Saying thank you for this trip would never be enough to express my gratitude to WWIA and all of the people in the community that helped put this trip together. This trip has reminded me of the camaraderie and family that is gained through military service. WWIA has gone above and beyond to show me and the other veterans on this trip an amazing time. The time I have spent bonding with the other veterans has proven that healing through talking through experiences can occur no matter what branch of service you were in or years between the dates of service. Meeting the other veterans has been helpful in many ways and sharing stories is always fun. Thank you again to WWIA for this incredible time and I hope there is something I can do to give back to make sure that other veterans are able to share an amazing experience like I have.

-S. Strickler, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Once again WWIA has gone above my expectations and provided a great experience for me and the other guys. The staff, Hosts and guides were very friendly and provided anything we needed. This was a great way to get away from our busy lives. The bond with other veterans was really easy going and I will have lasting memories from this trip. I can’t thank the WWIA enough for this experience and maybe future trips. Thanks again.

-J. Long, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to come to this event. The 4 days you gave me to be with my brothers has made my year! Not only did it make my year, but you gave me 4 days of peace that was priceless. I can never thank you enough for that. Your organization and your great people that help run it will forever be a part of my family. Derek and Gerald were amazing. Gerald was a truly genuine person that has a heart of gold. I have been to a few events now through other organizations and the effort he put in was bar none the best. I can only hope that I get another opportunity to come back. Karen was another person who opened her home to us, and she too was an amazing addition to an unforgettable trip. Thanks again.

-M. Mason, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This has been a very needed and much wanted event. I had an absolutely perfect time. Fishing has always been a huge part of my life, and this was at the top of all my experiences. Never been on a river and it was awesome. Big cats, great men, great food, and good times. WWIA is always at the top of my list for excellence and respect.

D. Hunter, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This was the greatest trip of my life. I’m so happy to spend such a tough weekend (Memorial Day) with such great American’s! Catching a giant catfish has always been on my bucket list and it was amazing but so many other things made this such an incredible experience. It was a real honor to meet you Jake! Thank you so much for your service to our country and everything you continue to do for our American Heroes! Thank you!

K. Power, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This is my second trip with WWIA. The first being MoKan in 2018. I can honestly say from arrival to departure this was one of the best weeks I have experienced in quite some time. The event Host, family and volunteers went above and beyond what I deserved. The turkey hunting action was unbelievable on both mornings we hunted. Although I missed the shot on a nice bird, the experience was a memory that will last forever. We went to a creek that was stocked with trout and roped off just for us to fly fish. New to flyfishing this was a treat. I was catching rainbows, brookies and I also landed a very nice palomino trout that I will be taking to the taxidermist. The food was phenomenal the entire stay. Not only will I be taking home memories and new friendships, but I am also taking home a few extra pounds. All and all, I don’t see how this event could have been any better.

J. Hewitt, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

The Rural Valley PA Turkey hunt was a much needed break from my everyday life. Everyone that I was in contact with from our Host Dan to every volunteer were great. I ended up harvesting my first eastern turkey ever, my whole year has been made.

D. Shreve, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to each and every person who participated in this event. Thank you for your service. Overall, God Bless you and your family and God Bless America.

A. Leatherwood, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you for a great time. Outstanding fishing and wonderful people. A trip that will live with me forever. God Bless and thanks again.

B. Brady, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

WWIA has done an excellent job bringing PH recipients and the community together. Thank you and the volunteers for a memorable weekend of fishing.

B. Healy, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

My second trip sponsored by WWIA and both were outstanding, but this one was extra special as it was a total fishing experience with some of the finest people on earth. A very special thank you must go to the owners of Wild Waves Motel, as this event could not happen without their generosity. The volunteers and guides were extra special and showed us a great time. Sharing stories with my fellow PH vets is the highlight of the trip as we all share one thing in common, which cannot be shared with other vets. I now have three close friends to follow on the internet and one of them lives a four-hour drive from me, so I can see some more fishing adventures in the future with him! In closing I wish you all good health and Godspeed.

P. Young, USMC, Vietnam
Purple Heart Recipient

Great Trip! Alaska is beautiful! Fishing for halibut was so much fun. I got to know John and Joe. Great guys. We all got to see the glacier. John did a great job organizing the trip and cooking for us. Further, John provided everything we needed. Great place to stay with warm showers. We all got our limit of fish and are going home with 100 pounds each. My first time to Alaska and WWIA made this trip for me a real experience. Seeing the glaciers and mountains gave me a sense of peace and solitude. Now I can go home with a sense of purpose in life. Thank you.

M. Wells, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient