Follow Us

A collage showcasing various hunting and outdoor activities with a central banner reading "this stuff works! reducing predictive factors of predator suicide.

This Stuff Works

For the past 17 years, we have been changing lives and saving lives! We are committed to healing the lives of America’s veterans and reducing veteran suicide. We have over 1,500 testimonials from Heroes who have expressed how the WWIA events they attended have dramatically impacted their health, healing, happiness, and overall well-being. This isn’t hype or hyperbole, it’s evidence-based! We have partnered with Cornell University to study the results of the work we are doing and how it combats veteran suicide. It has shown some remarkable results. The bottom line is THIS STUFF WORKS!

In 2022, a joint study between WWIA and Cornell University was spear-headed by Dr. Keith  Tidball (Assistant Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension; Senior Extension Associate, Natural Resources and the Environment; WWIA Science Advisor). Dr. Tidball’s study focused on ten predictive factors that can help dramatically reduce the risk for suicide in our veteran population. Some examples of those risk factors include things such as: Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms, Low Self-Esteem, Isolation, and Loss of Interest. In this year-long study, over 200 Purple Heart recipients participated and shared their thoughts regarding their personal experiences surrounding these ten risk factors both before and after they attended a WWIA event. The results are impressive and encouraging, and prove that our mission to provide Honor, Connection, and Healing to America’s combat-wounded veterans is working!

Take a look at the graphics below as they give an overview and synopsis of the data that was collected along with the outcomes.

______________________________________

Join Us In Our Mission
These results bolster our commitment to continue serving and honoring our Purple Heart Heroes through camaraderie, community, and a shared passion for the great outdoors. If you would like to join us in our mission, please consider becoming a partner by Sponsoring a Hero or you may also look at other Ways to Give and support us. Together, we are changing and saving the lives of our combat-wounded veterans!

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988
If you or a family member need additional support, are struggling, or are having thoughts about suicide, please reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line. They offer 24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. The Veterans Crisis Line offers free access, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year. This is a live connection with a real person qualified to support Veterans. Your call is confidential, and you decide how much information to share. Your support doesn’t end with your conversation, their responders will connect you with resources that can help when you’re in distress. Help is only a phone call or a click away. Dial 988, then press 1. You can also click on the graphic below to be taken to their website.