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This scenic outlook from the 4th Annual Quail Creek Spring Turkey Hunt. Photo credit to WWIA Lead Associate Daniel Berryman.
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Notes From the Field: February/March 2019
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We had two outstanding WWIA events and multiple fundraisers during the months of February and March. Spring is just around the corner, and we are gearing up for a busy season full of exciting world-class events and tremendous opportunities for our Heroes. Be sure to check out this issue's Spotlight Feature to learn more about one of our incredible Purple Heart Heroes. Please continue sharing the mission of WWIA to help us reach and educate others about what we do and how they can get involved. Your dedication and support are sincerely appreciated.
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6th Annual Wisconsin Woodturning
February 3-8 Kronenwetter, WI
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The 6th Annual WI Woodturning Event brought four of our Heroes together over 5 days to learn a unique and valuable skillset. Our Heroes were instructed in the art of woodturning and fashioned beautiful, handcrafted wooden items including a pencil holder, a deep hollowed vessel with top, inlaid plates, platters, bowls, natural edge bowls, mallets, spinning tops, mushrooms, round wooden boxes, pens, cups, wands, duck calls, deer calls, bottle stoppers, and bud vases.  The number of items crafted by the Heroes was impressive and the quality was exceptional. The camaraderie among the entire group was fantastic, and their ability to share experiences and stories throughout the event only added to the bonds formed among these brothers. One of the Heroes was presented with his own wood lathe that was graciously donated by the Wisconsin Woodturners Association. We are happy to report that since returning home, this Hero has been turning almost daily, and is teaching his wife and children the art of woodturning.  Our sincere gratitude to all the instructors: Joe Varga, Jim Anderson, Mike Banderbob, Tony Kopchinski, and Bob Stavran for sharing their time, knowledge and skills with our Heroes. Additional thanks and praise to Tony Kopchinski for graciously hosting our Heroes and for his incredible hospitality throughout this event. "I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting on this woodturning event. Woodturning has truly changed my life for the better. I learned so much from all of you and the friendships I have formed I will cherish forever. I am very happy to call you friend. Being able to connect with the other veterans helps to share experiences and build lasting relationships. Thank you very much."
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4th Annual Quail Creek Spring Turkey Hunt
March 22-25 Ona, FL
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Three of our Purple Heart Heroes gathered in Ona, FL for the 4th Annual Quail Creek Spring Turkey Hunt. This event provides a rare opportunity for our Heroes to hunt for the coveted and elusive Osceola turkey. The property was beautiful and flush with turkeys, alligators, wild hogs, and whitetail deer. This event was full of camaraderie, incredible food, and lots of opportunities for turkeys. We are proud to report that after 2 full days of hunting, one of our Heroes was able to harvest a beautiful mature Osceola turkey. Although the hunting was exciting and memorable, the bonds formed among brothers in the field and around the dinner table throughout this four-day event was truly the highlight. We extend our highest appreciation and gratitude to Host David Ward as well as his guides and friends (Frank Chunn, David Roberson, Gene Drake, and Doug Ellsworth) for welcoming and honoring our Heroes throughout this amazing event. Special thanks also go to WWIA Lead Associate Daniel Berryman for his outstanding contributions and support throughout the event.
"I would like to thank the WWIA, Mr. David Ward and all the Guides at Quail Creek Ranch for the opportunity of a lifetime to come to Florida and hunt the Osceola turkey. It’s been great meeting other veterans and making new friends. Being able to spend a week in the woods with other combat vets is, in my opinion, the best therapy there is. Thank you again WWIA and Quail Creek Ranch for an amazing weekend."
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7th Annual Coyote Crush Fundraising Event
February 8th - 10th Rockville, IN
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We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Big Tine for hosting the 7th Annual Coyote Crush Event and for their impressive donation of $2,550 to WWIA. Special thanks to event sponsor Big Tine, to Joe Umphries for his outstanding coordination, and to FoxPro and Jeff Evans for their tremendous event support. Additional thanks to everyone who came out to participate in and support this event! Special thanks to Mark Broda and Dan Hagan for their support and efforts.
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Personal Edge Fitness WWIA Fundraiser
February 19th Mobile, AL
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We would like to thank Personal Edge Fitness of Mobile, AL for their incredibly generous donation of $5,000 toward the WWIA Russell Alabama Deer Event and the Alabama Inshore/Offshore Fishing Event. These funds were raised from their 2019 Wounded Warriors in Action Workout Fundraiser. Thank you to Personal Edge Fitness and to everyone who participated in this fundraising event for your continued support of WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes!
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11th Annual New Lenox WWIA Game Luncheon Fundraiser
March 9th New Lenox, IL
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We would like to recognize and applaud everyone who recently participated in the 11th Annual New Lenox WWIA Game Luncheon Fundraiser. These amazing Patriots raised over $37,000 this year and have collectively raised over $150,000 for our Nation’s Purple Heart Heroes. We proudly salute them as a WWIA Medal of Honor Decorated Patron for their tremendous efforts. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to Chris and Kellie DeMik, to the American Legion Thomas Hartung Post 1977, and to the wonderful community of New Lenox, IL. for their generosity and support throughout the years. What an incredible accomplishment!
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Good Life RV Resort Valentine's Day Dance & Pool Party Fundraisers
Bartow, FL
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Our highest thanks and gratitude to the owners and residents of Good Life RV Resort for their generous donation of $3,119 to WWIA. They recently hosted a pool party and a Valentine's Day dance with Jaybird and Trish Corcoran providing karaoke music and coordinating the WWIA fundraiser. TheyJaybird and Trish have been instrumental in helping educate others about the mission of WWIA and garnering new support for our Purple Heart Heroes. They also graciously donated all of their fees back to WWIA. Our sincere appreciation and thanks to Good Life RV Resort and Jaybird and Trish for their incredible generosity and patriotism.
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Maggie's Tavern Chili Cookoff & 50/50 Raffle
February 17th Saylorsburg, PA
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Maggie's Tavern graciously held a Chili Cook-off and 50/50 raffle to help support WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes in the month of February. They raised an incredible $1,200.00 with the winners of the chili cook-off and the 50/50 raffle generously donating their winnings back to support the Foundation. Our sincere thanks to Maggie’s Tavern owners Brian and Jaci Kimmins and to Mandy and Leggs Leggio for thinking of WWIA and our Heroes this year.
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Clear Run Elementary WWIA Fundraiser
Tobyhanna, PA
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Clear Run Elementary School had a dress down day where students donated change to help support a charity and they graciously chose to support WWIA. Our sincere thanks to Ms. Pamela Donatelli and all the students and faculty for raising an impressive $587.00 for our Purple Heart Heroes.
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Thank you Henry Repeating Arms!
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We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to owner Anthony Imperato and to all the outstanding staff at Henry Repeating Arms for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Henry recently donated a beautiful custom-made 30-30 lever-action deer rifle to WWIA (#001 of 100) that will be featured in our upcoming WWIA Sweepstakes. The quality and craftsmanship of this rifle are unmatched and we are both humbled and honored by Henry’s incredible patriotism and support of WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes. Henry Repeating Arms is the leading lever action manufacturer and one of the top-five long gun manufacturers in the USA. The passion, expertise, and dedication of their employees embody the company’s motto, which is “Made in America Or Not Made At All”. Visit them online at https://www.henryusa.com to view their incredible inventory and craftsmanship.
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Thank you Baron Engraving!
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We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to Mr. David Baron and all the talented staff at Baron Engraving, Inc. for their tremendous generosity. Baron recently engraved a custom Henry Repeating Rifle for WWIA that will be a part of our upcoming WWIA Sweepstakes. The quality, detail, and craftsmanship of their work on this rifle is simply exquisite. We could not be more pleased or appreciative, and we salute Baron Engraving for their outstanding patriotism and support of WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes. Baron Engraving, Inc. is the most diverse independent finishing company in the United States and has been dedicated to producing both decorative and industrial engraving for 37 years. Visit them online at https://barontechnologies.com to view their incredible craftmanship and services.
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The WWIA Sweepstakes is Coming!
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Get ready! The WWIA Sweepstakes is coming soon and you can win some amazing prizes. The grand prize is a beautiful Henry .30-30 lever-action repeating rifle with custom engraving by Baron Technology, Inc. or $2,500 in cash! First prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, and the third prize is a custom knife from Rapid River Knifeworks. Stay tuned for more information!
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WWIA February/March Spotlight
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It is with great honor and pride that we introduce you this month's Spotlight Feature, Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide, Derek Duplisea. Derek graciously agreed to provide some insight into his life and his experiences with WWIA. We are honored to share part of his story with you.
Derek, can you please give us a brief introduction and tell us a little about yourself and your family?
I am a retired US Army Cavalry Scout 19D4P Sergeant First Class. I served 13.5 years active duty with the 82d ABN DIV, 1st CAV DIV (OP Joint Forge BiH), USAREC in Bellingham, WA; 2ACR (OIF I), 101st ABN (ASSLT) DIV (OIF III/IV). I also served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves as an Infantry Master Corporal for 5 1/2 years with B Company, 1st Battalion Royal New Brunswick Regiment (Carleton & York) Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; G Company 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment and the Combat Training Center (Infantry School) Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, Canada. I am a proud U.S. and Canadian Paratrooper!
I grew up on a farm outside of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada with dual U.S./Canadian citizenship. I hold an MBA from University of Phoenix (2011); a BS in Criminal Justice from Troy University (Summa Cum Laude, 2007); and an Associate in Gen Ed (CJ) Troy University (2004). I am married to my Canadian sweetheart Andrea Duplisea and we have 3 beautiful daughters: Lilly, who is a teacher's assistant in Cedar Park, TX; PO3 Mackenzie Duplisea, a proud member of the U.S. Navy, stationed on the USS Bainbridge DDG-96; and Grace, who graduates this year from Calais High School. We also have a son, Aiden, who started kindergarten this year. We currently live in Robbinston, Maine, just across from Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. This allows us to be close to home, family, and friends located throughout New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.
I am currently enjoying full retirement and am blessed to spend time hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, working on the house and surrounding land, and spending time with friends and family.
How did you first get involved with WWIA?
My old squadron commander, COL (RET) Art Kandarian introduced me to John McDaniel in 2008 and asked me if I wanted to go on a hunting trip with a new organization called Wounded Warriors in Action. He stated that his old Ranger buddy (John) was looking for Purple Heart veterans to take on hunting/fishing trips around the U.S. I agreed and John soon called me, the rest is history! I initially attended the Florida gator hunt with two other Heroes and John, and I was hooked. In 2009, John asked me if I would like to attend a duck hunt in Northern California with my battle buddy Brad Alexander, my second in command the day we were severely wounded during combat actions in Diyala Province near Muqdadiyah, Iraq. (I was the platoon sergeant of 2nd Platoon, Able Troop, 1-32 CAV (RSTA), 1BCT, 101st ABN (ASSLT) DIV.) After that event, John asked me to be an associate, which I accepted, but due to work (Raytheon and then with another veteran nonprofit), I had to initially scale back my involvement with the Foundation. When I decided to officially retire in September 2015, John again asked me to step up and immediately put me back to work leading events. Since then, I have been the Lead Associate or WWIA Guide on multiple world-class hunting and fishing events throughout the USA and Canada.
Why do you choose to be a WWIA Guide?
It means the world to me to be in the company of those who paid a dear price for our great nation. When I'm with fellow WWIA Guides, Associates, WWIA teammates, Purple Heart Heroes, Hosts, and Volunteers, I feel at ease. I'm with amazing people and great Americans who make a difference in the lives of those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country.
What has been the biggest benefit for you since becoming involved with WWIA?
One of the greatest benefits in being a part of WWIA is meeting awesome Americans and Canadians who care and genuinely value the sacrifices of veterans and their families. The life-lasting friendships you make at each event are priceless.
What is something you would like others to know about WWIA and your own experience with the Foundation?
Being a part of WWIA has helped mold me into being a more productive veteran post-injury and affords me the opportunity to pass on the experiences and knowledge I have gained to those who need it most. Since the day I met John McDaniel, he and the Foundation have empowered me to keep going and to continuously strive toward mission success, both within the Foundation and especially in life.
What would you say to others who are considering getting involved with WWIA either as a Hero or in any other capacity?
Do it! You will not regret it. Doing something, especially if you have never done it before, will always present a challenge. But, in order to grow personally and professionally, you need to embrace risk and change, get out of your comfort zone, and see what the world has to offer!
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We would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the following supporters for their gracious contributions and dedication to WWIA and our Heroes. THANK YOU!
Donations:
Theresa Caryer in memory of Carl Caryer $1,000
Charles Bohn $2,000
Darrell Jordy (via CARS donation) $1,513.66
Shawn Bonjtes (via CARS donation) $2,088.91
Pamela Ball (via CARS donation) $1,022.41
Angus Wallace (via CARS donation) $651.16
Brian Bailey (via CARS donation) $861.16
Wade Thompson (via CARS donation) $516.16
Jacqueline Lamb (via CARS donation) $673.66
Gregory Mason (via CARS donation) $534.91
Gloria Schurman (via CARS donation) $1,536.16
Whitetails Unlimited Inc. $2,025.58
Dell Corp. generously matched these employee donations
Raffale Chiodo $1,000
John Hanlon $1,000
John Griffin $502
Donation toward 5th Annual DoubleCreek TN Turkey Hunt
Rob & Amy Reynolds $6,627
Donation toward 4th Annual Quail Creek Spring Turkey Hunt
David Ward $1,650
Donation toward 5th Annual Dave Harris Memorial Mexico Billfishing Tournament
C.W. Strittmatter, Inc. $1,440
Donations toward 5th Annual Eagle River Muskie
People's State Bank $500
Ruedebusch Development & Construction, Inc $1,000
Donation toward 6th Annual Kuneytown FLX D&B
Waste Connections $1,200
Donation toward 8th Annual NC OBX Waterfowl Hunt
Kyle Swanson $576
Donations toward 9th Annual Russell Alabama Deer Hunt
Brian Grant / New York Life $1,000
Donation toward 3rd Annual Great Creek Turkey Hunt
Verizon Foundation $750
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Thank You for Supporting WWIA and our Heroes!
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We would like to express our sincere appreciation to everyone that made a pledge to WWIA through their CFC selection. We are honored and grateful for your support and thank you for partnering with us to bring honor, connection, and healing to our combat-wounded veterans. Special thanks to everyone who represented WWIA at a local CFC event educating people about our mission and message. We are so very humbled by your dedication and support of our Purple Heart Heroes! THANK YOU!!
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WWIA Earns 2019 Guidestar Seal of Transparency!
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WWIA is honored to have received the Guidestar 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency. This is the highest level of recognition offered by Guidestar for financial transparency and the sharing of measured progress and results by an organization. You can read reviews about WWIA or if you would like to share your own WWIA experience, please click here to leave a review and share your story of how WWIA has impacted you.
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Want to learn more about WWIA, visit us on online!
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Our website is full of information about who we are, how we serve our Purple Heart Heroes, and how you can get involved! Visit us today! Click Here!
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