Virgil, Thank you! WWIA, Corrina, John, the Guides, the donors, and supporters, you make all of this possible through love and sacrifice. The trip was fantastic, the weather was great, the fishing was amazing. I am not sure where there is room to improve here, just keep doing what you are doing. Thank you for taking the time to sit and listen, cook a meal, or donate your fishing expertise. Nothing was overlooked and again it was a life-changing experience.

D. Oursler, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Where do I begin!? What an amazing experience! From the cooks to the Boat Captains, everyone went above and beyond to put the Heroes needs above everything else. To the Boat Captains, Mark and Meme, Mike and Dana, and Virgil and Matt, thank you so much for this opportunity. Derrick, thank you for being an amazing Guide, always putting us Heroes first, always making sure we were taken care of. This was a much-needed trip for me. A mental reset. It was great to feel relevant again. I tend to feel lost most days. I just want to thank every one of you. What an epic trip.

J. Frazier, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I had a great time during this event. It was a much-needed break for me, and I am so appreciative of the WWIA and the Ohio Freemasons. Derrick, our WWIA Guide has done an outstanding job and made sure that we all had an amazing time. I can tell he truly cares about helping us and that means everything. I would also like to thank our Host, Virgil and our Boat Captains, Mark, Matt and Mike. I went out both days with Mark and his wife Meme. They were extremely helpful on the boat and actually had us doing everything on our own, which I loved. We managed to catch some big ones. Also, we limited out on our second day. It was a trip I will remember forever. I would also like to thank the Wild Waves Motel owners and their staff for the accommodations and also preparing all of the great food. Lastly, I just want to say thank you to anyone else that had anything to do with the planning and execution of this event. It has changed my life forever. Thank you!

C. Loyd, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Super job! The staff and everyone involved was fantastic. This is my first ever encounter or chance to be involved in any veteran organization function. The few of us developed a closeness, bond that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. The fishing was great but the fellowship was even better. Amazing how so many loving people went out of their way to share this blessing. Thank you to all that let us share and make memories. Derrick was very professional, yet so personal. God Bless and thank you all for a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you so much.

B. Williamson, US Army, Vietnam
Purple Heart Recipient

I have attended several events with WWIA and it never fails. Whether being blessed with a harvest or not, the folks that put these on for us are always so caring and thoughtful. Words cannot express the heart felt joy that I have knowing that people like you all still walk this great earth. So, from the bottom of my heart thank you all for your caring and love.

N. Gibbs, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This has been a weekend to remember. I have had such a great time. The memories had and friends made are something I will remember for the rest of my life. I would like to thank everyone that made this event possible.

M. Koldys, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

This was my second experience with WWIA and just like the first time, this weekend was awesome. The Hosts and all the volunteers were outstanding. The hunt was great, but only a small part of what made this weekend. The common bond of the guys and the time spent in fellowship, talking about their experiences and passions created such a positive time. Thank you to all of those involved.

L. Thompson, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I can’t say thank you enough! I put off applying for a hunt because I really don’t like being around people, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do it anyways. I felt welcome as soon as I got here, great Hosts, great guides, and a great group of guys to hunt with. I am really glad that I did this and will be trying to get on other hunts in the future.

N. Greve, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you for putting on this event and having me out here. I had a blast and enjoyed every minute of my time here. I met some great people, ate great food, and really enjoyed getting out into the woods. The memories I will take back with me and they will always put a smile on my face. You all have something special here and it means a lot to me that I was able to attend and be a part of this. I really appreciate everything.

J. Williams, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

The camaraderie and fellowship experience on this hunt was just what my soul needed. The Host and hospitality were second to none. I am grateful to everyone and thankful to meet more fellow vetarans who are now like family members.

T. Wicks, US army
Purple Heart Recipient

I get caught up with my day-to-day hustle. I try to juggle being the best husband, the best father, a good son, and a hard-working employee. I know I struggle with all of that as well as keeping the demons in my head from taking over. You tend to forget how fragile the balance is, but you are always one trigger away from losing it all. This weekend was the reset I was craving. I needed to talk with other men that fight the same fight. I needed some time to relax and be worry free.

I would like to thank our Host for such a great event. I know there was a great deal of planning to make sure every little detail was taken care of. Thank you to all the guides that sacrificed their time to try and get us on turkeys. Thank you to everyone that cooked all the awesome food. Thank you to the WWIA for the invitation and thank you to the other veterans that gave so much to our wonderful country so that we still have the freedom to do things like this.

J. Hardy, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I would like to thank all involved in the 8th Annual Rural Valley Turkey Hunt. The outpouring of support and appreciation from the staff and all involved was amazing. Many times, veterans exit the service, many after years of combat, and they feel somewhat lost and detached. Many times, they simply can’t adjust to their new environment. These events are priceless to us to allow us to reconnect. Thank you so much.

T. Campbell, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient