GETTING AMERICAN HEROES BACK “IN ACTION”

Military Connection
Veteran News

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation, Inc. (WWIA) demonstrates to Purple Heart recipients that they can still accomplish milestones in their lives after returning home from combat, regardless of the severity of their injuries. The goal of WWIA is to encourage our American Heroes to get back “In Action” by providing them world-class outdoor sporting activities which connect them to nature, uniting them with other combat wounded veterans, and surrounding them with American sportsmen and women who genuinely care about their well-being and recovery efforts. Their activities improve self-reliance, bolster their self-confidence, and instill a sense of belonging to a group so as to promote mental and physical healing.

This mission is accomplished by pairing up small groups (3-8) of Wounded Warriors with American Sportsmen host groups for world-class sporting events lasting three to five days. These events are structured to enable the Heroes to discover what they can still accomplish despite their injuries, recreate the deployment camaraderie, group them with veterans in similar circumstances and experience the community’s recognition for what they sacrificed. Additionally, WWIA sends a proven, certified WWIA Associate as a mentor and guide for combat-wounded Heroes. These mentors are alumni of the program who share similar outdoor interests and have demonstrated that they can provide emotional support to the Heroes beyond the length of the project.

WWIA was established in 2007, granted 501c3 Non-Profit status in 2009, and has been changing the lives of both American Heroes and American Sportsmen across the country ever since. WWIA now serves approximately 150 Purple Heart recipients each year in 35 states as well as in Canada, and more recently, Mexico, through a strong network of volunteers across the country. Opportunities like hunting bear and elk, salmon fishing in Washington State, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, halibut fishing in Alaska, muskie fishing in Wisconsin and gator hunting in Florida provide Heroes with a wide variety of events that fulfill life-long dreams.

The WWIA is truly helping these wounded warriors through our programs. They receive hundreds of first-person testimonials from those they serve:

“Thank you for the amazing experience that you guys provided. I was really on the fence about going because of my issues and was terrified to be around people that I didn’t know or serve with. John and crew were amazing, caring, and understanding people. I left the camp feeling like John had earned my trust which is not an easy for me. I really am feeling a lot happier and motivated to make a change in my life. “ ~Andy C, US Army.

“I don’t have the words to properly describe exactly what the trip meant to me during this stressful time in my life. I was facing medical retirement from the Military in which I have spent the majority of my adult life. At times, this period of my life seems dark and helpless, but this trip has brought light and hope to me. I was given the opportunity to build relationships with fellow Veterans who have also transitioned from the military and have done so successfully. They offered advice and insight for my journey into the unknown and have helped me to find comfort and see that there is always life and hope around every blind curve. This experience has proven to be one of the most invaluable ones of my life.”   ~C. Pedro, US Army.

For more information, please find them on the web at wwiaf.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wwia or on twitter, www.twitter.com/wwiaf.

EDWIN EVERS AND OPTIMA® BATTERIES TEAM UP TO HELP WOUNDED WARRIORS THROUGH NEW “HEALING HEROES IN ACTION TOUR”

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Edwin Evers and performance automotive and marine battery manufacturer OPTIMA^® Batteries are launching a new effort to raise awareness and funds for America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart veterans and their needs, as well as heal their physical and emotional wounds.

Together with the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA), Evers and OPTIMA Batteries will kick off the “Healing Heroes in Action Tour” on March 14, 2015, before the official practice period for the Sabine River Bassmaster Elite Series event in Orange, Texas. The tour will continue with four more events coinciding with Evers’s travels on the tournament trail. At each event, Evers will partner with a combat-wounded Purple Heart veteran identified by WWIA to compete in a head-to-head fishing contest. The two-man challenger team will be selected by an online auction held on Evers’s Facebook page.

Tour stops include the following dates (exact bodies of water are to be announced, but will be within driving distance of Bassmaster Elite Series tournament sites):

• March 14 – Orange, TX
• April 13 – Guntersville, A
• May 28 – Grand Lake, OK
• July 25 – Waddington, NY
• Aug. 8 – Cecil County, MD

All money raised through this effort will go to WWIA, a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to serving our nation’s combat-wounded Purple Heart veterans by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities. The foundation will identify those who will fish with Evers and will provide transportation, lodging and assistance for them at the chosen body of water.

