04 – Testimonials - Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

“The time I spent on this event felt like a miracle. Since my time in the Army, I have never felt more at home (other than being home). The only time in years I haven’t felt out of place or a burden. It was good for the soul to connect with people who I felt truly cared for me. I cannot thank you all enough.”

Garth C.

Purple Heart Recipient

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2026

I had a great time visiting with other like-minded veterans. Such a joy to be on Lake Erie. It’s not every day that an old boy from South Mississippi gets to come up this way. The weather kind of sucked, but the fellowship and food were amazing. As with past trips, my favorite part was meeting other combat-wounded vets from different conflicts. The connection I get on these trips is always much needed and on time. Thank you WWIA. K. Brooks, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

K. Brooks,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

2026 Lake Erie Walleye Warriors

Fishing

2026

Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, it was a great event. Guides Dan and Roy were great guys and very knowledgeable with lots of stories to tell. Hosts Jim and Crisie were outstanding, food was amazing and it was a fine run operation. The boat captains were great and very knowledgeable, both worked really hard on getting us on fish, despite the weather. It was good talking to vets from other conflicts and hearing about their experiences and the different parts of the country they are from. M. Boyd, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

M. Boyd,

USMC

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

2026 Lake Erie Walleye Warriors

Fishing

2026

I had a great time here and you all did a great job. Thank you so much. W. Ranes, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

W. Ranes,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

2026 Lake Erie Walleye Warriors

Fishing

2026

Thank you, WWIA for an awesome event. This is my first event with this group and I was blown away by the crew. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted. The people on this trip that were our hosts were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. We hunted animals, told jokes, made friends, and dined like kings. This trip was special to me because I got to hunt and hang out with someone who is important in my life, Ranger Kiel. I served with Ranger Kiel and he treated me like a son. We had always talked about hunting together. It took us since 2009, but it finally happened thanks to WWIA. I want to thank Roy and the other locals, Carl, John, John and everyone else who hosted us. Amazing country, friendly people and beautiful state. I want to thank Allen for being our guide. Allen is good people. He is great to talk to and provided friendship, conversation, and expert bear hunting tips. Many more thanks. I would return again even just to visit. K. Pelatt, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

K. Pelatt,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

NH Bear and Bass

FishingHunting

2026

This is my third event with WWIA. By far my funnest ever so far. I was asked to hunt with KP, a soldier who I served with 15 years ago in the army. My dream was to spend a special hunt together with KP. I wanted nothing more than to see KP smile again by getting his bear in his lifetime. Both Allen and Roy our guides, were so knowledgeable, friendly, and treated us as brothers. The local men and women who supported this event were the greatest Americans I’ve ever met. I have new brothers and sisters, both military and civilian. D. Kiel, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

D. Kiel,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

NH Bear and Bass

FishingHunting

2026

I never imagined I would go bear hunting. It was the best experience. The guides and volunteers were very knowledgeable and helpful while sitting in the stand gave me the opportunity to think about how my life was going. Not good but being out there gave me a new perspective and purpose. So grateful for WWIA and what they do. It really was life changing. R. Bing, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

R. Bing,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

Camp Hackett Bear Hunt

Hunting

2026

To all involved with this event from staff to volunteers, I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I had the chance to reconnect with fellow vets and nature at the same time. Being in God’s country gives me peace and hearing other veteran’s stories, gives me ease. R. Hargis, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

R. Hargis,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

Camp Hackett Bear Hunt

Hunting

2026

Thank you for the amazing opportunity to experience the Wisconsin Northwoods nature and connect with fellow veterans. Every aspect of this event has been outstanding! Art and Eddie provided constant support and met our every need. The local community was as advertised – incredible food, fellowship, and hunting support! Thanks to the local team, Jeff, Casey, Chris, Mike, Bob, John, Kenny and all others behind the scenes. Just a great experience with everyone! J. Hall, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

J. Hall,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

Camp Hackett Bear Hunt

Hunting

2026

Today was my first sit of the Bear hunt, and I think it is a day I will remember for a long time. Sitting in the woods was more peaceful than I expected. There was something about being out there, surrounded by the quiet with nowhere else I needed to be. For a while, everything seemed to slow down. I found myself paying attention to things I might normally overlook, the sounds of the woods, the stillness, and just being present in the moment. But this hunt has been about much more than the hunt itself. The people have made it special. Dan and Nancy have been wonderful hosts and sharing the experience with James and Jeff has added another dimension to it. The conversations, the stories, the laughs, and the time spent together have been just as meaningful as the time out in the woods. When I think about what I will take away from this trip, I know it won’t simply be whether I got a bear. It will be the experience, the people I shared it with, the great conversations, and the feeling of sitting quietly in the woods and being completely immersed in the moment. I feel accomplished being here and being part of it. There is something about stepping away from everything/everyday life and challenging yourself to slow down, be patient, and appreciate where you are. I came to Iron River for a bear hunt, but I think I’m leaving with something more valuable; memories, new stories, good conversations, and an appreciation for the people and the experience that made this hunt special. B. Fox, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

B. Fox,

USMC

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

WI Heroes Northland Experience Bear Hunt

Hunting

2026

My name is Jeff, I am from Helena, Montana. I too had the great honor and blessing to serve this wonderful and great country USA. I love it. I followed the footsteps of service from my great grandpa, dad and brothers. I am proud of the service they provided and the example they were to me. I too, gave the oath to protect and serve and was willing to give my life for the freedoms that we each enjoy each and every day. Freedom isn’t free. Our great forefathers and mothers served with great devotion and honor, I love and respect that. I have so many experiences in life and the military is one I am very proud of. I remember what I was doing on 9/11/2001 as each and every one of us does. Our country at that time put everything aside and we were one. One nation under God. Shortly after, I was called to go to Iraq to serve and help. Wow what an experience that was. Highs, lows, tough, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Body, spirit, and mind. I came back injured to each of those. I am trying to heal from those injuries. This is where Wounded Warriors in Action comes in. Corrina has been so kind in calling wanting me to come and each time I declined wanting other Wounded Warriors to take my spot. There are a lot more people that are very special who have also served. I want them to also heal. But this time after many emails, phone calls and texts, I made the decision to go. What a blessing and experience I had. Bear hunting and fishing in Wisconsin. Dan, Nancy and James and many other people made the trip a great and wonderful experience. From the time we had arrived to the time we left it was well done. My fellow battle buddies, we all had different and wonderful experiences and journeys. We shared our life stories with each other and the host family. At that time, we were all one big family. With that being said, we treated each other with love, respect and kindness, even though we have never met before. That aspect of it was amazing. Friends and family for life. Truly wonderful. Life is special and one I don’t take lightly. It is a joy and a blessing to belong to Wounded Warriors in Action. I hope to go on many more journeys. Thanks once again. J. Allen, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

J. Allen,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

WI Heroes Northland Experience Bear Hunt

Hunting

2026

This experience was absolutely amazing! I’ve never done a trip like this, but have been part of a few different veteran events, this one by far has been the best. Not only for this amazing experience at Saltgrass Lodge and getting to go on a guided fishing trip for redfish, but also the environment. From the time we landed we were taken care of and surrounded by like-minded individuals that only cared if we were having a good time and that we had everything we needed. This trip was great. J. Kilby, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

J. Kilby,

USMC

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

Saltgrass Lodge Red Fishing

Fishing

2026

This experience truly exceeded expectations, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many like-minded warriors/veterans. It honestly is one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time and something I will never forget. The WWIA team and Saltgrass Lodge were true professionals who made me feel welcome and at home from the moment we landed. Their hospitality, dedication, and genuine care made the entire experience incredibly meaningful and special. B. O’Callaghan, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

B. O’Callaghan,

US Army

Purple Heart Recipient

Event Name:

Saltgrass Lodge Red Fishing

Fishing