I have never hunted pheasants in North Dakota and this was a truly mind blowing experience. From the escort into town, the food, all the guides and their dogs and just the welcome and generosity of everyone in town and the surrounding area. Roy, Bruce and the Schreiner family were warm and made me feel at home as soon as I got onto the bus. The hunting was top notch and although I have hunted pheasants a few times, the volunteers were quick to answer any questions I had. It was hard work, no doubt but it made me appreciate the birds we got even more. I won’t forget this trip or the volunteers or the people I have made new friendships with. Thanks for everything!

C. Frederick, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Words can never express my gratitude for this opportunity. The people of North Dakota are the most gracious and kind people I have ever met. The hospitality here has been amazing. No one has ever treated me so nicely for my service. It seriously makes me want to cry. This hunt was awesome. I am an avid pheasant hunter and have never dreamed of a hunt this good. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, this trip makes it all worthwhile.

A. Pippin, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This was an awesome experience. It was amazing to get to know the guys, Asa, Tim, Roy, John and all of the rest. The food was delicious, and I was never hungry. I want to thank Sandy for the amazing whoopie pies ( I ate like 13 of them). It was a real surprise and a treat to get to eat lobster and steak. I ate way too much and couldn’t be happier. Hanging out, talking through some tough stuff and processing it while away from everything and out in the beautiful woods free from pressure was very healing and restorative. I’ve never hunted before and loved it. They did a great job making sure I was prepared and ready. I didn’t get a bear but that is okay because I got so much more instead. The experience was once in a lifetime and I will cherish it always. I made good friends with great guys. Thank you for everything and I am hooked on hunting now.

B. Blazek, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

First and most importantly I would like to start by saying thank you to all those that made these last few days a reality. Every person that I encountered, hunted alongside with and hung out with this weekend were just phenomenal.

When I received the unsuspecting call from Ms. Hart asking if I was able to participate in this event, it couldn’t have come at a more ideal time. I was literally at the point of tracer burn out with work. The less than pleasant side of me was predominantly being seen rather than who I truly want to be. And when I am like that, it’s not easy for me not to throw barriers up when meeting new people. Yet through all the interaction these few days, not once did I feel anything but fellowship and camaraderie from those that I’ve never met.

A lot of activity and events were packed into a short window. While for some that may seem chaotic or excessively unnecessary, I found it to be just right. It helped me to focus and engage on people and events and not work or issues surrounding work. It gave my mind and body a chance to really get unfrazzled and find a bit of much needed calm.

The food and living conditions were top-notch. What this organization is doing for guys and gals like me and how the community it’s in surrounds it and helps it to flourish is impressive. With what’s happened to us and it not being something we ever sought out or desired. It’s difficult to put into words how appreciative we are for the treatment we received this week. The handshakes, smiles, jokes and friendships will last long after our scent has left the camp. Again, thank you and hope to have an opportunity to reconnect again with those I met on this trip sometime again soon.

P. Collins, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

I have been truly honored and humbled by this experience in the Northwoods area of Wisconsin. I'd like to thank the WWIA representatives, supporters, and the special volunteers of the Foundation. Their effortless generosity, hospitality, and appreciation shown towards me and other Purple Heart Heroes has been an astonishing testament that our service and sacrifices for this country doesn't go unnoticed. I commend John McDaniel and Arthur Kandarian for your dedication and commitment towards making this an unforgettable experience, I've learned several lessons from their shared experiences in life after the military. Those conversations varied from family values, leadership styles, and the best darn tough socks and bamboo long johns. This experience has inspired me in ways that have been unimaginable, and I look forward to reaching out to other Purple Heart Heroes to hopefully give them the opportunity to have this once in a lifetime experience! This trip has also compelled me to seek assistance in dealing with my PTSD and depression, this has been more than a top-notch outdoor experience! I would like to thank everyone who aided in making this an amazing past four days.

D. Croker, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

First and foremost, the Hosts, guides and donors are the most generous people I have ever met. They went above and beyond on every aspect this past weekend. I have never felt such camaraderie and appreciation in my life. Since Covid, I haven’t really been able to hang out with like minded people. It was an honor to get to know each and every person from this past week. I feel re-energized and ready to head back to the real world. For that I am beyond thankful.

J. Brasington, US Army
Purple Heart Recipients

This trip has been such a huge blessing from the amazing guides to the beautiful scenery, this hunt has been perfect. Everyone involved in the hunt spared no expense in regard to making sure all of us were well taken care of, were comfortable, and were going to experience waterfowl hunting at it’s best. All of the guides were extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Every one of them were kind and patient with us. I am thankful to have been invited on this trip and can’t wait to take what I learned and apply it to my own hunting. Thanks Matt and WWIA!

J. Graves, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

This event was incredible from the beginning. Our Host Brock and Co-Host Josh had everything planned perfectly. Brock was always entertaining and there to talk to and engage with. He put his heart into this event. Josh always made sure we were all taken care of and were always full. Huge thanks to the Conservation Club for letting us shoot some clays to get ready for the days coming. Matt Frank had an awesome donation of a Mossberg shotgun for us veterans, he also built a blind he could take us hunting in with Brian, Tyler and Hoot. Brian was funny, he also had some hand carved decoys for us to learn how to paint. I am not good at painting, but he was a good teacher. The Segur boys pulled through with two heavy hauls of geese. Those brothers know the hunting game. I’m just glad I could be a part of it.

J. Bentley, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

Amazing trip! Glad to be the only one to get a buck. I hope to get to come back.

B. Sawlsville, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Amazing trip, the way the community comes together to support this event is very welcoming and really neat to witness. The food was great, the guides were awesome. This is the first time I have really opened up around other vets since I have been out of the service. This event is so much more than a hunting trip. I really connected with other vets, which does not happen for me. The cabin atmosphere and Hosts really enabled that.

S. Messier, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This is the second opportunity I have had to go on a hunt with Jeremy. He is a great friend to have and an even better hunting partner. I truly enjoy being able to spend time with him while doing something we are both very passionate about. I can only hope to be able to go on more hunting adventures with him in the future. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude that I have for not only him but our wonderful Hosts, Chris and Brenda and Keith and Jimmy, the owners of the cabin we stayed in. This was such an amazing trip; I have met even more Wounded Warriors that I can now call my friends. Thank you to everyone in this wonderful foundation and for all that you do to support people like me.

A. Baker, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you for the awesome opportunity to share the weekend afield with other Heroes. The WWIA team, Brad and Julie put on a First-Class experience. Thank you, God Bless and safe travels.

T. Coop, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient