This is my first WWIA event. From the get go when Corrina contacted me and then Jon and Jordan contacting me to make sure everything was in order, everything from arriving in Cleveland, transportation to Ashtabula and the warm heart felt welcoming that was so unexpected as well as the staff, Guides and boat captains have been top notch. They have kept us informed along the way and made sure all our needs and wants were met. The fishing has been unbelievable, more than I expected. This experience has made me realize that this is an organization I really want to be a part of. When I return, I am going to seek out how to become an Associate with WWIA. I thank you for everything that you do and continue to do for wounded warriors.

-J Gaudette, US Army
Purple heart Recipient

I am a Vietnam Marine Corps Vet. When I returned to the real works (the States), it was not what I expected, just 3 days out of the bush. Yesterday and today have been so heart warming and humbling. The patriots, citizens, American Legion Patriot Guard and all the volunteers gave us Vietnam Vets a welcome and a celebration of our service that was awesome! It was very hard to hold back my emotions and tears. We have been treated like royalty; the Guides have been so outstanding. Coordination and Logistics fantastic!
Fishing today in three hours we caught huge Walleye from beautiful and very clean boats – Limits for all Warriors. Larry, Dave, Bill and Diane have enormous hearts, great humor and overall dedication to make our trip very memorable! Super great people! Jon French has kept us well informed, always checking on us to assure we have a fantastic trip. WWIA Rocks!

-S. Brownfield, USMC Vietnam
Purple heart Recipient

I went in a boy and came out a man, but I was honored to serve our country. Coming home was tough – spit on, yelled at – I felt like, what did I do but try to be a good American? Then along comes WWIA and makes me feel like a million dollars. It was very emotional, and my heart was pumped up. Everyone that was involved in the Walleye trip was one of a kind. It was so organized, everything was wonderful. It was so great to meet other Warriors and listen to their stories. Every so often someone would ask you if you needed anything. They made me feel special and honored to be a Veteran. Thank you for everything.

-J. Leathers, US Army – Vietnam
Purple Heart Recipient

I don’t leave my family much outside of work. I’m missing them but I know my wife has the house handled. I’m glad I came to this event. I love to fish and time with other veterans is good for my soul. Sharing stories, experiences and time on the drive and out on the boat has been great. It is great and inspiring to meet these Heroes and these incredible patriots. The love and support is real and it means a lot. Thanks, WWIA and Mark for giving me this opportunity.

-D. Daughenbaugh, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

One word... therapy. This has helped my recovery tremendously. Thank you all so much!

-E. Morgan, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This event was another extraordinary success due to everyone involved. The organization and fluidity of the event is attributed to the event Hosts, Dawn and Todd Bohm Guide Jeff Micholic (AKA McMusky). Todd had everything ready to go as soon as the Warriors touched down at the airport. The WWIA staff, Nichole and Miss Corrina Bea were instrumental in providing the logistical support in an extremely efficient and easy manner. All Warriors caught nice Muskie and large Northern Pike. The fishing experience in the North-Midwest was exhilarating and extremely relaxing. Despite catching my first Musky (44 ½” long), what I will look back on most is sharing a lifetime moment with two Vietnam Warriors. Spending time with Pat and Zig was like fishing with your older brothers, the wisdom, experience and encouragement was inspiring while the stories and experiences left my face and stomach hurting from laughing. While the fish did their part, the Hosts, volunteers and Warriors were what I’ll remember most on this event. I can’t say thank you enough to all of those involved. With greatest respect.

-J. French, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This has been a great trip! The guys were very good to us and it is even better knowing that two of them never served but do this for those of us who did. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It has been great!

-P. Blewett, US Army Vietnam
Purple Heart Recipient

This is my first time Musky fishing. I haven’t caught one yet but we are going out again. Our Host, Todd Bohm and his wife had us over for lunch at their home. Lunch was delicious and we had a good time. I learned a lot about fishing for Musky from my two boat captains, Dave and Jeff. I want to thank them for their time working with me. Our WWIA Guide, Jon French has been great, he has been with us all along. Helping us get our fishing licenses and getting us to our rooms. I like visiting with a post 9/11 vet like Jon who has a good attitude and is willing to help others. WWIA is a great organization helping veterans get out into the woods, lakes and rivers. I would like to thank all the people who helped to put this fishing trip on. Thank you!
-Z. Laska, USMC Vietnam
Purple Heart Recipient

At this juncture of my life as an aging warrior. I’ve started to feel a loneliness and longing for those times in my life where I felt the closeness of my teammates and troops to share that special bond. This trip, as short as it was rekindled that Esprit de Corps I’ve been missing for so long. With not only my fellow wounded warriors but also the civilians who so graciously hosted us for the fishing event. They welcomed us into their home and made us part of their family. Nice to know there are still great Americans who care about their returning warriors. WWIA is a fantastic organization and has made the adventure that much more special. Best to all. Thank you for what you did!

-J. Hill, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

My first-time halibut fishing and what an amazing time. To start my trip, we got to all meet up and get to know each other at the hotel, then got to site see beautiful scenery all the way to Seward. John and Becky made us feel at home right away. Joe had us all briefed up on the “what and how big” of the fish we were going to catch. He was not telling fish stories. We caught fish and big ones too, with the biggest one at 73 pounds. Captain John even ate raw octopus and that was a sight. He also put us on rock fish where we each caught four fish in a matter of minutes. This was a trip of a lifetime and I made seven new friends. This was amazing. Thanks so much to Joe, Captain John, Becky and WWIA. I’ll never forget this.

-S. Komarek, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This was the first time in Alaska for me. I had a great time meeting and making new friends. John, Joe and Becky all welcomed us and made us feel like we belonged here and were family. They were just awesome! The fishing we did was not just about fishing, we also received a little history lesson about the area, saw some of the native wildlife and stood by a glacier watching chunks fall off of it. There really are no words to say about this whole experience except why haven’t I tried to get up to this beautiful state sooner.

-R. Peterson, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Every event we have had the opportunity to host has been a special experience for us, and this event was another unique and meaningful experience for my family and the volunteers. Meeting the Heroes, spending time with them and getting to know them creates memories for a lifetime. Allan, Ted and Jeremy were great to share time with and they were all very enthusiastic about participating in the activities and enjoying time at the lodge. It is truly our honor and pleasure to be able to host these events, and we are blessed to be able to work with WWIA and the Heroes that take the time to come to Western PA.

-D. Bevevino, Host