Leadership Beyond Politics
There’s a moment we’re living in right now where everything seems to get filtered through politics.
Events. People. Intentions. Even service.
And because of that, people hesitate.
They step back.
They opt out.
Not because they don’t care—but because they don’t want to be associated with something they don’t fully agree with.
And that’s understandable.
But it also creates a problem.
Because when good people stop showing up… the people who need support the most are often the ones left without it.
The Reality We’re Facing
We’ve seen this play out recently with events like the Governor’s Fishing Opener here in Minnesota.
For those who may not be familiar, this isn’t just a political appearance—it’s a decades-long tradition that marks the start of the fishing season and rotates through communities across the state. It brings attention to local economies, highlights the outdoors, and creates a shared space for people to come together.
This year, it’s being held in Stillwater, in the St. Croix River Valley—for the first time in its history.
That matters.
This is one of the most incredible fisheries in the country. World-class water. Diverse species. A place where people come to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with something real.
But it’s also more than the water.
Events like this bring attention to the communities that host them. They support local businesses. They highlight the places we live, work, and care about.
And for us—this is home.
Hometown Hero Outdoors is based here. This is where we live. This is where our community has supported us, stood behind us, and believed in what we do.
And when that same community asks us to show up—not for politics, but because they believe in the people we serve and the good we’re doing—we’re going to answer that call.
Acknowledging the Hard Truth
Now let me be equally clear about something else—do I agree with everything the governor has done politically? Absolutely not.
Are there things I do agree with? Sure.
And the truth is—that applies to any politician.
As an organization, we remain nonpartisan and apolitical. That’s intentional. It allows us to stay focused on what actually matters—serving the people who need it most.
But that doesn’t mean we’re disconnected from reality.
I served in the military in the same division as the governor during what became the longest continuous military engagement since World War II in Iraq. While our paths ultimately diverged during that time, the experience—and what came from it—has stayed with me.
There’s been plenty of conversation and differing perspectives around that time—some of it from people I served alongside.
And that’s part of the reality too.
Because decisions made at that level don’t just stay political—they become personal.
I’ve lived under those decisions. I’ve carried their impact in my career, in my life, and ultimately in my early medical retirement.
So when people speak up about their concerns or frustrations—I don’t dismiss that.
I understand it.
Why We Still Show Up
For most of my life, I operated in a system where I followed orders shaped by leadership and decisions made in political spaces.
I did it honorably.
I did it without hesitation.
And I did it to the best of my ability.
I’ve lived in systems where I didn’t get to choose how I showed up.
Now I do—and I don’t take that lightly.
Because what we do at Hometown Hero Outdoors is bigger than any one person. Bigger than any one office. Bigger than politics.
We exist to serve veterans, service members, and first responders.
And the reality is—those individuals don’t stop needing support just because the setting isn’t perfect.
So when it comes to events like this, let me be clear:
We’re not there for any one person.
We’re there for everyone else.
We’re there for the veteran standing in the crowd who’s been carrying something heavy.
We’re there for the first responder who hasn’t had a chance to reset.
We’re there for the service member who might not say a word—but needs to know someone is there.
Sometimes it’s a handshake that turns into a conversation.
Sometimes it’s a quiet moment on the water where someone finally opens up.
Sometimes it’s just knowing someone is there who understands.
We’re there for the one person who might need it.
Or the one connection that leads to someone who does.
And if that’s the case—even once—it’s worth it.
Our Standard
At Hometown Hero Outdoors, we hold ourselves to a simple standard:
- We show up where people are—not just where it’s comfortable
- We serve people—not politics
- We stay nonpartisan so we can stay accessible to everyone
- We lead with respect, even when we disagree
- We don’t walk away from opportunities to help because of who else is in the room
Because the people we serve don’t have that luxury.
Service Isn’t Conditional
I respect that not everyone will feel the same way.
If someone chooses not to engage because of their beliefs, that’s their right.
But for us, service isn’t conditional.
We don’t wait for perfect alignment.
We don’t wait for a perfect environment.
Because the people who need support the most don’t live in perfect conditions.
They live in the real world—where things are messy, complicated, and often uncomfortable.
That’s where we step in.
Choosing to Show Up
I’ve been in their boots. I’ve carried that weight.
Now I’m in a position where I get to choose how I serve.
And I choose to show up anyway.
Not for politics.
Not for optics.
But for the people who need it—so they can reset, keep moving forward, and fight another day.
Every time.
Stand With Us
If you believe in meeting people where they are…
If you believe service should rise above division…
If you believe one moment can change someone’s path…
Then stand with us.
The outdoors has always been the common ground—even when everything else isn’t.
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About the Author: Chris Tetrault is a medically retired Minnesota Conservation Officer and veteran of the Minnesota National Guard. With over two decades of public service, he now leads Hometown Hero Outdoors, a national nonprofit supporting the mental health and well-being of veterans, military members, and first responders through outdoor experiences.
