2011 Testimonials
January 2011 NC OBX
Tim, thank you so much for inviting me out. I had a grisly great time and look forward to going on more hunts in the future. It was great meeting you and the other guys.
I’ve been looking for a duck shotgun since I got home. Thank you for introducing me to a sport I am sure I will love for the rest of my life. God Bless. Semper Fi
-Chris Wiers, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
January 2011 Lambert Deer
We arrived in Alabama on Friday and sadly it is now Sunday and this awesome whitetail hunt is almost over. Mr. Steve Lambert and all the folks that sacrificed their own time to cook and help field dress animals have been amazing. The property here is incredible, and there is a ton of whitetail deer. Deer hunting is my life’s passion and is a huge process in my personal recovery. I have to thank John and Jake for all of their hard work and effort in making this hunt happen. I can’t even begin to tell you how much it has meant to me. I’ve had a plain and simply amazing time. Thank you both!
-J. Tucker, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
Time to kill some deer. Nothing makes me happier than being outside in the woods, with nature, hunting from dawn to dusk. This event was a great time. It was easy to see that everyone involved put forth a great amount of time and effort to make sure we all had a wonderful time. Thanks to all.
-J. Wilson, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
January 2011 CA Duck Hunt
Thank you so much for starting the WWIA foundation, and putting on these hunts. It was so awesome to get out on the water and blast away at tons of ducks, and to see all of the support from the community and all the men and women that came together to make this hunt happen. Tim was a wonderful host and did a great job on executing the mission. It was the best hunt that I’ve ever been on in my life.
-D. Hayenga, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
February 2011 Rodman Fishing
What a trip!! 68 bass were caught between us, with even more that got away. I even caught the 3 largest bass I have EVER caught before. What a trip!!! It is people such as yourself who give us veterans a good name. Your dedication to the WWIA is amazing. To start something like this is not only remarkable, but inspiring as well. It shows what kind of soldier you are, and what you care about. I have met many people who talk a good game about helping others but very few who actively follow through. Thank you for the great experience you have left for me to remember for a long time. But THANK YOU again and even so for not only being here for us but caring enough to help at all. I have always been a great judge of character and I know that every soldier that crosses your path will the better for it!! Keep up the GREAT TIMES.
-S. Litzler, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
April 2011 KY Turkey – Abnaki Outdoors
John, it was a pleasure and honor to had have the chance to meet you, Jake & Brad. The team at Abnaki wanted to put together this turkey hunt for the WWIA Foundation to say “Thanks” for what you all have done protecting our country’s freedom. I know personally that I have made 3 new friends for life and look forward to meeting more warriors and sharing more hunts afield with you. Thanks again.
-S. and C. Burch, Abnaki Outdoors
Hosts
Back at Chuck’s lodge after smoking my first jake turkey- 3 toms under my belt- 1st jake!! The thrill, anticipation, and excitement are still very alive. The dawn brought the vocal and echoing HOOTS and Shrills of owls in the draw near a wadi, crows’ cackles and flight created the action. Steve and I were very excited and laughed until silver glistened 5 times cross the Wadi- 2 toms and 3 jakes, serious business had started. Calm and instructive whispers from Steve directed me, but I had already gone through 4 dry runs with my browning 12 gauge- I was ready! The toms were too educated and wise to commit to the dekes and calls, but the youngest 2 were curious. At 27-28 yards a 3 ½ #3 steel waterfowl load (the “lucky” round that had been in my coat pocket for nearly 10 years) erupted and boomed within the draw, echoing and silencing Mother Nature’s bounty… My life was granted and I’m living moments like God provides me each day the above was just one of the best that I pray will be one of many. Toujours Pret,
-J. Colefander, US Army
April 2011 Lambert Turkey Hunt
Thank you WWIA for the opportunity to experience an Alabama turkey hunt with a world class turkey caller and guide, the property was very nice, and everyone was very friendly. We were fed like kings! I learned some new things about turkey hunting and got to hang out with some great people. Thank you, John McDaniel, Jake, Chuck, Mr. Lambert, John and his wife, and Bruce and his wife Sara. Thank you all I had a great time!
-B. Deen Jr, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
April 2011 – Lake Fork TX Bass Fishing
Jayson Johnson was born March 7, 1985 in L.A. California. I was in war all my life with gangs. I’ve seen women get beat, men get shot, and kids die over a color. So, getting in the Army and going to war was the safe thing to do. On August 30, 2008 Jayson Johnson was reborn in Barstow California the day my son Jeremy Johnson was born. To hold my son for the first time is something I will never forget. And on April 17, 2011 my hope for mankind was reborn, thanks to John who showed me that good people live in this world.
