Episode 22: Interview with Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide: Derek VanBuren
On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, we are proud to introduce you to one of our incredible Purple Heart Heroes and a certified WWIA Guide, Mr. Derek VanBuren. Derek grew up with a love for hunting, fishing and trapping from an early age and his passion for all things outdoors continues to this day. While attending college, he worked as a hunting guide, which broadened his interest in hunting, especially bow hunting. Derek joined the Army in July of 1998 and was deployed to Afghanistan from Nov 2008 until July 2009. While deployed, he and other members of his crew were wounded by an RPG during an intense firefight. He then spent time in Lundstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed Army Hospital, and the Warrior Transition Unit while recovering from wounds, for which he received the Purple Heart medal. He attended his first WWIA event at Camp Hackett, Wisconsin in the fall of 2010 and has been a valuable part of the WWIA team ever since. Today he lives in Michigan, with his wife Katie and two children Eli and Amelia. He enjoys stream fishing for Brook Trout, fishing Lake Superior for Lake Trout, Predator Hunting, grouse and small game hunting, bow hunting of all kinds, and most anything outdoors. Enjoy this awesome conversation with John and Derek.
Episode 21: Northwoods Interviews: Todd Bohm (WI Cast & Blast) & Tony Kopchinski (WI Woodturning)
On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is joined by two remarkable Americans, Todd Bohm and Tony Kopchinski. Todd and Tony hail from Kronenwetter, Wisconsin. Todd is the Host of the longstanding Wisconsin Cast and Blast event, which has been proudly honoring our Heroes for thirteen years! Tony is Todd’s father-in-law and is the outstanding Host of one of our most unique and revered events, the Wisconsin Woodturning event, which recently celebrated its 9th year of serving our combat-wounded veterans. Todd and Tony have a tremendous heart for our Heroes and have made a tremendous impact and difference in their lives over the years. We are honored to share their thoughts, experiences, and WWIA journey with you today.
Episode 20: How it Works- A Behind the Scenes Look at the Mission and Operations of WWIA
The mission of WWIA is to serve our nation’s combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors. One of the questions that we get on occasion pertaining to our mission is, how exactly does that work? What does that mean exactly? Well, it’s a great and valid question. On today’s episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel answers that question for us, giving clarity and detail behind how our mission and events unfold. There’s certainly a great deal that goes into sending our Heroes on these outdoor sporting events across North America and John breaks down the process and particulars to give a better understanding and an inside look on this special “How it Works” episode of the WWIA Podcast.
Episode 19: Northwoods Interviews- Danny Bourassa: Wisconsin Heroes Northland Experience Black Bear Hunt
On today’s episode, we are proud to introduce you to one of our tremendous friends and supporters of the Foundation, Mr. Danny Bourassa. Danny is an Army veteran, and a jack of all trades, who along with his wife Nancy, as well as their children, have been proudly supporting WWIA and serving our Heroes for over a decade. They currently Host the annual WWIA Wisconsin Golf Tournament Fundraiser (over the past 9 years), as well as the Annual Wisconsin Heroes Northland Experience Black Bear Hunt, which will celebrate its 4th iteration this coming fall. We hope you enjoy getting to know Danny as he shares some of his thoughts and experiences with us.
Episode 18: Northwoods Interviews-Purple Heart Heroes: Travis Jones and Mike Murphy
On this episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is at the Foundation’s Northern Healing Center, Camp Hackett, and is honored to spend some time speaking with two outstanding combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes, United States Marine Corp Master Gunnery Sergeant, Travis Jones and former United States Marine Corp Gunnery Sergeant and current United States Navy Lieutenant, Mike Murphy, both of whom were attending the 16th Annual Camp Hackett Group A event. They spend time talking about their experience at Camp Hackett, from the excitement of the hunts, fishing for the elusive musky, to the power of nature, community, connection, and camaraderie. It’s an incredible conversation that we’re honored to share with you.
Episode 17: Northwoods Interview with Tom Schenk of Chippewa River Custom Rod
Welcome to the WWIA Podcast! Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel introduces us to his longtime friend and a remarkable supporter of the Foundation, Mr. Tom Schenk. Tom is a former Army Ranger, an avid fisherman, and owner of Chippewa River Custom Rod Company. In 2002, realizing the city life wasn’t for him, he headed off to Northern Wisconsin, stopping at the junction of the Chippewa and Flambeau rivers–the heart of musky country. He found himself owning a small tavern and building custom fishing rods. He continues building some of the finest rods available today. Visit Chippewa River Custom Rod online to see their amazing selection of custom rods: https://crcustomrod.com
Episode 16: Special Episode: The John J. McDaniel Story – Part 8 (Final Chapter, SOCOM)
Welcome back to another special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In the conclusion (part 8) of this series, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, shares the remaining years of his military career as he moves from the Florida Keys to his final assignment at SOCOM at MacDill Airforce Base in Tampa, Florida. John further explains how he transitioned from retirement to founding the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA).
This special podcast series was released to commemorate John J. McDaniel Day and follow John throughout his 20 years of military service up to where, how, and why the Foundation was started. These episodes are filled with great stories, personal and historical insights, and chronicle John’s journey as only he can tell it.
In 2013, Mayor Buck Tower officially proclaimed April 19th as John J. McDaniel Day in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. John started his military career after graduating from The University of Wisconsin Madison and going through the ROTC program. During his career as a former Infantry officer, Airborne Ranger, and Master Parachutist he earned such awards as the Combat Infantryman’s badge, the Master Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab. John served on active duty from November 1987 to November 2007. Soon after John’s retirement, he felt that his service to the nation was not yet finished. As a concerned citizen, he started taking a few Wounded Warriors out on hunting and fishing trips, but quickly saw that the need for this kind of healing and outreach was greater than he could support on his own. In 2009, The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and with the help of a remarkable network of Patriotic Hosts, Guides, Supporters, Volunteers, and caring communities across North America, they have been changing the lives of America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes ever since. We hope you enjoy this special series.
Episode 15: Special Episode: The John J. McDaniel Story – Part 7 (JSSROC, The Florida Keys)
Welcome back to another special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In part seven of this series, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, continues expounding on his military career as he moves on from Washington D.C. to the Joint Southern Surveillance Reconnaissance Operations Center (JSSROC) in Key West, Florida.
This special podcast series was released to commemorate John J. McDaniel Day and follow John throughout his 20 years of military service up to where, how, and why the Foundation was started. These episodes are filled with great stories, personal and historical insights, and chronicle John’s journey as only he can tell it.
In 2013, Mayor Buck Tower officially proclaimed April 19th as John J. McDaniel Day in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. John started his military career after graduating from The University of Wisconsin Madison and going through the ROTC program. During his career as a former Infantry officer, Airborne Ranger, and Master Parachutist he earned such awards as the Combat Infantryman’s badge, the Master Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab. John served on active duty from November 1987 to November 2007. Soon after John’s retirement, he felt that his service to the nation was not yet finished. As a concerned citizen, he started taking a few Wounded Warriors out on hunting and fishing trips, but quickly saw that the need for this kind of healing and outreach was greater than he could support on his own. In 2009, The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and with the help of a remarkable network of Patriotic Hosts, Guides, Supporters, Volunteers, and caring communities across North America, they have been changing the lives of America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes ever since. We hope you enjoy this special series.
Episode 14: Special Episode: The John J. McDaniel Story – Part 6 (Command & General Staff College, D.C. & 9/11)
Welcome back to another special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In part six of this series, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, continues covering his military career and discusses his time at Command and General Staff College (CGSG) including an interesting assignment in Washington D.C. during 9/11.
This special podcast series was released to commemorate John J. McDaniel Day and follow John throughout his 20 years of military service up to where, how, and why the Foundation was started. These episodes are filled with great stories, personal and historical insights, and chronicle John’s journey as only he can tell it.
In 2013, Mayor Buck Tower officially proclaimed April 19th as John J. McDaniel Day in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. John started his military career after graduating from The University of Wisconsin Madison and going through the ROTC program. During his career as a former Infantry officer, Airborne Ranger, and Master Parachutist he earned such awards as the Combat Infantryman’s badge, the Master Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab. John served on active duty from November 1987 to November 2007. Soon after John’s retirement, he felt that his service to the nation was not yet finished. As a concerned citizen, he started taking a few Wounded Warriors out on hunting and fishing trips, but quickly saw that the need for this kind of healing and outreach was greater than he could support on his own. In 2009, The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and with the help of a remarkable network of Patriotic Hosts, Guides, Supporters, Volunteers, and caring communities across North America, they have been changing the lives of America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes ever since. We hope you enjoy this special series.
Episode 13: Special Episode: The John J. McDaniel Story – Part 5 (Alaska, 501st LRSD, SPACECOM)
Welcome back to another special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In part five of this series, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, continues discussing his military career as he details his time in Alaska including the 501st Long Range Surveillance Detachment and Space Command.
This special podcast series was released to commemorate John J. McDaniel Day and follow John throughout his 20 years of military service up to where, how, and why the Foundation was started. These episodes are filled with great stories, personal and historical insights, and chronicle John’s journey as only he can tell it.
In 2013, Mayor Buck Tower officially proclaimed April 19th as John J. McDaniel Day in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. John started his military career after graduating from The University of Wisconsin Madison and going through the ROTC program. During his career as a former Infantry officer, Airborne Ranger, and Master Parachutist he earned such awards as the Combat Infantryman’s badge, the Master Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab. John served on active duty from November 1987 to November 2007. Soon after John’s retirement, he felt that his service to the nation was not yet finished. As a concerned citizen, he started taking a few Wounded Warriors out on hunting and fishing trips, but quickly saw that the need for this kind of healing and outreach was greater than he could support on his own. In 2009, The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and with the help of a remarkable network of Patriotic Hosts, Guides, Supporters, Volunteers, and caring communities across North America, they have been changing the lives of America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes ever since. We hope you enjoy this special series.