Follow Us

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Episode 49: Interview with Michael Reagan of the Reagan Legacy Foundation

As our nation honors and celebrates Veterans Day, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes a very special guest to the WWIA Podcast, Mr. Michael Reagan. Michael is the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and Academy Award-winning actress Jane Wyman. He is the Chairman and President of The Reagan Legacy Foundation, which seeks to advance the causes President Reagan held dear and memorialize his presidency’s accomplishments. He is a Syndicated Columnist, a former radio talk show host, a dynamic and sought-after public speaker, and a New York Times best-selling author. Some of his books include: On the Outside Looking In, Twice Adopted, and his latest book: Lessons My Father Taught Me.

Michael has had a distinguished and eclectic life, from debating Mikhail Gorbachev to setting world records in powerboat racing. He has spent most of his life in public service and is passionately involved with charities such as The Young America’s Foundation, and The Mixed Roots Foundation. He has helped raise over $1.5 million for charities like the United States Olympic Team, Cystic Fibrosis, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund.

Michael has been proudly married for 49 years to his wife Colleen. They have two wonderful children – a daughter Ashley, and a son, Cameron, as well as three incredible grandchildren. We are honored to spend some time with Michael and hope you enjoy getting to know more about his work, his journey, and his commitment to honoring America’s veterans and service members.

Takeaways:

  • Michael Reagan discusses his father’s legacy and the importance of honoring veterans.
  • The Ronald Reagan Legacy Foundation supports scholarships for sailors and airmen of the USS Ronald Reagan.
  • Michael shares personal stories about his upbringing and the influence of his parents.
  • The significance of educating children about freedom and history is emphasized throughout the episode.
  • Michael details his experiences in powerboat racing and the charitable causes he supports.
  • The podcast highlights the role of small acts of kindness in honoring service members.

Links referenced in this episode:

Episode 48: Interview with John Moline of the Alaska Halibut Fishing Event

Alaska is truly the Last Frontier, filled with expansive beauty, bountiful wildlife, and boundless adventures. Every year for the past 11 years, our Purple Heart Heroes have traveled to Seward, Alaska to partake in several days of world-class fishing, sightseeing, exploring, and more at WWIA’s Alaska Halibut Fishing event. This is a unique and unforgettable experience for our combat-wounded Veterans. On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes the Host of this stellar event, Mr. John Moline.

John is the owner of Current Affair Charters and Kenai Fjords Bed and Breakfast in beautiful Seward, Alaska, where he expertly navigates the local waters to give people an elite and memorable fishing experience. John is also a modest but outstanding cook, as he often prepares delicious meals for his guests with some of their fresh catches of the day. He is a proud veteran of the Armed Forces, having served primarily in the U.S. Navy and also in the U.S. Army Reserves. During his time in the service, he worked on electronics, communications, and navigation systems, and developed a love and skillset for fishing the coastal waters of Alaska that soon turned into a fulltime profession that has continued for more than two decades. This is an outstanding episode that we’re excited to share with you.

Takeaways:

  • The WWIA podcast highlights the importance of healing and connection for combat-wounded veterans.
  • John Moline, a veteran and charter captain, shares his passion for fishing in Alaska.
  • The Alaska fishing event provides veterans with unforgettable memories and a sense of camaraderie.
  • The podcast emphasizes the role of community support in enriching veterans’ outdoor experiences.
  • John Moline discusses the significance of serving veterans and the joy of fishing.
  • Listeners learn about the best fish for eating and fishing techniques in Alaska.

Episode 47: Interview with Trent McCall of the Truxton Turkey and Trout Event

We could not accomplish our mission of bringing Honor, Connection, and Healing to America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Recipients without having such an incredible group of patriotic supporters throughout North America. The generosity and selfless efforts these individuals, communities, and businesses offer in support of WWIA and our Heroes is simply remarkable. Our special guest today on the WWIA Podcast is a shining example of one of the many supporters and friends that we are honored to have as part of our WWIA family. On this latest episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, proudly welcomes Mr. Trent McCall. Trent is the Co-Host of the Truxton Turkey and Trout Event in Truxton, NY, in collaboration with Co-Hosts Ed and Laurie Poole, and guides Zeb Leach and Josh Streichert.

Their event recently celebrated its 3rd year of honoring and serving Purple Heart Heroes in the historic Finger Lakes region. Trent is a husband to his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and a proud father to his beautiful daughter, Gabrielle. His vocation is a woodworker and manager at One Source Millwork, and he is also the owner of4-LeafCustom Calls, a hobby and side business that he started in 1995, going on 30 years this coming spring. These beautiful turkey calls are designed, hand-crafted and field tested by Trent, and are all made from premium hardwoods. We’re excited to share this wonderful episode with you, so without further ado, let’s join John and Trent now.

Takeaways:

  • The WWIA podcast aims to bring honor, connection, and healing to combat-wounded veterans.
  • Trent McCall, the guest, shares his journey of supporting Purple Heart heroes through hunting events.
  • The importance of community support and teamwork in organizing events for veterans was highlighted.
  • Trent emphasizes the emotional impact of providing healing experiences to combat veterans.
  • The conversation explores how woodworking and crafting turkey calls became a passion for Trent.
  • Trent’s experiences reflect the transformative power of nature in helping veterans heal.

4 Leaf Game Calls: https://www.facebook.com/4LeafCalls/

Episode 46: Interview with Kenny Thompson of Basys and Team MO-KAN

On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes a longstanding friend and supporter of the Foundation, Mr. Kenny Thompson. Kenny is a part of Mighty Team MO-KAN, an exceptional group of supporters who have been honoring and serving our combat-wounded veterans through two outstanding annual events, the MO-KAN Ducks, Bucks, and Trapping Event, currently in its 15th year, as well as the MO-KAN Catfishing Event, now in its 7th year. Kenny is an avid and seasoned outdoorsman, having hunted and fished since he was a young boy, and has traveled across the globe in pursuit of his bow hunting passion. Kenny is an integral part of the leadership team at Basys, a leader in the payments processing industry and currently serves as Executive Vice President of Partner Relations. We are honored to spend some time with Kenny and hope you enjoy getting to know more about him and his story.

Takeaways:

  • The WWIA podcast is dedicated to honoring, connecting, and healing America’s combat wounded Purple Heart heroes.
  • Kenny Thompson, a longtime supporter, shares stories of his hunting experiences and contributions to the foundation.
  • The Mocan event, supported by Kenny, is one of the most requested events by Purple Heart recipients.
  • Basis, the company Kenny works for, raised over $10,000 for the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation.
  • Kenny’s father has instilled a love for hunting in him, which he now shares with veterans.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support and engagement in helping wounded veterans.
  • Kenny’s story about hunting a grizzly bear highlights the thrill and challenges of bow hunting.
  • The WWIA Foundation provides outdoor experiences to help veterans find healing and connection.

Episode 45: Veteran Entrepreneurs-Interview with Kevin Croteau of HotSpring Spas of Music City

We are blessed and honored to have some remarkable partnerships that help us further our mission. One such partner of the Foundation is HotSpring Spas of Music City. Owned and operated by brothers Dennis and Kevin Croteau, they have been tremendous supporters over the years of WWIA and the Purple Heart Heroes we proudly serve. Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes Kevin Croteau to the WWIA Podcast.

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Kevin Croteau is an Army Ranger who proudly served in the U.S. Army & U.S. Army Reserves for 29 plus years. He has numerous awards from his service to our country, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Senior Parachute Wings, Bronze Service Star, and Ranger Tab, amongst many others. Kevin graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management, and has a Master of Arts degree from Webster University, in Health Services Management. Post military career, Kevin joined his brother Dennis in the Pool & Spa Industry.  Since 2007 to present, they have grown from a single retail store to operating five retail HotSpring Spa locations from Nashville to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Learn more about HotSpring Spas:

Music City: https://hssofmusiccity.com/

Knoxville: https://hssofmusiccity.com/about/our-showrooms/knoxville/

Murfreesboro: https://hssofmusiccity.com/about/our-showrooms/murfreesboro/

Franklin: https://hssofmusiccity.com/about/our-showrooms/franklin/

Lebanon: https://hssofmusiccity.com/about/our-showrooms/lebanon/

Crossville: https://hssofmusiccity.com/about/our-showrooms/crossville/

Episode 44: Interview with Hall of Fame and Legendary Angler: Joe Bucher

WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee and Legendary Angler Joe Bucher to the WWIA Podcast. Joe is one of the most highly regarded multispecies fishing authorities in the outdoor business trade, having been an on-camera talent for 24 years. While his specialty is arguably muskies, Joe is equally adept at catching bass, walleyes, and other gamefish. Joe is the owner of Joe Bucher Outdoors and is also host of the popular award-winning TV series “Fishing with Joe Bucher”.

Joe has also authored six books on various aspects of fishing as well as being a regular contributing writer for many regional and national fishing publications. His articles regularly appear in the pages of Outdoor News Publications as well as Musky Hunter Magazine, which he founded. He has been a writer of fishing articles for over 35 years with his first article appearing in Fishing Facts Magazine when he was just 19 years old!

He has pioneered many of the musky fishing concepts that are now considered mainstream techniques. His innovations in big gamefish lure design spawned several brand-new lure categories as well as creating an exciting surge in the overall interest in muskies as the featured sportfish of Midwestern anglers.

Joe has also graciously participated in the annual WWIA Eagle River Muskie Chal-Lunge, which has been honoring and serving Heroes for over a decade! Joe spends time on the water with each Purple Heart Hero, teaching them some of the skills and techniques he has mastered over the years as they pursue the elusive muskie.

This is a tremendous episode that we are excited to share with you.

Episode 43: Spinning Plates with WWIA Founder and CEO-John McDaniel

Most of us would agree that we live in a day and age where the pace of life is just blistering. Considering that we only have so much time and energy to give, deciding how and what we will devote our time and energy toward is all-important. In today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, addresses this topic and provides some insight on how we can effectively bring balance to our lives through self-reflection, asking relevant questions, and by prioritizing what matters most to us. It’s a timely and relevant topic that we hope will resonate with you.

Episode 42: Interview with Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide: Asa Barrett

Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, shares a wonderful conversation with Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide, Mr. Asa Barrett.

Asa has been an avid outdoorsman since a young age. He grew up in a rural town outside Tulsa, Oklahoma, hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather at the family ranch, and also worked as a guide for a Hog Hunting outfitter on weekends during high school. His love for the outdoors and hunting became a passion that has continued into adulthood.

Asa started his military career in 2009, worked as a team leader in a heavy weapons squad, and was deployed to Afghanistan, spending his deployment in the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains, operating in daily dismounted and mounted patrols. In 2011, Asa received injuries to his back, neck, and a severe concussion during an IED attack. He bravely fought through his injuries and remarkably continued the duration of his deployment, receiving the Purple Heart medal for injuries sustained during the combat operation. He experienced many more close encounters during intense firefights and is thankful for the lifelong friendships forged by battle during his time in theater.

Asa currently works as a Project Manager on a high-security database center and conducts numerous other projects across the country. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about this outstanding American patriot.

Episode 41: Interview with WWIA Event Host- Dan Bevevino of the Western Pennsylvania Events

Our WWIA events could not take place were it not for the generosity and selfless efforts of so many remarkable Hosts across North America. Today, we are honored to introduce you to one of our WWIA event Hosts that has been helping facilitate healing and recovery in the lives of our Heroes for over a decade! WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes Mr. Dan Bevevino to the podcast. Dan and his wife Susan proudly host two different WWIA events annually, a turkey hunt in the spring and an archery deer hunt in the fall. Their events do a superb job of involving patriotic and grateful members of the local community who assist throughout the event. Their beautiful property in Pennsylvania provides an idyllic setting for our Heroes to get away from the demands of everyday life so they can relax, connect with their fellow Purple Heart recipients, and enjoy some world-class hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. Dan and Susan have both worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years and share 3 wonderful adult children who are also heavily involved in contributing to each event. We are excited to share this episode with you and hope you enjoy getting to know more about Dan, his family, and their tremendous contributions to the mission of WWIA.

Episode 40: Interview with Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide: Jason Gaudette

It is an honor to introduce you to some of America’s remarkable combat-wounded veterans. Sharing their stories and experiences with all of you is a high privilege. This week on the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes an outstanding Purple Heart Hero to the broadcast, Mr. Jason Gaudette.

Jason proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years, traveling across the globe, before retiring in 2014 while stationed in Alaska. He currently serves as an Administrative Specialist for the Naval Information Warfare Center, and also serves as a Guide for WWIA, leading his fellow Purple Heart recipients during events across North America. Jason is an avid outdoorsman whose love for hunting and fishing started at a young age. He has traveled throughout the United States hunting for moose, caribou, black bear, as well as fishing for giant halibut and salmon in Alaska. He’s always in search of his next adventure and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others along the way. Jason currently lives with his wife Julie and son Jackson in South Carolina, where they enjoy getting outside to fish and hunt as often as possible.