-J. Johnson, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
Today was absolutely my honor to be in the boat with you and Jason. He and you are what this great country of ours should be all about. Thanks so much for your service. I will pray for you both always.
Thanks,
-Dennis, Lake Tour Guide Service
Supporter
I just would like to say thank you for giving your heart to the men and women who have given themselves for the American people!!
-R. Schneidle
Supporter
June 2011 TX Hog Hunt
I would first like to thank Mr. John McDaniel and the WWIA for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful event, not to mention a “brotherhood.” After 22 years serving this great country I have been honored to meet fellow Wounded Warriors & build not just new friendships, but an extended family that is built on honor, courage, and heroes!! The time spent in the stands with you, Don and Steve filming our hog hunt made it even more fun, not to mention allowing that one special hero bragging rights for the trip. Thank you, WWIA, for bringing me back to where I needed to be in my life; continuing to learn and grow as I heal. This has truly been an awesome healing experience!! Thank you. God Bless.
-S. Adams, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
My sincere thanks to John McDaniel and the entire organization for a Class A hunt – the hospitality and kindness from all was an absolute honor. This was my first interaction with any Wounded Warrior experience – I was injured 15 years ago and am so appreciative of the opportunity to be able to hang out with and share stories and camaraderie with fellow patriots. I did get a nice hog on this, my very first hog hunt! Again, thank you to WWIA for everything provided and the opportunity to meet the other Wounded Warriors.
-C. Doggett, USAF
Purple Heart Recipient
This was my first hunt that I was the lead associate. I feel that the hunt went very well. Every one of the guys had a great time. I had an unbelievable hunt!!! The experience and new friends I made on my trip will be long lasting. I am so happy that the hunt went as well as it did. It means so much to me to help other wounded Purple Heart awardees. Thank you, John, for having the confidence in me to be able to take the lead on this hunt.
The hunt met the standard that every soldier enjoyed the hunt and would like to do it again. Once again, John, thank you for giving me the lead on this hunt. I am looking forward to trying to get another soldier hunt together. Thanks again, John, for another great hunt!!!
-E. Walsh, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
June 2011 WI Summer Musky Classic
I have been truly honored to be part of the first annual WWIA summer musky classic… Ranger John and Ranger Tom planted the seed of service on the river four seasons ago now in Musky Country and in the time that has passed all of us in the guide game here have been educated and truly touched by our Heroes! A bunch of tough river guides have learned that we have something pretty cool here and that by sharing our backyards and our love and passion for the water and the fish we can and do make a difference to those who have given so much to this country and to us specifically! Thank you, John, and all of the WWIA members of associates for giving us the opportunity to serve you back.
Tally ho and God speed. Your pal,
-B Bohen
Supporter
Never imagined an opportunity like this. It takes a special group of people to bring together wounded warriors from all across the U.S. and in two days create lifelong friends. Between the WWIA and Musky Country Outfitters, they reminded me of why we (warriors) do what we do. Nothing heals the mind and body like enjoying outdoor sports. Thank you for accepting my friend Robin like one of us. Thank you so very much.
-L. Spurgeon, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
“Brotherhood” is the foundation of this program. This was probably the best 4 days spent with old friends and got the chance to make new friends. I got to pick up a new hobby. I’m by no means a nature guy or fisherman, but truly enjoyed my time here. The program is great to heal the mental and spiritual wounds that some are still dealing with. I am happy and proud to have attended this event with “true” heroes! I will never forget the past 48 hours spent with a true professional and master at his job, Tim Fischer. He made the experience an awesome one. I can and will consider him a friend. Again, great events, new friends, and no words can describe. WWIA 2011 Muskie Hunt ATW!
-M. Martinez, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
I can’t really express how great the opportunity to come on this fishing trip was. Coming from down in Houston, TX, up to the North woods of Wisconsin to fish for Musky is the fishing trip of a lifetime. I have always wanted to fish for Northern pike and musky. Thank to Mr. McDaniel and WWIA this is a dream come true. I hope I can get the chance to volunteer for more events and share experiences like this with other wounded veterans. Thank you WWIA for this opportunity of a lifetime.
-T. Scott, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
This was my first experience with the WWIA crew and I can certainly say that it will not be my last. Meeting these HEROES and watching firsthand as the group dynamic developed was truly amazing. We are all forever indebted to these men for their sacrifice in preserving our way of life and, although I will never be able to comprehend what they’ve been through, sharing our world with them and seeing how much they enjoyed their time here has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I sincerely hope that we can continue to grow our relationship with the WWIA so that we can share this experience with as many of our heroes as possible. Until next time!
