Inaugural NY Bass and Trout on a Fly
July 16-19 Bradford, NY
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We were proud to add another world-class event to our arsenal this month with the Inaugural New York Bass and Trout on a Fly event. Four of our Heroes were welcomed to Bradford, NY to enjoy four days of camaraderie and fishing in the great outdoors with their fellow combat-wounded veterans. Once everyone arrived and settled in at Rupp cottage, they went to the American Legion Post 173 in Bath, NY and were welcomed by local community patriots. They enjoyed lunch and were graciously presented with a variety of both bass and fly-fishing gear to use throughout their stay. Later that evening, everyone spent time relaxing and getting to know one another. Rising early the next morning, our Heroes traveled to Horseheads, NY to the Bentley-Trumble American Legion Post 442 where they were honored with a small ceremony by the Legion Riders, and then given an exceptional course on fly-tying by the local Catherine Creek Trout Unlimited chapter. They were also gifted with some beautifully-made flies. Following their time at the American Legion, everyone went to a local pond to fish for trout. When they arrived, they were greeted by the mayor and were presented with certificates and a gift. They also received instructions on how to cast a fly rod and spent the remainder of the afternoon fishing. Great conversation was had over a wonderful BBQ dinner as everyone talked about what a great time they had throughout the day. The following day our Heroes met with several local Crystal City Bassmaster chapter members before getting on their boats for a full day of fishing with plentiful amounts of bass caught by all. After a great day on the water, the American Legion Post 407 honored our Heroes with an exceptional farewell dinner and awards ceremony. It was a special evening and our combat-wounded veterans could not have been more thankful for the outpouring of support and gratitude from the community. On the final morning of the event, everyone was able to get in a few hours of fishing before departing for home. This inaugural event was top-notch from start to finish, and our Heroes left with new friendships, lifelong memories, and a deep appreciation of their time in New York. High praise and sincere thanks to Host Gerald Tompkins for his coordination and care, and to everyone who helped support this mission. Special recognition and thanks to WWIA Guide Derek VanBuren for his tremendous support and efforts throughout the event.
"Saying thank you for this trip would never be enough to express my gratitude to WWIA and all of the people in the community that helped put this trip together. This trip has reminded me of the camaraderie and family that is gained through military service. WWIA has gone above and beyond to show me and the other veterans on this trip an amazing time. The time I have spent bonding with the other veterans has proven that healing through talking through experiences can occur no matter what branch of service you were in or years between the dates of service. Meeting the other veterans has been helpful in many ways and sharing stories is always fun. Thank you again to WWIA for this incredible time and I hope there is something I can do to give back to make sure that other veterans are able to share an amazing experience like I have."
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4th Annual Wisconsin Summer Muskie
July 16-18 Rothschild, WI
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Three of our Purple Heart Heroes arrived in Rothschild, WI to experience three exciting days of fishing, fellowship, and fun at the 4th Annual Wisconsin Summer Muskie event. Wisconsin is home to some of the best musky fishing in the world, and this event served as a testament to that fact. Once everyone arrived and got settled, they headed out with their guides for a quick evening of fishing and then enjoyed pizza and drinks while getting to know one another. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, one Hero accompanied his guide to fish on the Wisconsin River while the other two Heroes headed north to Lake Minocqua to pursue the ever-elusive muskie. After a great day on the water, our Heroes spent some quality time with Freshwater Hall of Fame muskie legend Joe Bucher. Later that evening, everyone feasted on a delicious home-cooked fish dinner courtesy of Jeff Micholic and then enjoyed sharing stories and laughs while watching a Milwaukee Brewers game on the big screen TV. Our Heroes awoke early for a quick breakfast and then hit the river for another fantastic morning of fishing. Then everyone convened at the Bohm homestead for brunch before preparing to head home. Our Heroes hauled in some outstanding fish during their stay, including walleye, bass, pan fish, and muskie. As exceptional as the fishing was on this trip, the camaraderie and bonds formed between Heroes was unquestionably the highlight. Our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Todd and Dawn Bohm for proudly hosting our Heroes and for making an already awesome event better year after year. Special thanks to Dave Brula and Stoney Creek Hotel for their generosity in providing top-notch accommodations for our Heroes throughout the years. We would also like to recognize and thank all the volunteers and supporters who made this event possible. High praise goes out to WWIA Guide Jon French for his attention and assistance throughout the event. "Wow, this is the most amazing fishing experience ever. Thank you to WWIA for giving me this opportunity. I will remember this forever. The Hosts are truly amazing and made me feel so welcome and put at ease. They are truly great people. They opened their home to us and treated us like family. Thank you again WWIA for these amazing trips for the veterans. This trip was a great experience and made me feel so at ease. It was awesome reconnecting with other vets. Thank you again and keep on doing amazing things for us vets. WWIA is truly a class act, top notch organization. Thank you so much!" |
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10th Annual Lake Erie Trophy Walleye Fishing
July 30 -Aug 2 Ashtabula, OH
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Twelve of our Warriors arrived to a Hero's welcome, as the town of Ashtabula, Ohio greeted them with a police escort and a motorcycle convoy courtesy of the American Legion Riders, as grateful members of the community thanked them for their service and sacrifice. Everyone drove to the local American Legion Dewey Howlett Post #103, which had a fire engine with a huge American flag hanging from the extended ladder over the entrance as they arrived. It was quite a humbling sight and our Heroes truly appreciated the outpouring of love and support from the community. Ed and Kathy Williams also had their Black Beast (AKA The Patriot) show truck parked outside, so the Heroes could see it and take pictures. Then, everyone was led into the American Legion single-file with the Vietnam veterans leading the way, as each veteran was saluted as they entered. This was a great time of fellowship as members of the community were able to meet and greet our Heroes. A delicious steak dinner was served with a variety of sides and deserts. The American Legion Riders presented each Hero with a beautiful plaque and a letter of appreciation from Congressman David Joyce representing Ohio's 14th District. After such an exceptional first day, the evening ended with our Heroes hanging out around the campfire getting to know each other a bit better. Everyone woke early the next morning, ate breakfast and loaded the boats in anticipation of a great day on the lake. Although there was a slight delay in getting out due to some debris in the river from a storm a few days prior, things started to clear and everyone loaded into their respective boats and started down the river. A couple of boats armed with push sticks led the way, clearing debris for the bigger boats to follow. Fishing started soon after and catches were on the hooks all day long! Most boats caught their limits or were close to them with some really nice sized fish. Boats returned to the marina in the afternoon, the fish were offloaded and everyone was taught how to clean them properly. An assembly line was started, so the tremendous number of fish could be prepared. The evening ended with an awesome fish fry, guys playing cornhole and everyone sharing laughs and stories. The following day, the river was clear and everyone got out early for another exciting day on the water. Fishing was just as good as the first day, and our Heroes raved about their time on Lake Erie. Later that evening, everyone gathered back at Kister Campground and Marina to enjoy a BBQ cookout and a cornhole tournament. There was a wonderful dinner and closing ceremony on the final evening for our Warriors, and each of them returned home with a cooler full of fish, but more importantly with new friendships and treasured memories of their time in Ohio. Our gratitude and appreciation to Hosts Bill and Diane Miller, Larry Fielder, Dave Conant, and to the incredible Team Erie, and all the tremendous volunteers, supporters, and local community for another spectacular event. The care and honor given toward our Heroes each year at this event is absolutely superb! Special thanks to WWIA Guides Jon French and Jason Gaudette for their tremendous support and leadership throughout this four-day event.
"I’ve never been able to fit in with family and friends that have not served in the military. I am a very caring person, and very protective of others, and have a deep respect for life. As a Vietnam Veteran, we have been continuously spat on for serving our country. This event has been my “happy place”. Whenever life is overbearing, I go to my happy place, that is fishing and hunting. Thank you so much for this opportunity. It makes me very proud to share life with other younger vets. What we experienced in the field of battle never changes. But the good news is God loves a warrior. He stands for freedom, ours and other countries. It is all worth the fight. This is my “welcome home" parade. Thank you! A grateful vet."
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5th Annual Saltgrass Lodge Red Fishing
August 13-16 Buras, LA
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Four of our Purple Heart recipients traveled to the Louisiana Bayou for a memorable and exciting time at the 5th Annual Saltgrass Lodge Red Fishing Event in Buras, LA. After getting settled into their accommodations, our Heroes were welcomed with a wonderful dinner, were introduced to their guides, and received a briefing for the next day's itinerary. The remainder of the evening was spent relaxing and allowing everyone to get acquainted. The following day, our Heroes had a quick breakfast and were in their boats before sunrise. Fishing on the east side of the marsh was exceptional, with plenty of fish caught early, including redfish, trout and sheepshead. After a great start to their fishing excursion, everyone headed back to the lodge for a delicious dinner courtesy of Host, Raymond Schmitt, while reminiscing about a remarkable first day. The next morning, our Heroes were back at it early, and, due to an incoming storm, had to fish on the west side of the marsh. They hauled in a plethora of redfish and sheepshead until early afternoon. Upon return, all catches were cleaned, bagged, and frozen. For dinner, everyone feasted on an incredible shrimp boil and finished it off with some homemade bread pudding for dessert Our Heroes thoroughly enjoyed their time at Saltgrass Lodge as the food, accommodations, and fishing were first-class as always. They returned home with lots of new memories, solid friendships, and coolers full of fish. Tremendous gratitude and thanks to Host Raymond Schmitt and Co-Host Audie Murphy for their outstanding efforts in providing this unique and well-loved event for our Heroes. Additional recognition and thanks to the stellar boat guides, the donors, volunteers and supporters who made this event possible through their generosity and patriotism. Our appreciation and gratitude to WWIA Guide Matt Phillips for his support and coordination throughout the four-day event.
"When I received the phone call asking me if I would like to participate in this event out in Louisiana, doing some fishing in the Mississippi River Delta, I was hesitant and nervous to accept and come. WWIA made everything very pleasant, and I could not be happier to have said yes! My experience was and has been a truly memorable one. Being able to enjoy some time with fellow veterans and volunteers, who accepted me and made me feel like family truly solidified what this is all about. It was much needed therapy and the memories made and shared, I will cherish everyday from here on. I am so thankful to all that made this event so special. It takes a kind heart and a gentle soul to be able to care for those who have borne the battle. Thank you WWIA and all of your staff and volunteers!"
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4th Annual WWIA Lake Erie Trophy Walleye Fishing Fundraiser
July 10 Ashtabula, OH
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The 4th Annual WWIA Lake Erie Trophy Walleye Fundraiser was another HUGE success! This outstanding fundraising event featured a delicious rigatoni dinner, a live band, a poker table, and offered more than 20 prize packages to bid on, including a sports package, a family package, and an adult beverage package, among others. Some of the items that were available included golf outings, a fishing charter, a custom-made fishing rod handcrafted by a Purple Heart veteran, TV’s, firearms, flag poles, and so much more. There were 84 people at the fundraiser, and through the generosity of those in attendance along with donations from local businesses, an incredible total of $12,000 was raised in support of our combat-wounded veterans! Tremendous gratitude and thanks to John Everett and his team for their phenomenal coordination and efforts year after year. Additional thanks to all the businesses who graciously donated items and made additional cash donations. Last, but certainly not least, our sincere thanks to the incredible Patriots in the local community who came out to have a great time and show their appreciation and support for WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes. Thank you for helping us give back to those who have served and sacrificed so much on our behalf.
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Hides for Heroes "Bags for Heroes" Cornhole Tournament
July 17 Manawa, WI
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Our gratitude and thanks to everyone who came out to support our combat-wounded Warriors at the Hides for Heroes 2nd Annual Bags for Heroes Cornhole Tournament. The weather was pristine, the participants and supporters were amazing, and everyone had a great time for a great cause. Through the generosity of so many patriotic people, an impressive donation of $1,500 was raised in support of WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes. Thank you, Bear Lake Resort and Campground for your tremendous support and for providing a beautiful place for everyone to gather, fellowship, and let the bags fly. Special recognition and gratitude to Dave Hintz and the entire Hides for Heroes team for continuing to raise the bar year after year. Congratulations to all the winners, and high praise to all of the incredible volunteers who worked hard to make this tournament fundraiser such a smashing success. See you all next year!
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FLX Ducks & Bucks Golf Tournament
July 17 Seneca Falls Country Club, NY
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Thank you to everyone who came out to support the 8th Annual Wounded Warriors in Action FLX Golf Tournament. Despite the rain-out conditions, everyone still had a great time on the course and enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner at the Clubhouse following the tournament. We are truly appreciative of everyone's generosity and support. This event raised a stellar $3,500 toward the upcoming 8th Annual Kuneytown FLX Ducks and Bucks event in November. Our highest thanks and gratitude to Seneca Falls Country Club for hosting another outstanding tournament, to all of our incredible hole sponsors, and to all of the participants and volunteers! Thank you for your patriotism and dedication to our Purple Heart Heroes!
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Help Support WWIA and our Heroes with Your CFC Pledge!
September 1, 2021 - January 15, 2022
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Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season is officially underway! You can easily make a pledge online to help support WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes. CFC allows federal employees and retirees to make charitable contributions to a number of eligible charities they personally select by directing a portion of their income or annuitant payments to those non-profits. CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign and the pledges and contributions received help non-profits like WWIA continue the work we are doing to assist in the healing and restoration of our Heroes. As you look to make your CFC charity designations this season, we would appreciate you considering making a pledge to WWIA and making a direct difference in the lives of our Purple Heart Heroes. Click here to be taken to the CFC Donor Pledge Site. Thank you in advance for your consideration and for your faithful support as you partner with us. With your help, we are changing hearts and minds and bringing healing and restoration to our combat-wounded veterans. 💜
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WWIA July/August Spotlight
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It is with great honor and privilege that we introduce you to this month's WWIA Spotlight, Colonel (Retired) Arthur Kandarian. Arthur has a long and distinguished record of service in dedication to our country. He is a Silver Star Recipient and was recently inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. He is also the Event Leader for the annual Camp Hackett Black Bear Hunt and is a Senior Board Member for WWIA, having served in this role with the Foundation since its inception in 2007. Arthur holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies from Washington and Lee University and a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from the Air War College. We are proud to call him a part of our team and hope you enjoy getting to know him better. Our appreciation and gratitude to Arthur for his tremendous service, and for graciously sharing his WWIA journey with us.
Arthur, can you please give us a brief introduction and tell us a little about yourself?
I am a U.S. Army Veteran with over 27 years of active-duty service with the United States Army as an Infantry Officer in Airborne, Air Assault, Ranger, and Special Operations units. I led platoons and commanded companies, a battalion, and commanded the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), including leading the Brigade, known as Combined Task Force STRIKE during the President’s surge into Afghanistan from 2010-2011. During my time with Combined Task Force STRIKE, we were honored with the Presidential Unit Citation and Valorous Unit award for exceptional gallantry in action in a decisive fight. My last assignment in the Army was as the Chief of Staff for the Special Operations Joint Task Force / NATO Special Operations Component Command - Afghanistan. Over the course of my military career, I served on a total of eight combat deployments to Panama, Haiti, Iraq and Afghanistan.
After retiring from the U.S. Army, I worked as the Senior Vice President for Business Development for two years with Combined Insurance, a Chubb Company in Chicago, Illinois. I then worked as the Senior Director of Supply Chain then as Vice President of Operations for APR Energy, a global fast track power company based in Jacksonville, Florida.
I am an active supporter of the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation and have been honored to be on the Board of Directors for WWIA since the beginning. I am also an avid outdoorsman and woodsman.
How did you first get involved with WWIA?
I first met John McDaniel in 1992 when we both served in 4th Ranger Training Battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia, and we have been friends ever since. When he was thinking about starting WWIA he called me and told me about his idea, and I was very excited. The Foundation has served many Purple Heart Heroes from the units I commanded in Iraq and Afghanistan, so I believe in the mission and have seen how the Foundation changes lives for the better.
You are currently and have proudly served as a WWIA Senior Board Member since our inception in 2007. Why is it important for you to serve the Foundation in this capacity?
Because I believe in the Foundation's mission and have witnessed that the WWIA has helped many Soldiers I know personally to heal. WWIA provides our Heroes opportunities to make connections with their fellow Purple Heart recipients, and with amazing Patriots across North America while hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. Through this combination, they find the support and healing they need and deserve.
You are also the Event Leader for the annual Camp Hackett Black Bear Hunt, currently celebrating its third year of serving our Heroes. Why have you chosen to lead this outstanding event?
John asked me last year to run the hunt after two bear harvest tags were donated to the Foundation. Camp Hackett in Phillips, Wisconsin is a very special place for me and it's also where the Foundation began. There are some incredibly Patriotic people up there who have supported the Foundation since it began in 2007, so it is an honor for me to lead an event there. It is a unique and special place of healing.
What are some of the positive affects you have seen in the lives of Heroes that have attended both the Camp Hackett Black Bear Hunt and that you have seen collectively since your involvement with WWIA over the past 14 years?
Honor, Connect and Heal, that is what these events do to assist our Heroes. I have seen it first-hand and know this works. I know many Purple Heart Heroes whom I served with who have attended an event with the Foundation. All of them immensely enjoyed the camaraderie they experienced at their events and appreciated the tremendous gratitude shown to them from communities across the country. It is a true privilege to be a part of the Foundation!
What would you say to others who are considering getting involved with WWIA as a Host, Donor, Volunteer, or in some other capacity?
Get involved! Host a dinner, be a donor, do what you can to honor our Nation's Purple Heart combat-wounded veterans! WWIAF is a tremendous Foundation that truly honors, serves and helps heal our Nation's Heroes!
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Gratitude and Thanks to Battle Born Batteries
and Future Solutions
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The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA) recently announced its partnership with Dragonfly Energy/Battle Born Batteries. Aside from their incredibly generous donation of $20,000 to the Foundation, with cooperation from Future Solutions, they also outfitted WWIA’s Airstream (mobile headquarters) with a solar and lithium-ion system that can independently power the RV. Battle Born Batteries partnered with Future Solutions because of their extensive expertise in customizing solutions for solar and lithium powered systems. Future Solutions worked on the design and layout of a system that would be cost effective, save storage space, and fulfill all the energy needs that may come into play when traveling. In addition to the installation services, Future Solutions’ Founder, Josh Atwood gave WWIA’s Founder and CEO, John McDaniel a personal walkthrough on how to use the system and explained how it operates on the backend. The team at Future Solutions did a phenomenal job from start to finish, and we truly appreciate their unmatched hospitality, professionalism, and support. Our gratitude and thanks to Battle Born Batteries for graciously coordinating all of this. They, along with Future Solutions are fiercely committed to providing green renewable energy to everyone, so incorporating Battle Born's industry-leading LiFePO4 battery technology with Future Solutions' advanced energy and solar powered solutions truly makes for an unparalleled and world-class combination. With the new solar and lithium systems in place, WWIA’s mobile headquarters can operate remotely, whether that means making it overnight in a parking lot until they reach their next destination, or even being off-grid without the need for water or power hookups for extended periods of time. WWIA, Battle Born Batteries, and Future Solutions understand the importance of spending time in nature and enjoying outdoor recreation. We all believe that when you get into the great outdoors, the benefits are immeasurable. Our sincere gratitude and thanks to Battle Born Batteries and to Future Solutions for their tremendous support of WWIA’s mission to bring honor, connection, and healing to our Purple Heart Heroes through the power of community, camaraderie, and the great outdoors.
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Thanks to Ammo.com for Their Outstanding Support
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Our sincere thanks to Ammo.com for their recent donation of $5,983.69 to WWIA. They have donated an incredible $39,689.06 to WWIA and our Heroes since 2019 through their Freedom Fighter program! When it comes time to order your ammunition, please consider ordering from Ammo.com. Whenever you purchase your ammo from them, they graciously donate 1% of your entire purchase back to the Foundation. All you have to do is select WWIA as your preferred “Freedom Fighter” option from the drop-down menu at checkout.
Simply go to https://ammo.com/wwia-supporter to get started and find out more information. Our sincere thanks to Ammo.com for their tremendous support and to everyone who chose WWIA as their "Freedom Fighter" designation when ordering previously. We are honored by your support of WWIA and our Heroes and applaud your outstanding patriotism!
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Our Appreciation and Thanks to Three Lakes
Fish and Wildlife Improvement Association
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Support our Heroes Through CARS Vehicle Donation Program
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Did you know that you can help support WWIA and our Heroes by donating your car, truck, van, SUV, boat, motorcycle, ATV, RV, trailer or airplane? Working or not, free towing, tax benefits, and helping support our combat-wounded veterans are just a few of the benefits of using the CARS vehicle donation program. Simply click HERE to start the donation process or call CARS toll-free at 855-500-RIDE (855-500-7433) to have a donation staff specialist help guide you through the donation process. If you would like to learn more about how the CARS vehicle donation program works, please click here. We thank you in advance for your support!
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Shop and Support WWIA Through AmazonSmile
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You can help support WWIA whenever you shop at Amazon through the AmazonSmile program! When you select WWIA as your preferred charity; anytime you shop at Amazon a portion of your purchase will go to support WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes! Every bit helps, in fact, WWIA received $588.75 in the first half of 2021 from this program. If you're not already signed up, simply click HERE to be taken to the AmazonSmile page, and then select Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation as your charity option. You can also sign up for AmazonSmile on the Amazon Shopping app on your phone. You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. Be sure to tell others, as it's a simple way to support us while doing something you already do. Thank you!
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