#156 Chris Fettes - A SEAL Team 6 Sniper’s Worst Nightmare
Jan 6, 2025
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Chris Fettes, a former Navy SEAL with extensive operations experience and now CEO of Be Free Craft Ice Cream, shares his unique journey from the battlefield to the ice cream business. He discusses the emotional challenges of transitioning to civilian life, reflecting on struggles with identity and mental health. Fettes humorously details his passion for ice cream, even creating flavors with military themes. He also sheds light on the toxic culture of addiction in the military, advocating for mental health awareness and stronger support systems for veterans.
Chris Fettes, a former Navy SEAL, exemplifies resilience through his transition from military service to entrepreneurship in the ice cream industry.
His experience highlighting the challenges of personal identity after military life emphasizes the importance of aligning one's aspirations with personal values.
Fettes candidly shares his battles with addiction, illustrating the critical need for support and introspection in overcoming self-destructive behaviors.
His commitment to fatherhood as a motivating factor speaks to the value of being present during crucial developmental stages in children's lives.
Fettes underscores the significance of acknowledging grief and mental health within the veteran community, promoting understanding and shared healing experiences.
He advocates for mindfulness and emotional balance through meditation, demonstrating practical tools for navigating life's challenges and maintaining inner peace.
Deep dives
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Chris Fettis: A Multi-Faceted Individual
Chris Fettis is introduced as a former Navy SEAL, particularly known for his service with SEAL Team 6. His operational history includes participating in critical missions worldwide to combat enemies and advocate for freedom. Notably, during a hostage rescue mission in Somalia, Chris achieved a remarkable 900-yard sniper shot, underscoring his proficiency as a marksman. Beyond his military accomplishments, he is also the founder and CEO of Be Free Ice Cream, highlighting his journey towards personal fulfillment and happiness.
Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
Chris discusses the challenges he faced while transitioning from a military career to civilian life, particularly the surprise of realizing he didn't fully understand his own identity. This realization came during a difficult period when he hit rock bottom after leaving the military. He acknowledges that the sense of purpose associated with military life made it challenging to adapt to the civilian workforce. Over time, he worked through these feelings, ultimately making the active choice to pursue a life that aligns with his values and aspirations.
Struggles with Addiction and Recovery
Chris candidly shares his battles with addiction following his military career, describing how it compounded feelings of confusion and loss. He engaged in self-destructive behaviors, which negatively impacted his relationships, particularly with his marriage and children. However, through introspection and support from his family, he recognized the necessity of change. This epiphany led to a commitment to recovery and personal growth, marking a pivotal moment in his life journey.
Role of Fatherhood in Personal Transformation
Fatherhood emerged as a significant motivator for Chris to leave the military, emphasizing the importance of being present in his sons' lives. He recognizes the critical developmental stage of 8 to 12 years old, which he felt obligated to support. His children became his top priority and driving force behind his decision to pursue a more balanced lifestyle. This realization fueled his shifts towards finding purpose outside of his military identity.
Legacy of Away: Coping with Loss
Chris reflects on the profound impact of losing fellow soldiers and the importance of acknowledging that grief within the military community. The traumatic experiences of war and the losses endured can haunt veterans long after their service ends. For Chris, this meant coming to terms with not only his own pain but also understanding the collective grief of his brothers in arms. Through shared experiences and recognition of these realities, he has worked to honor their memories and fight against the stigma related to mental health challenges in the veteran community.
Spirituality and Connection to the Past
Chris discusses the significance of spirituality in understanding life and the afterlife, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. He believes that every individual carries the essence of childhood while navigating through traumas and experiences. Reflecting on past traumas has allowed Chris to gain perspective and ultimately find healing. His approach to spirituality and connection offers hope for others who struggle with similar challenges, urging them to seek understanding and redemption.
Vision for the Future: Ice Cream Business
Chris's entrepreneurial journey with Be Free Ice Cream began from a childhood passion for cooking and a love for ice cream. He cultivated this interest while serving in the military and eventually turned it into a thriving business. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and creativity, the company aims to bring happiness and fulfillment to customers through innovative flavors. Chris's vision includes expanding the business while maintaining a strong community focus and creating a supportive environment for his employees.
Community Impact and Support System
The success of Be Free Ice Cream has fostered a supportive community around it, with Chris encouraging collaborations and partnerships. He aims to mentor others interested in the culinary arts and entrepreneurship while sustaining a positive work culture. Chris believes in the importance of building a supportive environment for his employees and creating a lasting brand that resonates with customers. This focus on community reflects his values rooted in compassion and authenticity.
Personal Growth through Adversity
Chris emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in overcoming life's challenges, both personally and professionally. He suggests that everyone faces struggles and adversities, whether they stem from their past, family dynamics, or career choices. By embracing these challenges and learning from them, individuals can grow and better navigate their future paths. For Chris, his journey of personal growth has underscored the notion that setbacks can pave the way for new opportunities.
Pursuit of Happiness and Fulfillment
Ultimately, Chris's journey reflects the human desire for happiness and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Recognizing that true freedom comes from within and understanding one's values can lead to meaningful change. He encourages others to embrace their passions and find purpose in their endeavors, whether that manifests through business, family, or personal growth. This message of hope and resilience serves as a reminder that it is possible to reinvent oneself and create a life of joy.
Making Sense of Loss and Healing
Chris delves into how people can process loss and trauma, stressing that it often requires facing uncomfortable truths. He emphasizes the importance of emotional healing, not just for veterans but for everyone who has endured losses or traumatic experiences. By confronting these emotions directly and allowing oneself to grieve, individuals can begin to make sense of their pain and work towards healing. Chris’s journey of self-discovery and transformation underscores the potential for recovery and reconnection with one’s true self.
Using Mindfulness for Personal Reset
Chris concludes with a meditation exercise aimed at encouraging mindfulness and personal reset, demonstrating the power of breathing techniques to center oneself. This practice promotes emotional balance and clarity, which can often be lost amidst life's chaos. By visualizing a serene beach and inhaling positivity while exhaling negativity, individuals can foster a sense of inner peace. This exercise serves as a tool for anyone feeling overwhelmed to realign with their purpose and well-being, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Chris Fettes, a former Navy SEAL, served for 13 years with SEAL Team 10 and Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), deploying to combat zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. During his military career, Fettes developed a passion for making ice cream, often bringing his high-end Italian ice cream machine on deployments. He would create frozen treats for his teammates and even distribute ice cream to local children in war-torn areas.
After leaving the military in 2016, Fettes pursued his passion for ice cream making by enrolling in Penn State University's Ice Cream Short Course. In 2022, he launched Be Free Craft Ice Cream, an artisanal, small-batch ice cream company based in Virginia Beach. Fettes' business pays homage to his military roots with flavors like ‘Cookie Commandough’ and ‘Pointman Pistachio.’ He is currently exploring his next venture of opening a brick-and-mortar shop in Virginia Beach.
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