year later while continuing to fill his trophy room each fall with some impressive headgear. He and his wife both work out with their family and want to set an example for their children that they can take care of themselves and have fun while doing it.
Sadly, his world was shattered in February of 2021 when he lost his father, his lifelong mentor and hunting partner. Just twelve months later, his brother passed away, leaving him without his two best friends and family members that he had made so many memories with in the field.
Having started to film his hunts to preserve them forever for his kids and future generations to see, Cavaretta continues to take to the woods to feel closer to his late father and brother but also to clear his head from years in the service. Like so many that suffer with PTSD, he finds a peace and solitude that is difficult to locate elsewhere and wants to help others who struggle discover that same healing.
I loved this podcast and hearing from a man who could have easily given up on life many times in his 46 years. But a strong love for his country, his family and the outdoors combined with the true heart of a servant continues to get him up off the mat to fight another day. It's men like Jeremy that make me proud to be an American and to push forward on our mission here at HHAUSA to change and save lives through the sport of archery. We are excited to see what the future holds for him and are thankful that he's on our side. God bless you brother, and thank you for your service!

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