OPTIMA Batteries and Evers’s other sponsors including Bass Pro Shops, Lowrance, Megabass, Mustad, War Eagle, Wild River, Wiley X and Zoom Bait Company will be providing additional resources for the events and prize packages for both the veteran and the highest-bidding team, who will compete against Evers and his partner.

“Edwin Evers and OPTIMA Batteries share a deep admiration and appreciation for the sacrifice made by our troops who serve at home and abroad,” said Cam Douglass, marketing director for OPTIMA Batteries. “We decided to team up with Wounded Warriors in Action to give deserving veterans the experience of a lifetime and at the same time, raise needed funds for an organization that is all about providing healing experiences in the outdoors for those who need it most.”

For those interested in the chance to compete head-to-head against Evers and his partner, supporting this worthwhile cause and receiving a gear package from Evers’s sponsors, visit Facebook.com/EdwinEversFishing and watch for posts indicating auction times and dates.

“I hear from people all the time who say they would love to fish with or even against me,” said Evers. “Now is their chance to do just that, and to sweeten the deal, each team will get some incredible gifts from my very generous sponsors and the opportunity to help our nation’s combat-wounded veterans in a really special way.”

For more information on the Healing Heroes in Action Tour, to find out how to donate or bid on the chance to fish against Evers and his veteran partner at one of the events, please visit OPTIMABatteries.com.

Another Great Program tonight with 20-Year Veteran (RET) LTC John J. McDaniel

talkingwithheroes.com
Bob Calvert

We just completed another great program with (RET) LTC John J McDaniel – 20 years US Army now CEO and Founder of Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA). www.wwiaf.org The WWIA’s mission – our only goal, is to get our Wounded Warriors back in action by providing them with outdoor sporting opportunities (hunting & fishing).

More Info at: http://thankyouforyourservice.us/issue/january-2015/article/listen-to-ret-ltc-john-j-mcdaniel-ceo-founder-of-wounded-warriors-in-action-foundation

Direct to Listen 24/7: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/talkingwithheroes1/2015/02/13/ltc-ret-john-j-mcdaniel-combat-vet-ceo-wounded-warriors-in-action-foundation

LTC (RET) John J. McDaniel Combat Vet, CEO Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Listen LIVE February 12, 2015 or anytime later 24/7 to (RET) LTC US Army John J. McDaniel and CEO/Founder Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA) https://wwiaf.org

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) John J. McDaniel served on active duty in the United States Army from November of 1987 to November of 2007. John is a decorated combat veteran, former Infantry Officer, Airborne Ranger, and Master Parachutist with a Special Operations background.

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation serves over 100 Purple Heart Recipients each year in over 35 states and British Columbia, Canada, and recently added, Cancun, Mexico. Through opportunities like hunting bear, elk, and salmon fishing in Washington State, pheasant hunting in South Dakota, halibut fishing in Alaska, muskie fishing in Wisconsin, and gator hunting in Florida, these Heroes experience a wide variety of opportunities that fulfill lifelong dreams.

Harvest Land’s Delivering Honor Program Gifts $12,500 To Wounded Warriors In Action During Surprise Appearance

Harvest Land Co-op
Lindsay Sankey

December 16, 2014 (Richmond, Indiana) – Harvest Land Co-op surprised 430 employees and guests in attendance at Saturday’s cooperative Christmas party when they brought one of America’s finest, Mark Broda, to the stage.

Broda, Purple Heart recipient and Wounded Warrior In Action (WWIA) Sr. Associate, was invited to the December 13 event as a surprise guest to speak about the benefit that Delivering Honor will provide to local wounded veterans in Harvest Land’s trade area. Delivering Honor is Harvest Land’s propane program designed to contribute three cents per gallon of propane sold to WWIA, which will in turn host outdoor activities for local wounded veterans.

But the employees weren’t the only ones who received a holiday surprise.

As Broda wrapped up his inspirational remarks, Stan Hicks, Harvest Land’s COO, Shane Young, Propane Region Manager, Johnny Blevins, Delivering Honor Fuel Truck Driver and Santa Claus each joined the stage to present Broda with a check for $12,500, representing one-half of the cooperative’s commitment to the WWIA Foundation through Delivering Honor.

“The donation from Harvest Land is not only incredible in and of itself, but it is an awesome display of community. As a very lean non-profit, community support is our primary means of sustaining our operations and a cash donation like this will allow us to support multiple events,” remarked Broda. “Having strong relationships and partnerships in local communities allows us to have successful events and provide our heroes with new, lifelong relationships in their communities. We are so excited and grateful to have this partnership with Harvest Land Co-op,” Broda continued as the employees and guests rose to their feet in honor of him and the cooperative’s commitment to WWIA.

Delivering Honor officially launched on November 7 in Harvest Land’s trade area. Harvest Land has committed to donating three cents per gallon of propane sold, up to $25,000. The farmer-owned cooperative is eager to promote Delivering Honor around the countryside this winter in an effort to promote WWIA’s mission to help heal the wounds doctors cannot fix.

“We wanted to do something meaningful for our employees and America’s wounded veterans on the night of celebrating the season. It was quite fitting to have Mark, a Purple Heart recipient, address our group regarding the importance of the work we’re doing in our everyday jobs and how that work goes on to benefit those who selflessly serve our country,” says Scott Logue, President and CEO of Harvest Land Co-op.

Harvest Land Co-op is an agribusiness owned cooperatively by farmers in several East Central Indiana and Southwest Ohio counties. Originally organized in the late 1920s, Harvest Land continues to specialize in providing farmers with the products and services they need to farm effectively and profitably.

For more information on Harvest Land, visit www.harvestlandcoop.com. To learn more about Wounded Warriors In Action, visit www.woundedwarriorsinaction.org.

Harvest Land employees (from left) Johnnie Blevins, Shane Young and Kevin Peterson (dressed as Santa Claus) present Mark Broda (second from right) of the Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation a check for $12,500 through the Delivering Honor program.

Harvest Land’s Delivering Honor Program Gifts $12,500 To WWIA During Surprise Appearance

Holiday event highlights first contribution from Cooperative

Harvest Land Co-op surprised 430 employees and guests in attendance at Saturday’s cooperative Christmas party when they brought one of America’s finest, Mark Broda, to the stage. Broda, Purple Heart recipient and Wounded Warriors In Action (WWIA) Sr. Associate, was invited to the December 13 event as a surprise guest to speak about the benefit that Delivering Honor will provide to local wounded veterans in Harvest Land’s trade area. Delivering Honor is Harvest Land’s propane program designed to contribute three cents per gallon of propane sold to WWIA, which will in turn host outdoor activities for local wounded veterans. But the employees weren’t the only ones who received a holiday surprise. As Broda wrapped up his inspirational remarks, Stan Hicks, Harvest Land’s COO, Shane Young, Propane Region Manager, Johnny Blevins, Delivering Honor Fuel Truck Driver and Santa Claus each joined the stage to present Broda with a check for $12,500, representing one-half of the cooperative’s commitment to the WWIA Foundation through Delivering Honor. “The donation from Harvest Land is not only incredible in and of itself, but it is an awesome display of community. As a very lean non-profit, community support is our primary means of sustaining our operations and a cash donation like this will allow us to support multiple events,” remarked Broda.	Harvest Land employees (from left) Johnnie Blevins, Shane Young and Kevin Peterson (dressed as Santa Claus) present Mark Broda (second from right) of the Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation a check for $12,500 through the Delivering Honor program.
“Having strong relationships and partnerships in local communities allows us to have successful events and provide our heroes with new, lifelong relationships in their communities. We are so excited and grateful to have this partnership with Harvest Land Co-op,” Broda continued as the employees and guests rose to their feet in honor of him and the cooperative’s commitment to WWIA. Delivering Honor officially launched on November 7 in Harvest Land’s trade area. Harvest Land has committed to donating three cents per gallon of propane sold, up to $25,000. The farmer-owned cooperative is eager to promote Delivering Honor around the countryside this winter in an effort to promote WWIA’s mission to help heal the wounds doctors cannot fix.
“We wanted to do something meaningful for our employees and America’s wounded veterans on the night of celebrating the season. It was quite fitting to have Mark, a Purple Heart recipient, address our group regarding the importance of the work we’re doing in our everyday jobs and how that work goes on to benefit those who selflessly serve our country,” says Scott Logue, President and CEO of Harvest Land Co-op.

Harvest Land Co-op partners to benefit injured American soldiers

rushvillerepublican

Harvest Land Co-op is partnering with Wounded Warriors In Action for the Delivering Honor program, where Harvest Land will to donate three cents per gallon of propane sold this winter to Wounded Warriors In Action, which will in turn host outdoor activities for local wounded veterans.

Wounded Warriors In Action (WWIA) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to serving our nation’s Purple Heart recipients by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities.

Though headquartered out of Apollo Beach, Florida, WWIA serves the entire United States. The goals of WWIA are to increase self-reliance, bolster self-confidence, enjoy the great outdoors, promote spiritual healing and wellness and also instill a sense of belonging in America’s combat wounded.

“We understand that we can never fully repay the men and women who have bravely served our country, but we’d like to honor them by partnering with Wounded Warriors In Action this winter season. We strongly believe in programs such as this one, which promotes self-confidence and recovery for those coming home after serving our country. With every propane fill up, we’re proud to “Deliver Honor” to our wounded American veterans,” Scott Logue, President and CEO of Harvest Land Co-op, said.

Delivering Honor officially launched on Nov. 7 in Harvest Land’s trade area. There is one propane truck in Harvest Land’s fleet that is designated for Delivering Honor, and it will certainly stand out amongst its peers, as it features the Wounded Warriors In Action and Harvest Land logos in a camouflage theme.

As the founder of WWIA, Army retired Lt. Col. John McDaniel is excited to partner for Delivering Honor.

“Harvest Land’s sponsorship of the WWIA carries great meaning to both the Foundation and to the heroes we serve. Like farmers, the WWIA also relies upon important connections to the lands we roam. Ohio and Indiana are two extremely important states for our healing work,” McDaniel said.

“As our war wounded return from overseas deployments and seek normalcy in their lives, the healing powers of the great outdoors are an extremely important component to that equation. With Harvest Land’s support, the WWIA will serve an increasing number of heroes from this important part of the country,” McDaniel added.

Harvest Land has committed to donating three cents per gallon of propane sold, up to $25,000. The farmer-owned cooperative is eager to promote Delivering Honor around the countryside this winter in an effort promote WWIA’s mission to help heal the wounds doctors cannot fix. To learn more about Wounded Warriors In Action, visit www.woundedwarriorsinaction.org.

Harvest Land Co-op is an agribusiness owned cooperatively by farmers in several East Central Indiana and Southwest Ohio counties. Originally organized in the late 1920s, Harvest Land continues to specialize in providing farmers with the products and services they need to farm effectively and profitably.

For more information on Harvest Land, visit www.harvestlandcoop.com.

Bayfield County Cast and Blast recognizes veterans’ service

Journal Sentinel
Paul A. Smith

The wind gusted from the north at 25 mph, its force augmented by sheets of cold rain. The waters of Bayfield County were whipped with whitecaps.

Standing on a boat in the middle of it all, there were moments when floating nearly transitioned to wading.

“Amphibious expedition,” said Eric Shaffer, a U.S. Marine first sergeant from Beaufort, S.C. “We can do that.”

Who better to execute a mission in rough weather than a member of the U.S. military?

Shaffer, 40, reared back and cast a big crankbait into the teeth of the wind. His quest: catch the first musky of his life.

On a nearby lake, Larry Rozell, 67, a retired U.S. Navy captain from Wheeler, Wis., and Anthony Gower, 43, a Marine staff sergeant from Sardis, Ohio, fished for trophy bass and northern pike.

The three men have faced much tougher conditions. Each has been awarded a Purple Heart for combat injuries.

They converged in October in northern Wisconsin for a program designed to recognize their service and help them on their lifelong journey of healing. Over five days, the men would fish, hunt, share stories and make new memories as guests in a community of appreciative Wisconsinites.

The event is the 2nd annual Bayfield County Cast and Blast, organized by Chris and Brenda Diesing of Brookfield.

It’s one of dozens of programs offered through the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation Inc., a national nonprofit formed in 2007 by John McDaniel of Phillips.

The organization strives to serve Purple Heart recipients by “providing world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors.”

The Bayfield County Cast and Blast sprang from a conversation in the spring of 2013.

Chris Diesing’s father, uncles and grandfathers served in U.S. armed forces. But he was denied entry due to asthma.

“That stuck with me, like I let my father down,” said Diesing, 45, who works as a salesman for an interior contractor.

In 2013, Diesing met Josh Krueger, a former Marine who lives in Hubertus. The two talked about military service, including Diesing’s unfulfilled desire. Krueger mentioned a relatively new group: WWIA.

A plan began to take shape in Diesing’s head. Wouldn’t it be great, he thought, if he could help “serve those who served?”

Bayfield County, where Diesing had gone since his youth to enjoy the outdoors, could be a perfect site for a WWIA event. Not only did the area have world-class fishing and hunting, but there was a potentially supportive network of lodges, restaurants and guides.

From the time he floated the idea in 2013, the people of Bayfield County embraced the idea, Diesing said. Most of the activities are held in and around the tiny town of Delta, pop. 273.

In the realm of military appreciation events, WWIA strives for all-expenses paid “dream trips.” Dairyland Fence, a local company, provided a $3,000 contribution to WWIA, Diesing said.

Terry and Patty Pajtash, owners of Scenic Drive Resort, donated lodging for the military guests for the entire event as well as two meals. Daily breakfasts were provided free by Todd Bucher and his staff at Delta Diner. A Friday night fish fry was donated by Flying Eagle Resort.

The event included three full days of hunting and fishing. On the agenda for 2014: fishing for musky, walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass and hunting for ducks, white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse.

Fishing guides Dave Brown of Delta and Jeff Evans of Iron River provided outings on area lakes and rivers. Rick Whiting of Bayside led a grouse hunt on private land in the area and Dave “Govy” Simonson of Delta took the men on a duck hunt. Diesing and Terry Pajtash accompanied the men on bowhunts for deer.

“It’s a privilege to host these men,” Patty Pajtash said. “And because we get to spend several days with them, it just makes us want to do more.”

An indication of the depth of support in the local community: Two churches donated their weekly tithings to the program. The total: $400.01.

Roszell’s military service spanned from Vietnam in the 1960s to Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in the 1990s. He received two Purple Hearts as a Navy corpsman in Vietnam in 1967-’68. Many things changed over that time, Roszell said, including some for the better. After being wounded in Vietnam, Roszell was sent home for convalescence. His father told him “whatever you do, don’t wear your uniform.” When he returned from Operation Desert Storm, Roszell said he and fellow military personnel were treated to a parade.

“There’s a huge difference among the general support for our service,” Roszell said. “We’re mostly seen as the good guys now.”

But dealing with other facets of life back in the states — injuries, trauma, stress, jobs — is just as challenging as ever.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have created a new wave of wounded. From Sept. 11, 2001, through April 1, 2014, American military forces sustained 51,832 wounded in action, according to a Department of Defense report.

The WWIA programs include a focus on treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder to help reduce suicide.

Roszell suffers from nightmares several times a week. “I tell you what, though, this event is making me feel like a king,” Roszell said.

Roszell and Gower caught several fish of a lifetime in one day of fishing with Evans, including a 40-inch northern reeled in by Gower.

And Shaffer, who has been around the world on five combat tours with the Marines, set three personal records on his trip. It was the farthest north he’d ever been. And fishing with guide Brown, he caught the first (35 inches) and biggest (41 inches) muskies of his life.

“Good day,” Shaffer said, shrugging off the rain. “Real good people, too.”

It’s been said “gratitude is an attitude.” With Veteran’s Day approaching, it was heartening to see firsthand how the attitude can inspire action and giving.

Hayward, Wisconsin Fishing Report 10-20-14

WI Fishing Reports
Jeff Evens

More great people, more great fish, and more great memories were made over the past weekend as our open water season is winding down in a hurry. Friday was spent on the water with two heroes as part of the Wounded Warriors In Action “Bayfield County Cast & Blast”. This is the second year of the event organized by Chris Diesing from Brookfield, WI. Last year was a huge success, and Chris was kind enough to invite Dave Brown and myself back to spend a day on the water with these brave soldiers who have sacrificed so much for all of us. My crew consisted of Cpt. Larry Roszell from Wheeler, WI who received his Purple Hearts in 1967 – 68 as a Navy Corpsman in Vietnam and Ssgt. Tony Gower from Sardis, OH who served as a Marine in Iraq and received his Purple Heart in 2005. Dave fished with Sgt. Eric Shaffer from Beaufort, SC who received his Purple Heart as a Marine in Iraq in 2004. Chris Diesing, and Paul Smith from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinelwere also along with Dave and Eric. After a great breakfast at The Delta Diner, we headed out into some incredibly nasty weather with gusty north winds and rain throughout the day. However these guys are the definition of “tough”, and a little bad weather wasn’t going to keep them off the lake. We worked hard but caught some very nice fish that included smallmouth up to 19″, walleyes up to 19″, and a 40″ pike landed by Tony. It was Tony’s largest fish ever caught and definitely the highlight of our day that included lots of laughs and lots of great stories. All of our fish were caught on jigs and minnows in 15′ – 24′ of water with water temps holding at 50 degrees throughout the day. Success was had in Dave’s boat as well with two muskies landed by Eric that included a fat 41″ fish. Spending a day on the water with these guys is one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m extremely honored to have shared the boat with them. A big thanks goes out to Chris Diesing and WWIA for organizing this event as well as local businesses The Delta Diner, Scenic Drive Resort, Flying Eagle Resort, and Dairyland Fence Company along with the many individuals who donated their personal time and resources to make this event possible. Thank you Tony, Larry, and Eric for your sacrifices, and thank you to all of our Veterans who have served this country past and present. Larry, let me know when you get rid of those prune pits!!!

Wounded Warriors in Action and their search for the New Normal

Keni Thomas

Our country has been at war on two fronts for 13 years. Think about that.  Where were you on 9-11?  How has your life changed since then?  13 years. Three times longer than WWII, three years longer than Vietnam.  In fact, the war on terror is the longest in our nation’s history. And yet most of us, in fact 99% of us, are not really affected by it.  We get up and send our kids off to school. We go to work, and we come home. We spend our day-to-day without much thought given to a battle that’s being fought by our very own citizens on some remote mountain range a world away. Now I don’t think this is because we as Americans don’t care – no, not at all.  I think it’s because, for the most part, we are unaffected.  Or are we?

Today, less than 1% of Americans serve in our armed forces.   One in a hundred – That’s it.  To those Americans who did raise their hands and stepped forward in defense of our nation, these past thirteen years have been very personal, life-changing, and have taken a toll.  Over 50,000 service men and women have been wounded in combat. And that’s just the wounds you can see. Families have been tested. Lives have been altered. Hearts and minds have hardened as the combat veterans come home and struggle to find their place in the world.

How do you separate yourself from a day-to-day existence, where survival was the norm and the split second decisions you made affected the very lives of those who mean the most to you?  How do you leave behind that family you’ve come to depend on so absolutely, and make a seamless transition to your “real” family back here in the “real” world?  It’s a daunting task. You have to undo what you’ve been trained to do and learn a completely new set of life skills. Things like someone else feelings getting hurt are a foreign language to you. You do your best to empathize, but your frame of reference for what really matters is still back on a ridge line in the Kandahar province.

So you find yourself in an argument with your wife wondering “Why is she so upset about the checkbook? No one is shooting at her?”  You go to your job looking for a sense of purpose, but the people there appear to only be worried about themselves.  “People here just don’t get it”  “Who do I count on now? Who will have my back?” And then there’s the guilt. “Why God did you let me live when others who were twice the soldier I am, did not?”

For those of us who make it back bearing the wounds of combat, we are all faced with the monumental task of reintegrating into life and finding our “new normal”.  Fortunately there is help…a great deal of it.  Wounded Warriors in Action is here for you, the combat veteran.  In fact, they are men and women who have worn the boots.  Been where you’ve been. Felt what you have felt. They want to, and more importantly, know how to help.

The WWIA mission statement focuses on a set of goals that assist our wounded veterans with a positive recovery from their war experience.  Increase Self-Reliance. Bolster self-confidence. Instill a Sense of Belonging. Finally, my favorite – promote spiritual healing and wellness.

It takes time.  It takes patience.  It takes understanding and appreciation. It takes resources.  It takes a support system firmly rooted in the home front which stands waiting with open arms. For the 99 percent of us who are not overseas in the line of fire, this is our calling. This is our chance to do our part to say “Welcome home, we’ve been waiting for you”.

To the 1% who are navigating their way back to the “new normal”, I will remind you that you are not alone.   People do care.  People do get it.  People do want to help.  Being a wounded warrior does not mean you have to stay wounded.  Through God, all healing is possible, and the WWIA is a great place to start.