6th Annual Western PA Turkey Hunt
May 13-16 Rural Valley, PA
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Another exceptional time was had at the 6th Annual Western PA Turkey and Fishing Event in scenic Rural Valley. Four of our Heroes gathered to enjoy world-class hunting and fishing with their fellow Purple Heart brothers in the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania. Upon arrival at the hunting lodge, the bonds formed between these Heroes were impressive and immediate, as everyone had a great time getting to know one another while enjoying an incredible T-bone steak dinner. The Heroes were also appreciative to meet and get acquainted with their local hunting guides before they set out for their first hunt in the morning. Everyone rose early the next day and discovered a hunter's paradise, as they had the privilege to hunt on two beautiful and expansive properties; totaling 400 acres of hunting grounds, plentiful with deer, turkey, and a well-stocked bass fishing pond. Everyone had a successful first morning with lots of responsive gobbles and three beautiful Toms harvested. After lunch, our Heroes were treated to some private trout fishing courtesy of Inga Armstrong of Blackleggs Trout Nursery, a private hatchery that was freshly stocked full of brook, brown, rainbow, and golden trout. Our Heroes thoroughly enjoyed their time on the water, catching a ton of fish throughout the afternoon. That evening everyone had great conversation over a delicious dinner consisting of smoked BBQ ribs, chicken, and mac n' cheese.
The following morning, the weather was mild and everyone returned to the field for another early morning turkey hunt. Although there was plenty of activity and a few opportunities, no birds were taken. At lunchtime, our Heroes had a phenomenal homemade wedding soup, followed by some downtime relaxing under a covered porch while swapping stories and laughs. Everyone headed out for an afternoon of fishing on the pond followed by a locally catered pork tenderloin, potatoes, and carrots dinner where they expressed their gratitude to the Hosts and guides and reminisced about the memories made over this four-day event. As great as the hunting and fishing was, the friendships and camaraderie during this trip was exactly what these Heroes needed to help them regroup and reconnect. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Hosts Dan and Susan Bevevino for putting on another world-class event for our Heroes. Additional gratitude goes out to local Guides Frank Bevevino, Steve Thacker, Tony Brunetta, and Scott Crownover for their knowledge and expertise. Special thanks to Frank Condino for his continued dedication and assistance, and for presenting a beautiful custom-made knife to each Hero that his cousin fabricated specifically for them. High praise and appreciation to Indiana Country Club and Stephanie Davis for providing two great dinners during this event. We also want to recognize and thank WWIA Guide Dan Berryman for his attentiveness and care throughout these four days.
"I can honestly say from arrival to departure this was one of the best weeks I have experienced in quite some time.
The event Host, family and volunteers went above and beyond what I deserved. The turkey hunting action was unbelievable on both mornings we hunted. Although I missed the shot on a nice bird, the experience was a memory that will last forever. We went to a creek that was stocked with trout and roped off just for us to fly fish. New to fly-fishing this was a treat. I was catching rainbows, brookies and I also landed a very nice palomino trout that I will be taking to the taxidermist. The food was phenomenal the entire stay. Not only will I be taking home memories and new friendships, but I am also taking home a few extra pounds. All in all, I don’t see how this event could have been any better!"
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8th Annual Alaska Halibut
May 21-26 Seward, AK
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Six of our Purple Heart Heroes traveled to scenic Seward, Alaska for an epic adventure at the 8th Annual AK Halibut Fishing Event. This trip will stay in the hearts and minds of our Heroes for years to come as they marveled at scenic vistas, observed native wildlife , learned about local history, and indulged in world-class fishing in the last great wilderness. The weather could not have been more idyllic throughout their stay, and there were plenty of amazing and challenging catches during their time on the water. A variety of fish were caught, including gray cod, yellow-eye rockfish, black rockfish, halibut , and more. Some other highlights included a visit to the Aialik Glacier , a long-standing tradition for this event, as well as spending time at the Kenai Fjords National Park , taking in up-close viewing of orca and humpback whales. Our Warriors were honored, thanked, and appreciated everywhere they went by the outstanding local community. They were also treated to two wonderful dinners at the American Legion Post 5 and enjoyed meeting the welcoming and patriotic people of Seward. The food, sights, fishing, and friendships made during this trip were second-to-none, and our Heroes could not be more grateful for their time spent in Alaska. Our sincere thanks to the American Legion Post 5 , the Sons of the American Legion , and the American Legion Auxiliary for their outstanding support. Additional appreciation and gratitude to Elle Zernia, from Captain Jack’s Seafood Locker for packaging, freezing and boxing the Heroes' catches to take home. Special thanks to Host John Moline ( Current Affair Charters , Kenai Fjords Bed and Breakfast ), Co-Host and WWIA Guide Joe Liddell (Hooked Charters) and friends for giving our Heroes a once-in-a-lifetime excursion. Special appreciation and thanks to WWIA Guide Crystal Masek for her contributions and assistance during this event.
"This was a once in a lifetime trip. To be honest, this trip put my mind at ease and allowed me to bond with special individual veterans! It showed me that we, as broken vets, can show and accept ourselves in society, and we are humans. The fishing portion was the best time. We all bonded and had the greatest time. We even became friends and exchanged numbers to keep in touch. I really want to thank John and Joe. The guys were wonderful, sincere and outstanding individuals. You really have to have your heart in this to accomplish what they do! They do have their hearts in this, and I really appreciate what they do! I will never forget this trip; it will be a place in my mind to go back to if I should ever be down in spirit." |
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3rd Annual Ohio Masons Lake Erie Walleye Fishing
May 21-24 Huron, OH
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Six of our Warriors converged on Huron, Ohio to enjoy four days of outstanding fishing, camaraderie, and fun at the 3rd Annual Ohio Masons Lake Erie Walleye Fishing Event. The weather was ideal throughout their stay and the shores of Lake Erie provided a perfect backdrop for our Heroes to unwind, recharge, and enjoy a few days of much-needed downtime. To welcome and honor our Heroes after their arrival, they were treated to an exceptional walleye and yellow perch fish fry prepared by local fishermen and a grateful community. Our Heroes quickly discovered why Lake Erie is one of the premiere walleye fishing locations in the world as there were copious amounts of walleye caught along with some steel-head. Everyone hit their limit on walleye both days on the water. This would not have been possible without the selfless dedication and expertise of the volunteer fishing guides from this area, Mark Carr, Meme Carr, Rian Lunsford, Dana Daughery, Mike Daugherty, Mathew Leben, Jesse Bennett, and Brian Lunsford. This event has exceptional support and our Heroes were humbled by the patriotic and gracious members of the local community and veteran service organizations. They left Ohio with tremendous gratitude, wonderful memories, and coolers filled with walleye as evidence of an amazing time spent with amazing people. Our sincere appreciation and thanks to Hosts Virgil and Felicia Tent, and the Ohio Masons for conducting another spectacular event in honor of our combat-wounded veterans. Special thanks to Thomas and Cheryl Nichols, and James and Crisie Clifford who have been an integral part of founding and coordinating this event. Additional gratitude to owner Pati Nuhn and manager Cindy Bansek of the Wild Waves Motel for their generosity and hospitality, to Gabi and Veronica Budai for cooking for our Heroes the past three years, and to each and every volunteer and supporter who selflessly made this event so successful. High praise and recognition to WWIA Guides Jordan Bondurant and Mark Broda for their exceptional coordination and support throughout the event.
"My second trip sponsored by WWIA and both were outstanding, but this one was extra special as it was a total fishing experience with some of the finest people on Earth. A very special thank you must go to the owners of Wild Waves Motel, as this event could not happen without their generosity. The volunteers and guides were extra special and showed us a great time. Sharing stories with my fellow Purple Heart veterans is the highlight of the trip as we all share one thing in common, which cannot be shared with other vets. I now have three close friends to follow on the Internet and one of them lives a four-hour drive from me, so I can see some more fishing adventures in the future with him! In closing, I wish you all good health and Godspeed."
