Episode 34: Interview with Purple Heart Hero John Samuels
WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel recorded this episode on location at WWIA’s Northern Healing Center, Camp Hackett, in Phillips, Wisconsin. This recording was done at the conclusion of the 17th Annual Camp Hackett event in late October of 2023 and features one of the remarkable Purple Heart Heroes that attended the event, Mr. John Samuels. John is a proud patriot and Marine Corps veteran having served from 2001 to 2005. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 20 years and they share 4 incredible children together. John continues to serve others long after his military career concluded, always seeking to give back to those in need. This episode gives you a unique look inside one of WWIA’s missions on the ground level and in real time from the perspective of a Hero attending the event. We appreciate John sharing his story with us, and it’s a great and entertaining episode that we are proud to share with you.
Episode 33: Interview with Eric Martinez, Owner and CEO of Pursuit Energy
WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes Mr. Eric Martinez. Eric is the Owner & CEO for Old Dogs New Tricks, LLC – a product development and marketing company that owns a portfolio of consumer-packaged goods products that includes energy drinks (Pursuit Energy), energy shots & powders, ready-to-drink & packaged coffee, beef and game jerky and dog treats all sold under the Pursuit brand.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Eric worked in a private equity firm as a managing director with oversight over certain portfolio companies. During his career, Eric held senior executive positions in various privately held and private equity owned companies including ProCare Automotive Service Solutions, Leo Burnett USA, Outboard Marine Corporation and Favorite Brands International. Early in his career, he held executive and management positions within publicly held companies including IMC Global, General Electric (GE Plastics), Amoco Corporation, and Ernst & Young.
Eric earned a Master of Management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a BBA with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He is a CPA. He currently resides in Wisconsin with his wife Becky and two heelers, Harley & Buehl.
Episode 32: Veteran Entrepreneurs-Interview with Charlie Buntin of Cigars on the Boulevard
WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes Mr. Charlie Buntin to the WWIA Podcast. Charlie is a veteran entrepreneur, a retired Army Major, having proudly served our country from 2004 through 2016. Charlie began his military journey as a former member of the Tennessee Army National Guard, before attending the University of Tennessee at Martin where he commissioned through ROTC as a 2LT in the Army Engineer Corps. In 2005 he deployed with the 101st Airborne Division to Iraq. Charlie also served with the 1st Infantry Division, the Delta Company 35th Engineer Battalion 1st Engineer Brigade, and the 2nd Brigade 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq. Charlie also served as an instructor of the ROTC program at Middle Tennessee State University for 3 years before returning to Fort Hood for his final assignment as a member of 3rd Corps HQ. His awards include the Bronze Star medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal 1 oak leaf cluster, Joint Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Combat Action Badge. Charlie is the co-owner of Cigars on the Boulevard, a veteran-owned premium cigar bar and lounge located in Apollo Beach, Florida.
Episode 31: Interview with “Jello” John Everett of Team Erie (Lake Erie Trophy Walleye Fishing Event)
We’ve got another outstanding episode for you today as WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel proudly introduces us to a man who has gone above and beyond in his passion and pursuit to honor and serve America’s combat-wounded veterans. Today, we welcome Mr. John Everett, affectionately known as “Jello” John to the WWIA Podcast. John has been a central figure and member of Team Erie for 11 years, which hosts the Lake Erie Trophy Walleye Fishing Event for our Heroes each year in Ashtabula, Ohio. With the assistance of his family and friends, John has also graciously spearheaded an annual fundraiser over the past six years which has been a massive success in support of Team Erie’s annual event. John is a perfect example of how Patriots across North America can come together and make life-changing impacts on America’s veterans. We appreciate John and Team Erie for their tremendous contributions and support of our mission throughout the years.
Episode 30: Interview with Audie “Rock” Murphy: Host of the Murphy Family & Friends Mississippi Hog Hunt & Co-Host of the Saltgrass Lodge Red Fishing Event
We love introducing you to some of the remarkable people that are a part of our WWIA friends, family, and support network. We have had the honor of meeting and forming lasting relationships with so many outstanding American patriots who selflessly give of their time, talents, charitable donations, and life experiences. We could not accomplish and expand our mission without them. Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes another one of these exceptional people to the WWIA Podcast. Mr. Audie “Rock” Murphy is Host of the Murphy Family and Friends Mississippi Hog Hunt and Co-Host of the Saltgrass Lodge Red Fishing Event. Audie is an amazing man who has lived an eclectic life. He is a proud husband to wife Joanie, and father to five children, an Army and Air Force veteran, he retired from the Armed Services in 1996, and then went on to serve as a police office for 15 years, and also served as a firearms instructor for the United States Navy. In addition to hosting an annual WWIA event for the past 11 years, Audie currently co-owns and operates with his brother Ray, Quiet Professionals Defensive Firearms Training, a Mississippi state certified business where he instructs and leads an enhanced concealed carry course. In Audie’s downtime, you can usually find him in the field, on the water, or enjoying time with friends and family at Dan B’s, a Murphy family-owned restaurant and bar in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and a long-time supporter of WWIA.
Episode 29: Interview with WWIA Senior Outdoor Instructor and Advisor, Dixon Gunther and WWIA Science Advisor, Dr. Keith Tidball
WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is proud to welcome two outstanding American Patriots to the WWIA Podcast, Mr. Dixon Gunther and Dr. Keith Tidball. They are both avid outdoorsman and proudly serve as WWIA Advisors, Dixon as our Senior Outdoor Instructor & Advisor, and Keith as our Science Advisor.
Dixon Gunther is a retired United States Army Colonel, a highly decorated veteran, having served our country over an impressive 25-year career. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (second award), Combat Infantryman’s Badge (second award), and the coveted Ranger Tab. He is also a musician, outdoorsman, as well as a certified NRA Rifle and Shotgun Instructor, and an avid competitive shooter. Dixon is married to his wife Katie, and together they have two sons and a daughter, and currently reside in San Antonio, TX.
Dr. Keith Tidball serves as Assistant Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension for Veterans, Military Families, and Disaster Education, and as a Senior Extension Associate in the Department of Natural Resources. He is a licensed NY State Guide, has served in the National Guard since 1990, currently a Major in the 10th Brigade of the New York Guard, and is a life member of the American Legion. Keith is married to his wife Moira, and together they have two daughters. Keith and his family reside in the beautiful Fingerlakes region of New York.
Episode 28: Interview with Purple Heart Hero, WWIA Guide, & Host of the SD Archery Antelope Hunt: Crystal Masek
On today’s episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is honored to spend time talking with an incredible American Patriot and Hero. Crystal Masek is a Purple Heart recipient, WWIA Guide, and Host of the Inaugural Rocky Point Recreation Area South Dakota Archery Antelope Hunt. Crystal proudly served in the Army Reserves for twenty-six years and is an avid hunter and angler who appreciates and enjoys most anything outdoors, especially new experiences and traveling. Of all of Crystal’s accomplishments and successes, none of them mean more to her than her daughter Lexi, who also proudly serves our nation’s Armed Forces as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army. Enjoy this outstanding conversation with John and Crystal.
Episode 27: Interview with Dennis Reynolds and Shelley Cohen: Hosts of the DoubleCreek Lodge Tennessee Events
On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, spends some time talking with two incredible American patriots, Dennis Reynolds and Shelley Cohen. Dennis and Shelley have been tremendous supporters of the Foundation, hosting 3 different WWIA events annually at their beautiful DoubleCreek Lodge in Tennessee. They currently host a turkey hunt in the spring, followed by an archery Deer Hunt and rifle deer hunt in the fall. This year will mark a decade of Dennis and Shelley proudly serving and honoring our Purple Heart Heroes, and we could not be more grateful for their outstanding efforts and dedication. We hope you enjoy getting to know Dennis and Shelley and we appreciate them taking time out to share some of their stories and experiences with us.
Episode 26: Interview with WWIA Supporter: Chris DeMik of the New Lenox American Legion Thomas E. Hartung Post 1977
On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, introduces us to one of the Foundations premiere partners and friends, Mr. Chris DeMik. Chris is a part of the American Legion Thomas Hartung Post 1977 in New Lenox, Illinois. The American Legion Thomas E. Hartung Post 1977 are a WWIA Medal of Honor recipient, having donated over $210,000 in support of WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes since 2010. Remarkable! We are honored to have Chris join us today as he and John discuss their amazing community of supporters, family, fatherhood, and what it means to give back and make a difference. It’s a wonderful conversation that we’re proud to share with you.
Episode 25: Purple Heart Day-The History of the Purple Heart
Today is National Purple Heart Day, a day where we recognize and honor the tremendous service and sacrifice of those brave men and women who have earned the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded on the battlefield or having paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives while in service to our country. On this special episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel talks about the history of the Purple Heart. Please join us in honoring America’s brave Purple Heart recipients today as we honor and thank them for all they have given on behalf of our country and in preservation of our freedom. 💜