-Brian Porter
Supporter
I just want to start by saying thank you so much for everything all of you do for all of us. You guys are responsible for all of us being able to do what we do every day. I can’t wait to stew all year about next year’s fly design and hopefully they’ll mean as much to you as you guys coming out means to me. All of you guys need to come back and see us again soon. Can’t wait until next year! Safe travels.
-C. Willen
Supporter
John, Amanda, Jill & all you great Associates—Thank you!
I am truly honored to be the first outsider and Vietnam Era Purple Heart recipient to participate in the Wounded Warrior in Action project. The instant friendship with John, “Mr. Raconteur Extraordinaire” is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. The opportunity to share this experience with the OIF/OEF Purple Heart recipients was an amazing and humbling experience. Thank you from the bottom of my Purple Heart!
-J. Bircher III, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
Fishing with the WWIA is the highlight of my guiding season. Hands down. 2011 is my second year being involved and each time I am sad to see you guys leave. Each warrior I have fished with quickly becomes a close friend. You guys are the salt of the Earth. Slow fishing and poor weather outside, good times flow freely. I will never forget the 2011 WWIA event.
-T. Fischer
Supporter
September 2011 NY Upland Bird
I can’t thank you enough for such an incredible trip hunting pheasant and chukar here in New York. It couldn’t have come at a better time as I have been down for a while. I haven’t felt this good since I was injured. This has been a life-changing event to say the least. Thanks for what you have done for me, my marines, and fellow wounded warriors. You are truly your brothers’ keeper! You have given me esprit de corps I haven’t felt in too long. Semper Fidelis
-S. Horsley, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
John, thank you and your foundation WWIA for allowing me to participate in the Upland Bird Hunt in NY. It was a new experience for me and I learned a lot. It was great to get out of the house, to enjoy a world class hunt, meet new friends, and bond with fellow brothers up understand all. Very special thanks especially to JR, Charlie, Carol, and all the folks that participated, supported and insured we had a great time. It was an honor and a privilege.
“RLTW”!
-T. Wisyanski, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
John, thank you for starting such an awesome foundation that helps heal veterans. It was such an honor to come out to NY during 9-11 and remember what I joined our armed forces for. Hunting birds and meeting other wounded warriors whom will become good friends. Our hosts were nothing less than great. This will be a memory that will not be forgotten. God bless you and all the people with WWIA and always remember that you are all doing great things for Wounded Warriors. “Rangers Lead the Way”
-P. Fritzsche, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
September 2011 FL Gator
Can’t say enough about what you do for us. This has been a lifetime dream. You’re the hero in my eyes. It, “the trip,” was more than I expected, and I loved it all. I am most thankful for the new friends we have connected with. “Combat Medic”, “Airforce Ranger”
“For those whom have fought for it, Freedom has a taste the protected will never know.”
John, If I have not thanked you enough yet, then I want to say it again & again, Thank You! Things have been overwhelming lately in my life and you gave me the great opportunity to get away from it all for at least a few days. The hunt itself was awesome and, although it was not exactly your doing, thanks for the MONSTER GATOR! It was great meeting such kind and caring people that were very hospitable and showed it through the great receptions at dinner and the Airboat Association house. The whole trip was great, and I could not have asked for more. I hope to stay in contact with you over the years and share resources to help more veterans.
-G. Amira, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
John, I felt honored and privileged to be a part of this “great” event that was held for “great” people. It was a “great” experience for me and wouldn’t trade it for anything. My hat goes off to you for organizing and creating a “great” organization. I know I’ve been repetitively using the word “great” But that’s what describes this trip!
-C. Greenman
John, this has been a wonderful experience. I had an awesome time from start to finish. It took me 3 years to make it to an event and I couldn’t have picked a better one to attend. It wasn’t about the harvest. It was the fellowship with fellow Brothers and the experience we had. I look forward to attending another event in the future and working along with you and help editing some of the footage from previous as well as upcoming events. Take care and keep up the good work.
-K. Finley, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
John, first I would like to thank you for all you do. You are a hero and I’m proud to say that you and everyone I’ve met in the past few days are my family and friends. I will say this was one of the best times I have ever had. Being this was the first time on a Gator hunt, everyone made me feel like I was part of a family in FL. I don’t fit in much, but this trip lets me know that there is a lot of family out there and I’m glad I got to do this
-K. Johnson, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
John, I was thinking a lot about all of the experiences and all of the great people that I had a chance to meet over these last couple of days. Everything was great. This was a trip I will never forget. It’s hard to find great Americans that support the troops like all of the people I met this weekend. It was a great reminder that people do care and they do support us. Once again thank you for this opportunity to come on this trip. Thank you.
-R. Olech, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
October 2011 NJ Wreck Fishing
Great program. Hope the guys enjoyed the fishing.
-Cpt H. Yenkinson, Vetcraft Sportfishing
Supporter
Sir, I first want to say thank you for allowing me to come on this trip with LTC Molbert under my circumstances! As you can see on my tattoo “War is a Drug.” There is no better drug or healing process than what you do. I had a blast, and this will definitely be a memory that I will never forget. Semper fi!
-M. Harden, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
To “Ranger” John, thanks for a great trip. You are the real deal hero for everything you do for our nation’s wounded warriors. I really appreciated our fishing trip together and I look forward to coordinating the first of many alligator hunts down in Louisiana. God Bless,
-H. Molbert, US Army
Supporter
Had a great day on the water with you fellows. It was an honor and pleasure to fish with serviceman of our country. Thanks a lot for the experience of our conversations. Hope you all wellness and thanks for your service.
-R. Slominski, Vetcraft Sportfishing, 1st Mate
Supporter
October 2011 Camp Hackett
My hunting experience at Camp Hackett was gratifying and better than expected. The deer hunt reminded me of the type of hunts I use to go on as a young man. In other words, it was a tough hunt and definitely not for the first time hunter as the founder John McDaniel explained to me over the phone when I received his long awaited call. John gave me several choices of easier hunts where harvesting a deer was fairly simple but when John gave a description of Camp Hackett in the Northern region of Wisconsin where there was an opportunity to bow hunt a trophy buck of a lifetime, when I heard this all I said was “Hackett” that’s where I want to go. There were no bait piles or feeders on the property to attract the deer right to your tree stand. There were a few food plots on the property, but I didn’t choose to hunt over one. On this hunt I had seen only 6 does and 1 – 8pt buck . The buck was too small though and didn’t meet the criteria of a trophy, so he lives for another year for another Hero to possibly shoot. John and his guides Jake and Matt who are combat wounded vets did a great job and made every effort to make this a successful hunt for me. I can’t describe this hunt in one word, but I will say the guys are very professional, accommodating and sincere. I think I left Camp Hackett a different person than how I arrived and as a combat wounded soldier this type of experience can only help with my recovery. Thank you, John for your integrity, honesty and camaraderie, you have always taken care of soldiers as an officer and it is obvious that you will continue this mission until it’s complete.
-K. Katter, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
2011 Hotlanta
John, you’re one upstanding American! I would like to thank you for inviting me to “Hotlanta.” I had an amazing time racing cars, shooting guns, and playing on Lake Lanier. The best part of the trip was the opportunity to make new outstanding friends. More nonprofits need to follow WWIA’s model when taking care of soldiers!! Thank you very much!! P.S. I’m ready for the next adventure!
-G. Boggs, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
John, many thanks for the opportunity to attend the Hotlanta trip. I truly appreciate what you do for wounded warriors. I met some great new people and had a once in a lifetime experience listening to their stories, racing cars, shooting all kinds of automatic weapons, and playing on Lake Lanier riding jet skis. I look forward to promoting the great things your organization WWIA does to help wounded warriors network, share their stories and promote healing from the traumas of war. I would be happy to help promote your foundation to other wounded warriors I meet so that they can enjoy this amazing opportunity. I also look forward to the next one in hopes that I may help out if and when you need me.
“RLTW”!
-T. Wisyanski, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient
John, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate being part of this event. I had a great time, and I truly believe in the service you are doing for veterans like me. Let me know if there is any way I can assist. Semper Fi!
-D. Meyer, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient
2011 – No Event
Dear Mr. McDaniel,
On behalf of everyone involved with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust, let me thank you for WWIA’s work with the combat wounded, Purple Heart Veterans.
You have taken a great step in providing new and unique rehabilitation opportunities to veterans with a range of profound disabilities. You’re holding out the prospect of a new life for veterans. You’re sharing the excitement of new therapeutic approaches to veterans who have suffered amputations and other physical disabilities. And you’re making sure disabled veterans learn life can get better.
Best wishes to all.
-Sharon Schalk, Grant Specialist, DAV
Charitable Service Trust
Supporter