To start off, this is a top-notch event. From the start to the finish. This event was packed with stuff to do, and they were very adaptive to the situation. The knowledge of their area shows and they provide an enjoyable experience for all.

James Rissler kept us updated on the plan and kept us on time and on task. Making sure we knew of the changes in the plan when we had conditions change. He always helped John with cleaning and fileting the fish. One of the top-notch guides that I have had on any of the events I have been on.

John runs an amazing trip. Always keeping us up to date on what the plan is and changes that needed to be made due to weather or weather/water activity. Always keeping in mind to have the best course of action to get the most bang for the buck. Adapting to change from halibut fishing to red salmon. This varying the plan does increase the experience of the fishing trip and provides a better experience and knowledge of fishing.
John’s knowledge of cooking will help in the home cooking of the 100 pounds of fish we took home. He showed us many ways to prepare each of the fish that we caught. From simple meals to a complex layout of fish dishes.

I would highly recommend this trip to any of my fellow Warriors to go on.

J. Smith, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient

First of all, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to go on this trip and work with and meet such great people. This trip has been amazing and John, Jeanette and Terry have been overly accommodating. Wes and Doug as well. The atmosphere in Alaska was something I have never experienced, the Halibut, Rockfish, Gray cod, and Salmon fishing on top of it was a lifelong dream, and something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am grateful for James and his leadership as we prepared for the travel and partook in this event. James made this event very enjoyable; he was very conscientious of everyone and everything around the group. Seward, Alaska is a trip I will forever remember, thank you. Lastly, I want to thank John McDaniel for starting this foundation for Wounded Warriors, it is the definition of giving back. Also, a huge thank you to Corrina, she was/is amazing in helping to coordinate this trip and made sure we had everything we needed. Huge thanks to WWIA.

H. Grothaus, USMC, Purple Heart Recipient

First and foremost, I am extremely grateful for WWIA and the opportunity. I was blessed to be a part of the Alaska Halibut fishing expedition. The initial coordination with Corrina was easy. She communicated efficiently and emailed all expectations. James Rissler reached out to us all collectively and insured we were squared away and answered all of our questions. The departure from home station to Alaska went well, we all showed up within a reasonable time of each other. Our host, John bent over backwards for us. He went above and beyond to ensure we were cared for, fed properly, and fished to our hearts content. Even though John was overcoming some challenges with his home and weather he was resilient and went out of his way to ensure we caught fish, and we had a place to stay. All in all, those are numerous sustains and no improves. This trip is perfect the way it is. This is the first trip I have had with WWIA and this is the first time I have been surrounded with fellow Purple Heart recipients. My path to recovery has been challenging and I am still overcoming many trials. However, this trip deeply moved me and changed me for the better. I have this and new friends because of WWIA. I cannot say thank you enough. I will pay it forward. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I look forward to working with WWIA again soon.

B. Kirsch, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient.

First of all, I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in a great fishing event in Alaska. Beginning with my departure from San Antonio, Texas all airline employees were professional and guided me to the right gates, and the flights were outstanding. Upon arrival I contacted James Rissler our guide, he was outstanding and kept me informed where to go after arrival into Anchorage. He greeted us with kindness and respect. James continued to be an outstanding guide throughout the fishing trip keeping us updated on any new information needed to keep us safe on the fishing trip. After introductions to the Host/Boat captain, John showed us all professionalism and respect. Each day John continued to do an outstanding job as boat, captain and host, his boat crew, Terry and Jeanette were great helpers and very respectful. Our snagging guide was outstanding and a very respectful guide. He knew what he was doing and I'm very thankful. After all is said and done, I definitely enjoyed the Alaska fishing trip. Best time ever. Thank you again for your support.

