2020 Bear camp was an amazing experience. Everyone was extremely welcoming. I didn’t shoot a bear but sitting in God’s country was so relaxing and cleared my mind. I made some lifelong friends and brothers. This trip will be one I never forget. Thanks so much.

J. Gettings, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Best hunting trip I’ve ever been on! I’ve done wounded warrior events but never with other Purple Heart recipients only. Great being with other vets that have been through the same ordeals I’ve been through. Everyone here was encouraging and helpful. Never felt like I wasn’t welcome or not part of the group. I can’t wait for my next WWIA event. This event came at a great time of need. Helped me through a rough time.

A. Durso, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This was an amazing trip; I can’t thank you all enough. I had several firsts on this trip. This was my first bear hunt and I saw my first bear in the wild, my first fisher and first black squirrel. Everyone was so amazing; it was the trip of a lifetime. Thank you.

J. Goodroe, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

Unbelievable experience! Harvested my first bear tonight! I am so excited, probably won’t sleep tonight! Unbelievable experience, so thankful to WWIA and the supporters here. I can never repay what has happened this week! Thank you all so much.

T. Bell, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Wow! 2020 has been a horrible year for most Americans. I am a combat-wounded amputee, I know of roughly 12 veterans that have committed suicide since COVID-19 started to impact our lives. I write that to say that what you all do matters! This weekend means so much to the nine veterans that attended this year. This year more than any other we all truly needed this. Your generosity and hard work matter more than ever. Veterans need this, the camaraderie is indescribable. I love this town and this country. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

S. Nieman, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you to everyone that made this weekend such a great time! The Team Erie crew was amazing. The fishing was good, the food was great, and the volunteers were all amazing. I have never seen a community come together to support veterans the way this community has. I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to fellowship with veterans and patriots. You guys are doing it right! Thanks for everything, I will never forget this trip.

G. Herber, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you WWIA for a great weekend. It was great to meet all the other vets from around the USA. Great men to talk to and great stories. I had a great time with all these young men. I am 79 years old, we had a great time. The Hosts Bill, Diane and Larry were wonderful to all of us vets.

B. Jamieson, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This opportunity to explore Lake Erie was amazing. Frenchy, Bill, Larry, Mark and every single volunteer made this trip go off without a hitch and accommodated everyone’s needs and more. The fishing was great, and the food was delicious and abundant. I cannot explain the support from the Ashtabula community, the environment it created was absolutely inviting, welcoming and all around appreciated. This was a great experience and I would not hesitate to return in the future. Thank you for the opportunity.

C. McClanahan, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I can’t even find the words to explain how great this event has been. WWIA and the Lake Erie team went above and beyond to make sure that us guys had a blast. I’m very humbled by all the boat captains that donated their time for us. I enjoyed the fellowship that the WWIA brings by having these events. I can’t wait to come back again. Thanks for everything.

J. Baldwin, USAF
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you for everything that has happened this weekend. I started off my writing like that because I feel we all are truly blessed to be able to meet up in fellowship this weekend. This weekend was a blast to attend. I met a lot of great people. All of the boat guides and captains treated us like kings. I could not have asked for anything better. I am PROUD to be a part of WWIA for life.

K. Patterson, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

There is no way I could ever say enough good things about WWIA. Here at Lake Erie it is amazing everyone involved is first class. All the volunteers that support the organization and the veterans taking time out of their busy lives to give to other veterans. I thank you. The camaraderie and caring hearts are what make this so special. Thank you.

R. Hinkle, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

What a great day in Ohio with a great group of guys (combat-wounded) walleye fishing. Started the day at 0700 on the water, by 0800 we had at least 10 fish in. Captain Mark and his long-time friend Bill were great, they knew exactly what they were doing. We also had the honor of fishing with their sons. Two very respectful and just great boys, 10 and 17 years old. We caught 29 great fish, and all had just one great time. The entire staff were great!

G. Patterson, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient