2010 Testimonials

 

May 2010 WI Cast & Blast

Wow, Worn out Wounded Warriors in Action! “This trip, right here, will put the string in your watch pocket”! Now, that’s funny right there! But seriously though some of the absolute best times in my life were right here in just one weekend. Am I tired, hell yeah, would do it again in a New York minute. The Wounded Warriors in Action have humbled me and showed me once again that I can be proud of what I have done, and also help us to realize that we just did our part, our part in a long line of parts. Thank you Bro. And all who came before us!

-D. Smith, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

John, I can’t thank you and the WWIAF enough for such a great weekend in Wisconsin. The wildlife and fishing were just amazing. You have inspired me to want to do the same for my fellow veterans. Rangers really do lead the way. This experience has really left a positive outlook on my life.
“Ready and forward”

-N. Schoon, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

September 2010 NY Upland Bird

John, thank you for what you do. It was a blessing and honor to meet these men. I also know this is something my children will have with them always and will be life changing.

-C. Ingram
Supporter

John, thank you for all that you do in the marvelous Wounded Warriors in Action program. You do so much for these wonderful men who protect us in the U.S.A. I needed to see this and be part of this as much as anyone. More needs to be done for our service men so they know we care. Tim and Wally were the best – God bless them. God bless you, John and those who work with you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart

-M. Reisdorf
Host

First and foremost, this trip is the best time I’ve had in a long time. Ever since my injury, I just find myself withdrawn from people & the things I do. This trip gave me the chance to get out & meet some amazing people. This trip is the most fun I have had in –literally years. I’ve never been bird hunting, and this was by far, the coolest thing I’ve done in years, since the day I got hurt in Iraq back in 2005. Another great thing about this adventure were the amazing people. Everyone from the WWIA founder, John, the guide-Jim to the farm owner & the wives and families. These people made us wounded warriors feel as if we were members of their own families. John, thanks for setting this up and getting me away from D.C., my job & my boring life. Again, this trip was so relaxing and made me feel again. This trip also let me see that people remember the wounded and really care about us. I would love to do this again. John, thanks for this trip & letting me relax.

-Wally
Purple Heart Recipient

Wow! What a great time! I’ve never hunting before. This turned me on to hunting! What beautiful hunting grounds, everyone was so helpful (Whispering Pines Hideaway). Me and my son, (his first time) had a great time. This is very motivating. P.S. I got one pheasant!

-T. Seckel
Purple Heart Recipient

The burden on my heart is a lot lighter, the scars on my soul less deep. Having had to endure the disgraceful attitude of the American public toward veterans returning home from the Vietnam conflict, I finally have been able to hold my head higher. I will not allow what happened to me to happen to my fellow servicemen.
I am honored to be allowed to donate time and attention to the Wounded Warriors in Action upland bird hunt. I had a fantastic experience training coaching and hunting with Wally and Tim. I watched Tim shoot his first pheasant (!) and Wally blast chukers with gusto and satisfaction. It just doesn’t get any better. They are friends forever.
The most wonderful experience was working with John to put this hunt together and the satisfaction we shared in watching the men interact and heal a little more. John has created an organization that is remarkable in its dedication to helping Purple Heart awardees. John, you are my HERO. With love brother,

-J. Reisdorf
Host

September 2010 FL Gator Hunt

John, thank you very much for a great weekend & I look forward to a great friendship between the two of us and hope we do more events. I really enjoyed this one and hope I can help out on upcoming events if you need any help. You can always call me, and I will be there for you and the WWIA. Call me anytime or email me. Thanks again for a great time

-D. Merchant, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I must say that this experience will be etched within my life forever. The tremendous people that you meet while engaging this activity is the kind of people that you want to surround yourself around, because they are brothers in arms. I got excited about the gator trip the first time I heard about it. Hands down this is a world class act and I am sure that it took so much time to prepare that I will never be able to get the right words out that mean how I feel about the hard-working people that do this stuff without receiving thanks. So, John and every other Warrior God Bless and Godspeed. Thanks,

