From Army Veteran to Archery Therapy Pioneer: Sam Westfall’s Entrepreneurial Journey
The journey from military service to civilian life is a path filled with challenges, opportunities, and unexpected twists. For Army veteran Sam Westfall, that journey led him to become a serial entrepreneur, competitive archer, and an advocate for archery therapy. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of community.
Military Transition: A Rough Start
Sam WestfallSam Westfall’s transition from military service was not a smooth one. Exiting the Army in 2001, long before the robust military transition programs available today, he faced a difficult shift into civilian life.
“It was more of a ‘here’s your Med board, have a nice day,’” Sam recalls. Without structured support systems, he experienced struggles with depression and alcoholism, common challenges for many veterans adjusting to life outside the military. Seeking solace, he turned to firearms and the shooting sports community but soon realized that alcohol and firearms were not the best combination.
That’s when he discovered archery therapy, an activity that provided him with focus, healing, and a new sense of purpose.
Archery: A Path to Healing
Unlike firearms, which can bring back memories of combat and heighten stress levels, archery requires a different kind of mental discipline. Sam found archery to be meditative, requiring deep focus that silences distractions and internal turmoil.
“When you draw that bowstring back, the voices, the noises, and anything going on around you goes silent,” he explains. “The only thing you can focus on is your release, the site, the pin, and the target.”
This mental clarity and discipline turned archery therapy into a therapeutic tool that helped Sam manage his PTSD, stress, and anxiety. In mid-2024, even the VA officially recognized archery as a form of therapy, further cementing its value for mental health and well-being.
Building a Business: The Birth of Valor Archery Challenge
Sam’s entrepreneurial journey took off in 2023, following a high-stakes career in IT. As a senior IT manager for a credit union, he led the development of a massive new headquarters, overseeing 360,000 square feet of space and 370 miles of cabling.
Once that project concluded, he faced a critical decision: continue in a high-stress IT career or follow his passion for archery therapy?
His wife had long encouraged him to start their own archery business. Taking a leap of faith, he launched Valor Archery Challenge, a unique initiative dedicated to introducing archery therapy to veterans, military families, and civilians. Unlike other archery programs, which primarily cater to bow hunters or extreme shooters, Sam’s mission was clear:
Create a community-focused archery event tailored specifically for veterans.
What is the Valor Archery Challenge?
The Valor Archery Challenge is more than just an archery event—it’s a community experience. Designed to bring together veterans, service organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts, the program offers rental gear, coaching, and a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced archers alike.
At its core, the event serves as a networking hub where veteran service organizations (VSOs), outdoor groups, and veteran-owned businesses can connect with those in need of resources and support.
Some of the key features of the Valor Archery Challenge include:
✔ Archery Therapy Sessions – Providing veterans with a stress-relieving, therapeutic activity.
✔ Beginner-Friendly Coaching – Ensuring that even those with no experience can participate.
✔ Community & Camaraderie – Offering a safe, supportive environment for veterans.
✔ Connections to VSOs – Bringing veteran organizations directly to participants for networking and support.
✔ 3D Moving Targets – Adding an exciting and dynamic aspect to archery therapy that keeps participants engaged.
Growing Recognition and Nationwide Expansion
With events already scheduled in Fort Carson, Northern Colorado, and other locations across the country, Valor Archery Challenge is gaining momentum. Sam has started talks with organizations in Las Vegas, South Dakota, Montana, and Georgia to expand his initiative nationwide.
The response from veterans and military families has been overwhelmingly positive. Many who attend the events are discovering the mental and emotional benefits of archery therapy firsthand, reinforcing Sam’s belief in its power as a therapeutic tool.
Entrepreneurship & Veteran Resources
Sam’s entrepreneurial success is also rooted in his active participation in veteran business programs. Having completed nearly all major veteran entrepreneur programs, he now serves as an IVMF Bunker Labs Ambassador for 2025, helping fellow veterans navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.
Here are some of the veteran entrepreneurship programs Sam has participated in:
🔥 The Rosie Network – Supporting veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses.
🔥 DAV Patriot Boot Camp – Providing mentorship and startup guidance.
🔥 Warrior Rising – Assisting veteran entrepreneurs with funding and strategy.
🔥 Boots to Business – A foundational course for transitioning service members.
🔥 Bunker Labs Veterans in Residence – Offering a six-month incubator program for veteran entrepreneurs.
🔥 Second Service Foundation – Helping veterans explore business opportunities after service.
Why Veterans Should Consider Archery Therapy
If you’re a veteran looking for a new way to manage stress, build discipline, and engage in a supportive community, archery therapy might be the answer.
Unlike shooting ranges, where veterans may experience heightened PTSD symptoms due to loud noises, archery therapy offers a quiet, meditative experience that promotes relaxation and focus.
For those struggling with the transition to civilian life, archery therapy can serve as a gateway to connection, camaraderie, and renewed purpose.
Join the Movement: Get Involved!
The Valor Archery Challenge is looking to expand, and Sam is eager to bring this unique experience to more communities across the country. Whether you’re a veteran, military family member, or someone interested in archery therapy, there are multiple ways to get involved:
📌 Attend an Event – Check out upcoming events at valorarcherychallenge.com.
📌 Partner with Valor Archery Challenge – Veteran service organizations and outdoor groups are invited to collaborate.
📌 Spread the Word – Share the benefits of archery therapy with fellow veterans.
Follow & Support VET S.O.S.
For more inspiring veteran stories and resources, follow VET S.O.S. on all platforms:
📌 Website: vetsospodcast.com
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📌 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3PXqxzptNSgBuSXpgDpDPM
📌 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
📌 Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), TikTok: @vetsospodcast
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🛟 Don’t drown in the sea of transition—grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline!