D. Pankey, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient.

The logistics involved getting me from Jacksonville, Florida to Seward, Alaska were totally seamless. After I contacted Corrina and identified my interest to participate in the fishing trip she handled all aspects of the trip. All travel was taken care of which made travel easy. James, the WWIA guide for the fishing trip reached out to the group a week before the trip to provide information and provide a formal welcome and what to expect during the trip. It was great that he created a message thread, which helped us stay in contact during the first travel day. Link up in Anchorage was great. John and his crew, Terry and Jeanette gave everything possible to make this trip a once in a lifetime event. They took time to make sure we were taken care of from chow and lodging to all the extras. I hope all WWIA events are run this well. You can tell that John cares for veterans.

D. Sidman, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient

To say I am honored would be an understatement. There are truly no words to describe how this weekend makes me feel every year, knowing that the time my husband and I put in is benefiting our Heroes in ways we could never understand. To be able to have our Heroes come in, relax, build bonds, eat good food and have great conversations leaves our hearts full. To say thank you is never enough.

J. and C. Clifford, Volunteers

I didn't know what to expect coming to this event. Sometimes the unknown means you don't feel like you're in control. I took a leap and knew this was a great opportunity to meet fellow veterans and people. I am so thankful I came to this event, the camaraderie, the connections and the experience was great and something I'll always remember. I'd recommend the event to anyone. Thank you.

S. Zimmerlee, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient

I have had a great experience of camaraderie, healing and of being treated with much honor. Fishing with the WWIA guide Jason has made this event a huge success. Thank you to all the people involved and the community. I highly recommend that Wounded Warriors attend this and other great events by WWIA.

G. Tempesta, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you for an awesome fishing weekend. This was a once in a life time opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and meet so many friendly people. The whole event was well run and really was amazing to attend. Thanks to the WWIA for the opportunity to attend this event
Finally, after all these years I feel welcomed home. Thank You

J. Whitten, US Army, Vietnam
Purple Heart Recipient

I want to thank WWIA for connecting me with such an amazing family. Dennis and Shelley were such amazing hosts, and they went above and beyond with the help of their community to make sure we were not just taken care of, but we're borderline spoiled. We were accepted and they shared their place of paradise with us at DoubleCreek Lodge. It was quiet, it was beautiful, it was exactly what my soul needed. I immediately felt like part of their family as they shared stories of their lives together. We came to hunt turkeys and take part in the camaraderie associated with the hunt. We failed in the turkey arena, but more than made up for it with sharing our life stories, challenges, jokes, and our futures with each other. The memories I made with the other Warriors will be something I will never forget. Dennis and Shelley aren't just taking care of Wounded Warriors, they are saving their lives one experience at a time. Thank you.

N. Romer, USMC, Purple Heart Recipient

I would like to say thank you to everyone who was part of this event or in some way enabled this event to happen. Thank you all for your time and care. It was amazing being around "the military type" again. Since I left the Army, I have often felt alone, disconnected, and lost. It sometimes feels like no one around me sees the world the same way that we, "the military type" do. That may be where that feeling of loneliness comes from. Taking part in this hunt felt like sunshine on my soul. The warmth, the fellowship, the laughter, that and so much more. Dennis and Shelley, you are an amazing couple and a shining example of what right looks like. I hope that my wife and I can share a fraction of the love that you two have for each other. Thank you for inviting us into your home and allowing us to share this fellowship. Jake, thank you for making this event happen and for watching after us. To the guides, thank you for your patience, your wisdom, and your company. You all are amazing, easy to speak to, and you made me feel like I am not alone. A special shout out to Mike, my "Blind Buddy". It was great to get away from the world to sit, hunt, and counsel with you. To my fellow invited hunters, thank you for sharing your stories, your laughter, and your happiness. It meant the world to me. I will guard my heart by holding the memories we made near to my heart when I am feeling low. Thank you all for listening, for being there, and most of all thank you for your continued service.

S. Gay, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you so very much for letting me have this opportunity with WWIA. This was a great getaway in my life and the veterans that I hung out with were super great and made me feel meaningful in this life. It was a good therapy and a very good time hunting turkey. Even though we didn’t get any, I still love the meditation that it brought me

Z. Jensen, USMC, Purple Heart Recipient