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4th Annual MO-KAN Catfishing
May 27-30 Napier, MO
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What better way to kick off the summer than by heading to Napier, Missouri for some world-class catfishing! Team MO-KAN proudly welcomed three of our Heroes to the 4th Annual MO-KAN Catfishing event for four days of well-deserved time away, top-notch fishing, food, and fellowship. Everyone had an awesome time on the water and our Heroes caught some monster catfish! As incredible as the fishing was, the camaraderie and bonds formed amongst our Heroes was unquestionably the highlight of their time in Missouri. The community of volunteers, donors, guides, and supporters that make up Team MO-KAN are simply phenomenal, and every year they pull out all the stops to show their gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices our Heroes have made in defense of our freedoms. This top-tier event is a testament to the incredible dedication and support of so many wonderful people and businesses in this community. They work throughout the year to ensure that our Heroes not only have an exciting time, but that they leave this event feeling restored and with the knowledge that they are not alone in their healing journey. Another tremendous event that would be impossible without the unwavering commitment of Team MO-KAN. Thank you for hosting our Heroes, and for your outstanding efforts and contributions year after year. Additional gratitude and appreciation to Terry Supple and Napier Hunt Club for providing food and housing to our Heroes. Recognition and thanks to WWIA Guide Jake Whipkey for his outstanding support and leadership throughout the event.
"This has been a very needed and much wanted event. I had an absolutely perfect time. Fishing has
always been a huge part of my life, and this was at the top of all my experiences. I have never been on a river, and it was awesome. Big cats, great men, great food, and good times. WWIA is always at the top of my
list for excellence and respect."
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2021 WWIA Guide School
May 31 - June 6 Plankinton, SD
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We would like to recognize and congratulate Jason Gaudette, Corbin McClanahan, James Rissler, and Matthew Brannon, the WWIA Guide School Class of 2021 for earning their official WWIA Guide School Certification! WWIA welcomed these four Heroes to Plankinton, SD for hands-on training, education, and instruction to help lead WWIA events in the field. This 4th iteration of WWIA Guide School would not have been possible without the outstanding dedication and hard work of so many amazing individuals within our WWIA family. Our sincere thanks to Brad and Julie Boisen for hosting this event at their beautiful Grand Ciel Lodge. Thank you for your incredible hospitality and care! Our highest appreciation and thanks to the Adaptive Sports and Arts - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Program for supporting and funding this important mission. We would also like to recognize and express our gratitude to our phenomenal instructors: WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, Corrina Hart, Dixon Gunther, Jake Whipkey, Tim Spence, John Keeney, Corey Tart, John & Tami Rogers of Maine's Outdoor Learning Center, and the South Dakota Trappers Association to include John Hopple, Craig Parkhurst, Frank Moser, and Kris Hoffman. We truly appreciate everyone contributing their time, talents, and expertise to further train our Heroes. Additional thanks to Timberland Pro for generously outfitting our Guides with Pro gear jackets. Thank you to everyone for their tremendous contributions, time, and expertise in making this 2021 Guide School a HUGE success. Please join us in proudly welcoming and congratulating our four new WWIA Hero Guides!
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Hot Spring Spas Mother's Day/Memorial Day Fundraiser
May 1-31 Lebanon, TN
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A heartfelt and huge THANK YOU to Hot Spring Spas of Music City and Hot Spring Spas of the Upper Cumberland (TN) for their outstanding donation to WWIA. Hot Spring Spas recently held their Mother's Day/Memorial Day Month of May Spa Sale and graciously raised an astounding $8,000 for WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes! Hot Spring Spas have been tremendous supporters of the Foundation, having raised an incredible $24,500 over the past five years! Our sincere thanks to the amazing team at Hot Spring Spas, to owners Dennis and Kevin Croteau, and to everyone who purchased a spa during the month of May.
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Eagle River Speedway WWIA Fundraiser
May 31 Eagle River, WI
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Our gratitude and thanks to the Eagle River Speedway and their incredible patrons from Eagle River, Wisconsin for their generous donation of $1,090 to WWIA! This outstanding donation was raised as a result of the Speedway's Memorial Day 50/50 raffle and will go toward the upcoming 7th Annual Eagle River Muskie Chal-Lunge event in September. Special recognition and thanks to Patti Zdroik and her entire Eagle River Speedway team for their hard work and dedication, and for their tremendous support of WWIA and our Heroes throughout the years. Additional thanks to the Ace Sales Team of Kliss Lionel and Jeri & Eric Webb for doing such a top-notch job on ticket sales, and to the patriotic community of Eagle River who continually go above and beyond to support our combat-wounded veterans year after year.
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We are honored to introduce you to this month's WWIA Spotlight, Mr. Andy McMillan. Andy and his amazing community of friends proudly host the Long Leaf Alabama Deer and Quail Hunt, which recently celebrated its 4th year of serving our Heroes. Our appreciation and gratitude to Andy for sharing part of his story and journey with WWIA.
Andy, can you please give us a brief introduction and tell us a little about yourself?
I am a pilot for a commercial airline. I was born and raised in Bay Minette, Alabama. I graduated from the University of Alabama and served in the United States Army on Active duty as a Warrant Officer UH-60 Blackhawk Aviator from 2004-2012. After my 8-year commitment I made a very difficult decision to get out of the Army and go to work for my family business Baldwin Pole & Piling. Once leaving the Army I knew I needed to support and give back to my fellow soldiers as a civilian. Thanks to my family, friends, business and community, I have been able to host this annual hunt for our Wounded Warriors in Action. I am currently living in Mobile, AL with my wife, Brook and our two children Ann Claire and Andrew.
How did you first get involved with WWIA?
After years of wanting to give back to the military, a dear friend and mentor, CW5 Joseph Roland introduced me to General Bill Gayler. After some discussion General Gayler led me to John McDaniel and the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation. This organization has not only changed my life, my family and friends lives, but hopefully in some way allows us to give back to these special Heroes.
You and your team proudly host the Long Leaf Alabama Deer and Quail Hunt (currently in its 4th year). Why have you chosen to graciously host a WWIA event?
I am only a very small part of the many volunteers, local business and contributors who so generously host the Long Leaf Alabama Deer and Quail Hunt. Our event is also special as close military buddies come from everywhere to help and support. The weekend could not happen without all the family, friends and this great community who give their time and support to make this event happen. I looked for years to find an elite organization that is selective and hands on with our soldiers. WWIA has shown me how community and fellowship is as important to these Wounded Warriors as it is to all of us who have the pleasure to get to know them on a personal level. This organization is a true way to give back to those who fought in battle and were wounded for our freedom. WWIA does an unbelievable job of selecting Purple Heart recipients, true Warriors, who deserve and benefit from this experience and our time together. The soldiers I have come to know through this organization have been true Warriors, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide them a weekend to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
What has been the biggest benefit for you, your family, and the incredible supporters and volunteers who help make your events so successful?
I have met and become friends with a lot of wonderful men through WWIA. We all feel like we are back in the unit together. Their response to this event is overwhelming for all of us that support them. Their words have been kind and encouraging. The soldiers make it easy to host this event year after year. Not only have these men taught me and fellow volunteers their selflessness and integrity, but it is passed down to my children and other children that have attended this event. We are able to see firsthand the sacrifices these men made for our country. Each year we walk away from this event grateful and inspired by each of these Heroes. The Guides have been exceptional and informative during this event to make these soldiers feel comfortable and important. I could not say more wonderful things about the soldiers and WWIA Foundation. Finally, the staff and guides at Wounded Warriors in Action are the ones that put everything together and do an incredible job every year. We look forward to this event each year, and we are grateful for the opportunity to give back to these warriors who have risked their lives for our great country.
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