7th Annual Murphy Family & Friends Gulf Coast Cast & Blast
October 31 - November 4 Bay St Louis, MS
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Four of our Heroes gathered in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi for the 7th Annual Murphy Family and Friends Gulf Coast Cast n' Blast Event. They were greeted with gorgeous weather, welcoming smiles, and some delicious shrimp Po' boy sandwiches. After spending some time getting to know one another, they began with some world-class hog hunting, successfully harvesting some large hogs both from blinds and with the assistance of catch dogs. Our Heroes also attended an exceptional fundraiser and fish fry at Dan B's Restaurant and Bar where they were honored by a grateful local community. The food and hospitality were top-notch and our Heroes had plenty of time for fellowship and to share stories and experiences throughout the five-day event. This event continues to be exceptional thanks to the dedication and assistance of so many volunteers, supporters, and an incredibly supportive and welcoming community. Our gratitude and recognition to Host Audie Murphy and family for their outstanding coordination of this event and their faithful support throughout the years. High praise to WWIA Guide Joe Liddell for his leadership and efforts throughout this event.
"I want to say that this has been the best experience of hog hunting that I have ever been on. The people here in Bay St. Louis, MS made my stay here awesome. I also want to thank Wounded Warriors in Action for making this all happen. I have made new friends, Audie Murphy, Joe Liddell, Debbie, Uncle Dave and countless other family and friends of the Murphy’s. This experience allowed me to see how important our service members really are to them. I thank God for blessing me to meet people who go out of their way to show their love for us."
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13th Annual Camp Hackett Group B
November 1-5 Phillips, WI
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WWIA Founder and CEO John McDaniel welcomed four of our Heroes to the birthplace of the Foundation for the 13th Annual Camp Hackett Group B event. The town of Phillips proudly welcomed and honored our Heroes throughout the five-day event expressing their gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our combat-wounded veterans. This long-standing event offered both fishing and hunting for our Warriors with the assistance of outstanding local guides. Our Warriors were able to bow hunt for whitetails, shotgun hunt for ruffed grouse and geese, and fish for prized Wisconsin musky. Whether in the field, on the water, or around the campfire, the friendships made between fellow Heroes were the highlight of this trip and will carry on long after the event. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of the local community and the following individuals: Bob Bolz, Mike Reed, John Carlson, John Kleczewski, Don Angelo, Casey Williams, Chad and Travis DeLeasky, Pat Fisher, Mr & Mrs. Jeffrey Daun, Hides for Heroes, Brigadoon Farm and Winery, Waupaca Foundry, Club 13, Ross's Sport Shop, Kim's 3 Mile Bar & Grill, Widen Enterprises, Cebery LLC, and the Corner Connection Bar, Cabin and Campground! Our continued thanks to the Tomahawk Wisconsin VFW Post 2687 and the Veterans Administration for their amazing support to our combat-wounded veterans. High praise and appreciation to WWIA Guide Jake Whipkey for his leadership, coordination, and continued service. "WWIA put together an awesome hunt. We had the opportunity to hunt deer, ducks, geese and some animals not offered to us back home. Grouse was an animal none of us had ever heard of. Muskie fishing was a very different experience. We were also able to meet numerous patriotic Americans that offered support as well as logistical donations. Meeting people that still support veterans is refreshing. Also, being introduced to a different aspect of American society. I am so very thankful to tell those who put this hunt together that I am deeply honored to have been able to come here and be a part of this experience."
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6th Annual Kuneytown FLX Ducks & Bucks Hunt
November 6-10 Seneca Falls, NY
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Five of our Heroes traveled to Seneca Falls, New York for the 6th Annual Kuneytown FLX Ducks & Bucks Hunt. Our Heroes were welcomed and honored with an escort into town courtesy of local law enforcement, the Waterloo American Legion Riders, and limousine transportation by Del Lago. Once settled in, they enjoyed weapons training and target shooting classes to ensure they were properly prepared for their upcoming time in the field. Through a collaboration with Whitetails Unlimited and the Ducks Unlimited Seneca Falls Chapter, our Heroes were outfitted with deer kits and gear and were also gifted a 1-year membership to each organization. They were also presented with an amazing set of boots from Dryshod Footwear. The next morning our Heroes had a great time getting in some waterfowl hunting on Cayuga Lake with Frontenac Fowlers Guide Service. Thanks to owner Earl Martin, they also had the privilege of hunting deer at the historic Seneca Army Depot, a former munitions storage facility at just over 10,000 acres. This protected government land has allowed the local deer population to flourish for more than 60 years, including the extremely rare white deer. As a complement to the outstanding hunting opportunities, our Heroes also learned first-hand the finer points of processing and preparing their harvests courtesy of Moira Tidball and her Wild Harvest Table program. They were honored by the local community at a Friday night VFW Post #6200 dinner and also at the annual banquet fundraising dinner held at the Kuneytown Sportsmen's Club on the last evening of the event. Tremendous thanks to Seneca Meadows for underwriting the cost of this banquet. The camaraderie, connections, and friendships made at this amazing event will follow our Heroes for many years to come. We would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to Dr. Keith and Moira Tidball and the Kuneytown Sportsmen's Club for graciously hosting and honoring our Heroes. This event would not have been possible without the outstanding patriotism, care, and dedication of so many wonderful people in this community and beyond. Thank you to Henry Repeating Rifle and Baron Engraving for their generosity in donating a magnificent custom-engraved Patriot Hero .22 rifle for the banquet fundraiser and to Four Leaf Custom Calls for their incredible craftsmanship in making 10 limited edition calls from Purple Heart wood to assist with FLX fundraising efforts. Additional praise and thanks to ReelBlue Custom Rods for their thoughtful donation of a custom fly rod and reel. Special recognition to Lynn, Tammy, Kenny, Dale, Scott, and Eric for their outstanding efforts. Additional recognition and gratitude to Mike Ernst for his contributions and support throughout the years and to WWIA Guide Crystal Masek for her care and attention throughout this five-day event.
"I can't thank WWIA enough for the opportunity to come out and join fellow Purple Heart Recipients on this hunt. While getting to enjoy nature and the opportunity to hunt in places I never thought I would go, I find the most important part of these trips is getting to meet other Purple Heart recipients and the people who provide these opportunities for us. It is by far one of the most mentally and physically relaxing things I have gotten the chance to do. This trip allowed me to relax and reset from all the problems I was currently dealing with back home and sent me back home with a feeling of pride and accomplishment. The guides provided me everything I needed and made sure I had every opportunity to harvest and animal. I really can’t put into words how thankful I am for Wounded Warriors In Action and everyone who helps make all of these hunts possible. These trips are opportunities of a lifetime and I am forever grateful to be a part of this family and organization."
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6th Annual Western PA Archery Deer Hunt
November 7-10 Rural Valley, PA
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The 6th Annual W PA Archery Deer Hunt hosted four of our Heroes in Rural Valley, PA. Upon arrival, there was time to set up and familiarize themselves with their bows and crossbows before grilling some steaks for dinner while getting to know one another. The next morning our Heroes enjoyed a delicious home-cooked breakfast and hit the field early settling into their blinds with the assistance of some experienced local guides. At lunchtime, they were treated to venison chili before hitting the stands again for some more hunting. In the evening, each Hero was graciously presented with beautiful custom-made blankets courtesy of Dan and Susan Bevevino's daughter, Catherine. After another full day of hunting, our Heroes spent the evening relaxing over a nice dinner, sharing experiences and forming new friendships. Mr. Denny Miller, a local blacksmith, gifted each Hero with a custom-made knife as a gesture of gratitude to honor and thank them for their service and sacrifices. We would like to recognize local guides, Frank Bevevino, Frank Condino, Todd Raible, Scott Crownover, Tony Medvetz, and Steve Thacker for honoring our Heroes with their tremendous skills and hospitality. Special thanks to Tony and Anna Petruolo for their outstanding dedication and contributions. We offer our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Hosts Dan and Susan Bevevino and family for their tremendous hospitality and care of our Heroes. Additional thanks to WWIA Guide Daniel Berryman for his outstanding contributions throughout the four-day event.
"There aren’t enough words to express how grateful and thankful I am for the love, hospitality, and enjoyment that the W. PA hunt has brought all of us this weekend. The Bevevino family opened their hunting camp, land, and hearts to us along with all of the guides this weekend. Sure, the reason we are here is for a whitetail hunt but more importantly, it is a weekend of healing where we can all come together, judgment-free and just be together in an environment that is relaxed and filled with joy and laughter. Thank you so much for everything."
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4th Annual Arkansas Buck Hunt
November 14-18 Marianna, AR
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Four of our combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes were welcomed to Red Oak Plantation in Marianna, Arkansas for five-days of phenomenal deer hunting, fellowship, and relaxation. Upon arrival, there was time to hit the range for some familiarization with their weapons and to qualify everyone at a safe harvest distance. The next morning our Heroes hit the fields early after a quick breakfast. The weather was chilly but ideal for a great hunt, and there was plenty of activity and deer sighted from their stands. After returning in the evening, everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal, talked about the day's events and discussed strategies moving forward to optimize their chances to harvest trophy deer. Over the next two days, our Warriors returned to their respective stands and blinds and found great success, harvesting some beautiful whitetail bucks and does. The harvested deer were then processed and prepared for our Heroes so they could return home with meat in their coolers. The final evening found our Heroes enjoying some down-time as they talked about their time together, building bonds over stories and laughter. This event continues to build on its previous successes and is always raising the bar. None of this would be possible without the exceptional support and work of event Host and owner of Red Oak Plantation, William French, his son Will, and their gracious friends and guides. Additional thanks to Peggy for her hospitality and meal preparation and to WWIA Guide Derrick Oursler for his assistance and support throughout the event.
"Thank you for taking time out of everyone’s days to come together to put on an amazing hunt. I know how hunting is and you don’t always have to bring something home to have an amazing time. Sitting in the cool crisp area always lets you know its that time of year for deer hunting. I haven’t had so much fun on a deer drive in my life. From watching a new hunter get his first deer to cracking jokes on each other all weekend. It doesn’t matter where you come from you can always have a good time at deer camp. Thank you so much for allowing me to come to such an amazing place. Hope to see you all again."
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10th Annual MO-KAN Ducks, Bucks, and Trapping Event
November 21-25, St. Joseph, MO
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The WWIA MO-KAN chapter celebrated a decade of proudly serving our combat-wounded veterans as they hosted ten of our Heroes at the 10th Annual MO-KAN Ducks, Bucks, and Trapping Event. This stellar event combines pristine hunting for trophy whitetails and ducks in both Kansas and Missouri, as well as teaching a hands-on Trapping College. This year our Heroes harvested an incredible total of sixteen whitetail deer! The WWIA MO-KAN event is made up of over 160 patriotic and dedicated volunteers operating many different components over 5 days. The Heroes stayed at the world-class Napier Hunt Club in Napier, MO whose members rolled out the red carpet once again, making the Heroes feel right at home. Our sincere thanks to Napier Hunt Club and its amazing members and friends for the support given to the Heroes and the Foundation. On Friday, the WWIA MO-KAN fundraiser banquet was held with over 500 supporters of the Foundation in attendance! The banquet was a huge success and is a community favorite, providing an opportunity for people to come out and express their gratitude and support for WWIA and our Heroes. The banquet was generously sponsored this year again by Western States Fire Protection. Our highest recognition and thanks to special guest speaker Arthur Kandarian, the banquet committee members, and Banquet Chair Cari Evans. The Heroes attended a dinner prepared and hosted by the Christian Fellowship Church in Mound City, MO., and also attended a special dinner at Napier Hunt Club. Terry Supple and Ryan Schultz spearheaded an amazing fundraising effort involving the Mound City, MO area duck clubs to raise money for the Foundation and secured a Henry Golden Boy .22 for all the Heroes. Special thanks to the 139th Airlift Wing for providing all the transportation from Napier Hunt Club to the guides. The MO-KAN Machine continues to amaze, raising a phenomenal $56,000 this year thanks to all of our generous patrons at the banquet as well as individual donors and MO-KAN event sponsor Victory Chevrolet! Our heartfelt thanks to Host Brian Roderick for his tremendous leadership and coordination year after year. With gratitude and high appreciation, we salute the wonderful MO-KAN volunteers for all your hard work, dedication, expense and the many hours each of you so selflessly put forth in honor of our Heroes! Thank you for ten exceptional years!
"MO-KAN turned out to be a special place for me that I met great people and had an awesome time hunting. I really didn’t know what to expect but from the time that we made it in we were treated like family. All of the time the volunteers spent making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed is greatly appreciated. Thanks to WWIA for having me out."
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4th Annual MN Whitetail Deer Hunt
November 21-26, Mabel, MN
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Four of our Heroes engaged in some impressive and memorable whitetail deer hunting over four days at The Territory in scenic Mabel, MN. This part of Minnesota has the ideal terrain and conditions for harvesting top-tier whitetail deer, and our Heroes fully enjoyed world-class hunting, food, and accommodations throughout their stay. The hunting exceeded expectations as our Heroes were able to harvest beautiful mature does and trophy bucks. The highlight of the trip was unquestionably the opportunity for our Heroes to form close bonds with their fellow Purple Heart brothers and to leave with new friendships and support in their journey. Special recognition and appreciation to Jay Kim for proudly hosting our Heroes and for providing such a first-class experience from start to finish. Special thanks to property owners Fred and Trudy Horihan, and Gerald and Shawn Peter for their outstanding support including the use of their hunting lands. Our gratitude to Estelle's for a wonderful dinner, to Jim Nichols for his tremendous coordination and care, and to WWIA Guide Derrick Oursler for his support and efforts throughout the event. In addition, we want to express our sincere thanks to all of the volunteers and supporters for their incredible dedication to making this event so successful.
"Writing about what happened and how it happened is hard. The experience I had was amazing, breathtaking and exciting. So many feelings to describe. The one thing I can say without a doubt is the Organization, Jay, Jim, Derrick and the rest of the crew went above anything that I have ever dreamed of. You see these things on T.V. and wish that you can be that person hunting and whatnot. This place and the people here made a dream come true and it was very heartwarming. They made me feel like another brother in the family. Family is the most important thing to me. My family now has grown. People like this show what Americans truly are. Outstanding citizens who take in their veterans no matter what color, race or background. I’m now privileged to be held with their caring arms. I’ve truly never felt this type of care and love until this week. I’ll never forget this moment and will tell all my family until I no longer exist, then I will tell God. To everyone, you’ve blessed me in so many ways. Thank you. I can’t ever repay this, but I will cherish this forever. P.S. Thanks for the first buck of my life, people will be jealous!"
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RISE / Orange Theory Fitness Veterans Day Fundraiser
November 9, Lafayette, CO
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On November 9, 2019, Sonja Stilp, M.D, founder of RISE in Boulder, CO teamed up with Nina Newcomb, owner of Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) in Lafayette, CO to host a Veterans Day Fitness Fundraiser in honor of veterans and to raise awareness for Wounded Warriors In Action. During this event, Dr. Stilp presented to 27 gym and staff members the RISE Training Method of MOVE, BREATHE, THINK she created for the WWIA Guide School. The presentation was followed by a donation optional one-hour fitness class. $1,080 was raised for the WWIA through the participants' commitment to their health and the health of combat-wounded purple heart recipients served by WWIA. This is RISE In Action!
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We are honored to introduce you to this month's Hero Spotlight, Derrick Oursler. Derrick proudly serves as a Guide for WWIA, assisting Hosts and fellow Heroes on events. He was gracious enough to answer some questions and give us some insight into his life and experience with WWIA. We hope you enjoy getting to know Derrick and we truly appreciate his contributions and service.
Derrick, can you please give us a brief introduction and tell us a little about yourself?
I am originally from Florida and my life has always revolved around the outdoors. Whether that was my career in the construction industry or now into my more recent passion for overlanding and getting deeper into the outdoors. I am blessed with the opportunity to manage a small media/marketing company, Southern Xpeditions, specializing in the offroading and outdoor industry. This along with the support and sacrifice of my wonderful wife, Brittany, allows me to serve in a larger capacity for WWIA as a Guide and lead our outstanding Heroes on world-class outdoor activities.
I was lucky enough to serve with some outstanding individuals in the Army while stationed at Ft. Benning with Outlaw Company, 2nd Battalion 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division. While deployed I served in the Southeast Area of Baghdad on a Route Clearance team. This experience with outstanding leadership prepared me for the curve balls that life will toss your way. After being medically retired from the Army due to wounds sustained in combat, I was attending Auburn University where I met my wonderful bride-to-be and a core group of friends that will forever remain a part of my life. We now reside in the Birmingham area and I am proud to call Alabama home. As our family grows so does my passion for spending more quality time with them in the great outdoors.
How did you first get involved with WWIA?
My first interaction with WWIA was with Dixon Gunther (Senior Outdoor Instructor) who I had the pleasure of meeting while in school and he encouraged me to reach out. I did so and was given the opportunity to attend the flagship event at Camp Hackett in Phillips, Wisconsin.
What has been the biggest benefit for you since becoming involved with WWIA?
The ability to see the change that occurs from day zero to the conclusion of the event and witness first-hand how quality time in the outdoors with their brothers truly makes an impact. This is simply amazing. The transformation is not the same for everyone and not always immediate, but it is undeniable that these events impact and change lives. Couple this with being able to see communities all over the country come together and unite to honor and impact the lives of our combat-wounded veterans restores my hope in society and continues to shape my view of people.
What is something you would like others to know about WWIA and your own experience with the Foundation?
My experience with WWIA continues to grow. Just when I think I have a grasp on what it means to serve, I am humbled by another story, another experience, another act of kindness. It is now a passion of mine to attempt to return the kindness, generosity, and passion that has been shown towards me onto others.
What would you say to others who are considering getting involved with WWIA either as a Hero or in any other capacity?
Do it! Jump in with both feet, be humble, be patient, and be ready to have your life course altered forever. I feel like a broken record when I tell people that it is one of the greatest things I get to be a part of in my life because it truly is! If you are a Purple Heart recipient and on the fence about it, stop waiting and do it. Jump in, reach out and let the Foundation show you what you have been missing. If you are a Hero that has previously been on an event with WWIA and want to give back and be a greater part of this mission, then reach out and ask how you can help. If you thought you were impacted by being a Hero on an event, just wait until you are able to experience the privilege of helping others. Whether that is fundraising, organizing, guiding, whatever way you get involved, you can make an impact on others that is unmatched in its rewards.
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