-Aaron Hauser
Purple Heart Recipient

The day I heard about the WWIA gave me goose bumps. To find an organization like this one, who puts the Wounded Warriors before trying to use them as a news headline for their own personal needs. After getting my name to John, is when I found out exactly what this organization is about. Through many emails, I figured out exactly how much love and passion John had in his heart for Wounded Warriors. Without his dedication, drive and help of his wife, without people like Duane, wounded warrior’s dreams would not come true like this. I never thought in my wildest dreams after that day, I would ever hunt again, let alone hunt for Alligators. But people like John and Duane made it possible by getting a cross bow for me to hunt with. This is another example of how this organization has yet the bar from any other organization I have ever seen. I am the first Warrior who has had the honor of hunting Alligators with a crossbow. I hope the crossbow provides a great harvest for the next Warrior as it provided me. I was able to take 2 nice gators over 4′ with this crossbow. I believe that it is because of the hard work of John and Duane that God has allowed me to take those two creatures.
The gator hunt has been the best hunt that I have ever been a part of to date. I know people who will go their entire lives and never get to experience what I did in the past three days. Also, to make it an even better experience, I was able to attend this hunt with my great friend, Bill Colwell. The experience on the swamp was exciting. The most exciting time was not the harvest, but being with my fellow Warriors.
John and Duane, this organization is “top notch” and if either one of you ever need anything, do not hesitate to ask me. I will do everything I can to give back for what you have done for me this weekend. Thank you is not enough!!! I cannot tell you how thankful I truly am. It has been a truly wonderful healing weekend. And I truly thank you, John and Duane, John’s wife and everyone behind the scenes!!!
RLTW!

-E. Walsh, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

It is the day after out Gator Hunt. I have been on trips before and regardless every time is a step into the unknown. When I arrived at the airport I immediately knew who was picking me up. Here comes this giant F-350 pickup lifted and loud. My first thought was, “oh shit, this dude is just like me. Has to be with a truck like that”. We quickly rallied with the other warriors. It was like we had known each other for years. John was an inspiration to us all immediately. I think the reason this organization works is because of who John is and what he stands for. Without John and his family, this organization fails. It takes a special person to connect with warriors, to gain their trust, and ultimately inspire them. John does that. We also had the time to spend with other great patriots. Duane Wallace poured his heart & soul in to the coordination of this hunt and it showed. Without Duane, this would not have been possible. Duane is not alone, Brian, Cajun, Phil, Jerry and many others stood up and supported us 100% by helping make this event possible.
So, what is it to hunt a gator off an airboat? Can you even fathom that? I couldn’t. First the airboats. What great examples of American ingenuity. These things are fast, loud, and can turn on a dime. I want one. Someday, I will have one. I will tag it out with lights and it will be awesome. Now onto the gators. Toothy aggressive little pricks that could take your life if you made a mistake. That’s the thrill of it. I harpooned my gator right off the front of the boat after fours misses prior. I was starting to sweat it a little bit. “what if I can’t throw this thing?” It is something that is definitely not natural and takes practice. So finally, we get him in the boat, tape his mouth and proceed to extinguish his life with John’s knife in the back of the skull into the spinal column. The pressure was off, and I just took down one of America’s most dangerous animals. WWIA-1, Gators-0. We continued to hunt (run & gun, balls out). Captain Phil has his own unique way of doing things which is cool. John says the reunion after the hunt is the best and I have to agree. The beer was flowing just like the war stories. These types of trips for me are spiritually cleansing. We all get so wrapped up in our own worlds that it becomes counterproductive. This trip renewed my faith in people and has helped me remember who I am and what I stand for. It also brings to the forefront the values I hold dear and why I associate with a certain breed. Better having been able to spend these last three days with my brothers in arms. Hopefully, I can grow with the WWIA in the future and become an implement to the grand plan. I am looking forward to crowning the 2011 Swamp Babe next year.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that have been bestowed upon me. I will never be able to say, “thank you” enough. Hopefully, someday, I can show the same hospitality to all the people who have offered it to me. Semper Fidelis,

-J. Krueger, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

October 2010 Grand Ciel Lodge

It was truly the hunt of a lifetime. It means so much to have a brother in arms to give back so much and to have no other thought but to serve those who have served with you. With your vision of providing for your brothers and sisters only forms for me to do the same. I can’t thank you enough for this great weekend and bring me and another brother together. If you ever need me for support, or whatever please call. Your brother,

-Tim Seckel

It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to serve you and the Wounded Warriors here at the Grand Ciel Lodge. Those who have served us by wearing the uniform, fight for all of us so that we can have and maintain our many freedoms. Julie and I cannot express in words the extent of our gratitude and appreciation to all who have sacrificed on our behalf. Anything we can do to assist you in your WWIA mission, please let us know. I admire your vision, your drive and your cause. You are an honorable man. I could tell that over the past year through all the calls and emails leading to the hunt. Finally meeting you last Thursday, only confirmed my initial impression. I can see God has blessed you in your life- I hope and pray He continues to bless you in the future.

-B. and J. Boisen
Host

November 2010 Camp Hackett

John, well it’s the morning to leave Camp Hackett and the rig. All the boys have pulled out except Jake and he is mulling around outside and around the barn and you are in town taking care of everything like you always do. You will never realize how much you have touched my heart. I felt at home here. My first hunting trip and I have learned so much. Listening to you and watching every move you, Jake and the boys made. I can truly see this being a passion for life. To have my first hunting trip with brothers of service meant more to me than words can express. Thank you for letting me spend time with you in the glorious woods and for introducing me to some fine people in town, Steve, Bob & Pat. One day, I hope to meet your lovely bride. Much luck in the future with the WWIA and you can always count on me to help! God bless.

-S. Malone, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

John, the past days have been a blast. I can’t tell you how much I thank you for helping our nation’s combat wounded. Hunting is just a small part of what you are doing. To meet people just like us means more than you know, I would like to thank you for the chance to meet these wonderful people. We will need to stay in touch. I would love to help the WWIA

-J. Lovell, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

John- our hunt has come to a close. It was a great hunt, even with no deer. To be able to spend time outdoors with old friends, and make new friends, that is why I hunt. The “kill” is just a small part of it. You called us an inspiration and heroes. I call you an inspiration and hero. The time & money that you have taken from your family and given to us is amazing. We will stay in touch and I hope to be able to help the WWIA grow.

-T. Spence, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

John, Thank you so much for a once in a lifetime event. The past four days have been incredible. The challenge of enduring sub-freezing temps and hours of patiently waiting just to get a chance to see that “shooter buck” were exhilarating. Although we never got the chance to harvest a buck, the time spent in the stands reflecting on the beauty of life and nature could not be replaced. Without you and your organization, I would never have had the opportunity to hunt in this environment. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I once asked you if there were other groups like yours. I now realize that WWIA is truly ONE of a KIND. You have formed an outstanding organization for all Wounded Warriors. I would also like to thank those who help do what you do, like Jake, Bob, Steve, and Tom. You can’t do it alone, brother. Your family has made a commitment to assist you in your mission.
Keep doing what you are doing. You are a torch bearer and an inspiration to all us Wounded Warriors. I hope our paths will cross again in the future. Tim and I will do whatever we can to assist you with healing brothers and sisters like us. It would be an honor to serve your cause. Once again, thank you and God bless America!

-R. Shaffer, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

John- thank you so much for inviting me to come down and hunt with yourself, Jake, Josh, Lonnie and Michael. It has been an awesome experience being able to come to Wisconsin and try hunting outside the UP of Michigan. Camp Hackett is a special place and a sportsman’s paradise. If you ever have another opening for someone with a stick and a string to come down and hunt, be sure to give me a call. Once again, thank you so much. I am bummed that I’ll be missing out on the Chippewa River Muskie Fishing trip you guys are going on tomorrow. The best of luck to you guys. You are doing a great thing with the WWIA and I’ll be in touch with you to see how things are going. Take care and good luck hunting.

-D. Van Buren, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

So, there I was deep in the forest, surrounded only by trees and the spirit of the beast who I knew was lurking nearby. One night after a long day of hunting, John decided he was going to partake in a manhunt. I decided that this was a moment I needed to seize, and I asked if I could join him. Game on. This hunt was what hunters dream about packing in all your gear, climbing up a tree, placing your stand, and waiting for the monster. We hiked in, stored our gear and went to survey the area. John was on point and took me to the edge of the Beaver Pond. We crouched there under two giant pines to gaze upon a majestic Eagle flying overhead. In my eyes, this was a sign. Today was going to be a spectacular day. I picked out a spot, policed up all my gear, established a rally point with John and departed to my site. Upon arrival, I limb up the tree and place my climber. Now we play the waiting game. Forty-five minutes later, along comes a small 6 point just prancing through the forest without a care in the world. I observe him for about 10 minutes before he prances off. Darkness falls, and we begin our trek back to camp. That was what hunting is all about.
This being my second entry, I still have some thanks to give out. Tom and Brad, thanks for introducing me to Muskie fishing on a fly rod. That was eye opening and a great day on the river. Jake, your hard work and light spirit kept camp going. Thanks for all the insight and friendship during this weekend. I’ll keep in touch. Finally, John and Kellie, you know the drill but it’s worth repeating. You are the backbone of the foundation and an inspiration to us all. Your dedication and unselfishness are monumental in the foundation and it is apparent to the Warriors. I am glad to have been able to hunt with you as well as share some thoughts and ideas. You are all truly patriots and friends. Thank you again for the experience of a lifetime and memories that will last forever. Semper Fidelis

J. Krueger, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

Thank you for a great hunt you put on and I come here being depressed about life and found out to live my dreams out and strive to do the right thing always. John, you light the fire in my belly again and to have a passion for life. Thanks.

-M. Diehn, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient