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| Notes from the Field: May 2016 |
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May is Military Appreciation Month and one of the best times of year for WWIA and our Wounded Warriors. So many communities around the country have come out in support of our Heroes by hosting them on world-class hunting and fishing events. In one week alone, our Heroes were able to hunt and fish in three different countries! Special thanks to everyone who made these opportunities possible. Stay tuned in August for more all the great WWIA events and news happening this summer!
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Inaugural
WWIA Guide School
April 28-May 7
Made possible by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) whose generous grant funded this great initiative, WWIA is proud to present the first graduating class of WWIA Guides. These eight incredible Warriors spent ten days in a hands-on course focused on adaptive sporting techniques and the finer art and science of advanced hunting and fishing methods, all of which were designed to enhance the experience and enjoyment of the Heroes we serve. Proudly sporting the WWIA Guide patch, our Guides are all combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients who will lead other Purple Heart veterans on WWIA's world-class outdoor sporting events. Great work, men! The Foundation owes a debt of gratitude to everyone who made this possible, especially Dr. Van White and Daniel White of R Cabin Outfitters, Corrina Hart and Nichole Veesaert at WWIA HQ, Dr. Keith Tidball, Dixon Gunther, Pat Corcoran, Steve Rouleau and the Maine Trappers Association, John and Tami Rogers of Maine Outdoor Learning Center. All of us at WWIA are already looking forward to next year's Guide School!
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Inaugural Ohio Spring Turkey and Walleye Event
May 5-8
This Inaugural event was hosted by Jim Kailburn and supporters in Perry, OH. Upon their arrival, our Heroes were immediately treated to a home cooked meal while they settled into an RV overlooking beautiful Lake Erie. Turkey hunting took place the next two mornings from ground blinds in pre-scouted areas of the Geauga Park District. In the afternoon, hunters returned to camp for meals and then headed out on boats for some walleye fishing. Special thanks to Steve Fielder, Geauga Park District, American Legion Post 336, Keff Kenyon, and Time and Charlotte Kline for supporting this great event.
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7th Annual Wisconsin
Cast & Blast
May 13-15
Hosted by Mr. Todd Bohm and family, the Wisconsin Cast & Blast, now in its 7th year, is one of the longest-running events put on by WWIA. On this trip, three Heroes experienced two full days of guided turkey hunting and guided fishing for panfish, northern pike, and walleye with a group of local sportsmen. Special thanks to Grand Lodge Waterpark for providing lodging, Log Cabin Restaurant, The Bar of Wausau, Mark Milanowski, Jeff Mills, Tony Kopchinski and Joel DeBoer.
Awesome weekend! Since I came home I lead a very secluded life. It was very nice to be around other combat vets who have been there. I really appreciate everything Wounded Warriors in Action has done for me. I am really looking forward to more, hopefully. Everyone really made sure we were getting the most out of the weekend. Thanks for all you guys do! I am hugely grateful.
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St. Croix Casino Gearing Up for Golf
Tournament and Benefit Concert
May and June
Over the past several weeks, St. Croix Casino Danbury has been hosting its annual fundraiser for the Wounded Warriors in Action (WWIA) Foundation through candy bar and t-shirt sales. The annual fundraiser comes to an end in mid-June with two more events. The first is a two-day golf tournament on June 11 and 12. The second is a concert by Survivorman Les Stroud on June 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale for the June 11 concert at tempotickets.com/stcroixcasinos or in person at the St. Croix Perks booth at the casino. This is a must-see show for Survivorman fans!
All of the proceeds for the golf tournament and 50% of the proceeds from the Les Stroud concert benefit WWIA. For more information, contact
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Inaugural Manitoba
Bear Hunt
May 16-20
WWIA headed to Canada mid-May by sending two Purple Heart recipients to Manitoba for a bear hunting event. Hosted by Charlie Rehor of www.bowsite.com, along with Ron and Jeannine Dare of Bear Track Outfitters, this inaugural event was a fantastic opportunity for our Heroes. During five full days of guided hunting, Hero Brian harvested a beautiful black bear. See his exciting story below:
This was my first time visiting Canada. What a beautiful country. Through extreme generosity and caring people, I was able to go on the hunt of my dreams! The first night in the stand, it seemed all of the planets aligned. After sitting for a while, Derek said, "Within the hour we are going to see bear." About three minutes later, a beautiful mature black bear came from behind us. We waited to see how she measured against the barrel. She was bigger! The right moment presented itself and the first shot was perfect! I have now accomplished a huge feat on my bucket list. I am so grateful and truly thankful for this opportunity. Derek is a phenomenal person and will always be considered family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who were involved and helped a dream of mine come true.
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Military Appreciation Day
May 21
Wal-Mart Neighborhood Marketplace in Pinellas Park, FL generously hosted a WWIA booth at their Inaugural Military Appreciation Day event. WWIA Headquarters staff Nichole and Samantha met with local community members and spread the word about WWIA programs. Proceeds from food and beverage sales were donated to the Foundation. Thanks to General Manager and US Marine veteran Natasha Pease for organizing this event.
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3rd Annual Dave Harris Memorial Billfish Tournament
May 20-24
Heading south of the border at the end of May, the Dave Harris Memorial Billfish Tournament hosted eight Wounded Warriors at this year's tournament in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico. The Harris family graciously hosted these Heroes for five days of world-class billfishing, golfing, diving and peaceful relaxation. Special thanks to Don, Dan & Daryl Harris as well as Captain Rick's Sportfishing for making this event possible.
WWIA has done it again. I forgot that I have PTSD. I found peace in my everyday life. The amount of brotherhood that has transpired since we have been here is overwhelming. I haven't been this happy in a long time. Working away from my family has been so hard, but coming to this
makes me feel like I am around my family again.
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Galveston Couples Fishing Event
May 20-23
WWIA held a special fishing event for Purple Heart recipients and their wives in Galveston, Texas. Hosted by Brad and Julie Boisen,this event brought three Heroes and their wives together to experience two full days of guided fishing. The Heroes' wives joined them for the first day on the water. The second day was a "Ladies Day", starting with brunch and then a visit to the Galvez Hotel and Spa for massages, facials and manicure/pedicures. Special thanks to volunteer guide Buck Collins, The Arm Room Shooting Range, and everyone who came together to make this event possible.
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2nd Annual Western PA Turkey Hunt
May 26-29
Hosted Dan and Susan Bevevino, the 2nd Annual Western PA Turkey hunt took place from May 26-29 at the hosts' property in Rural Valley, PA. On this all-expense paid trip, three Heroes enjoyed two full days of turkey hunting lead by local hunting guides. Special thanks to everyone involved in making this trip fantastic for our Purple Heart Heroes.
What a great trip! I appreciate everything that everyone has done for me. Dan and his family were AWESOME! A great host and an awesome camp. We were always relaxed and had great conversations. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it. Jeremy taught me a lot about PA and PA hunting. It's always nice to learn new parts of the country. Although there were no turkeys harvested, I had an exceptional time during my visit. Great food, atmosphere, conversations, but most of all, great AMERICANS!
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5th Annual BC Bear Hunt
May 27-June 3
- Longtime Hosts and valued partners of WWIA, Doug and Julie McMann ofSkinner Creek Hunts hosted the 5th Annual BC Black Bear Hunt. Two Heroes hunted near Tatlayoko Lake in the westernChilcotin District of beautiful British Columbia, Canada, each harvesting a beautiful black bear. The BC Bear Hunt is one of WWIA's premier events and none of it would be possible without the warmth and generosity of Doug and Julie McMann, whose incredible hospitality make this event a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our Purple Heart Heroes.
This hunt was an absolute once in a life time experience that will never be forgotten by either of us. We were both able to harvest great bears and meet some of the best folks we have ever had the pleasure to meet in the McMann's. It is because of our great supporters that WWIA can continue their amazing mission to help Purple Heart recipients heal.
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Inaugural Memorial Day Softball Tourney
May 29
In partnership with NC USSSA Softball, Butch Barber hosted the first WWIA Memorial Day Softball Tournament with all proceeds benefiting WWIA programs and our Purple Heart Heroes. Special thanks to all the teams who came out during the holiday weekend to show their support for our combat-wounded veterans. Pictured here is the winning team. Great work, everyone!
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Spotlight Donors
Thanks to these incredible supporters:
$500+
Mr. Dean Elbe
Mr. James Rausch
$100+
Ms. Christine Wilson
Ms. Joan E. Meyer
Mr. Mark Douglas
Mr. Kenneth Corrigan
Mr. Ron Stoecklein
Mr. Dale Lacy
Mr. Alfred Day
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Purple Heart Patriots
Become a Purple Heart Patriot by donating monthly to WWIA and the Heroes we serve! Monthly contributors receive an introductory gift and mention in next month's newsletter.
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