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.
Episode 12: Special Episode: The John J. McDaniel Story – Part 3 & 4 (Panama, Combat, Alligators & Beer)
Welcome back to another special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In part three and four of this series, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, continues discussing his early military career as he expounds on his post-Ranger School assignment, combat in Panama, and an awesome story involving alligators and beer.
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 11: Special Episode: The John J. McDaniel Story – Part 2 (Ranger School)
Welcome back to another special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In part two of this series, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, continues discussing his early military career as he moves into his time at Ranger School.
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 10: Special Episode: The John J. McDaniel Story – Part 1 (Military Career)
Welcome to a special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In case you didn’t know, today is John J. McDaniel Day! 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.
In recognition of John J. McDaniel Day, we are releasing a series of special podcast episodes featuring WWIA’s Founder and CEO, John McDaniel. These episodes 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. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating John McDaniel Day, and we hope you enjoy this special series.
Episode 9: Northwoods Interview with Dave Hintz of Hides for Heroes
On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel spends some time talking with Mr. Dave Hintz, one of the Foundation’s longest and most ardent supporters. Dave is the founder and driving force behind Hides for Heroes, a phenomenal fundraising powerhouse based in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Through their tremendous hard work and collective efforts, the incredible Hides for Heroes team has donated over $127,000 to WWIA since 2012! Dave’s dedication, patriotism, and thoughtfulness are second-to-none, and we hope you enjoy getting to know him and his example of how one person’s ingenuity and generosity can blossom into something amazing that impacts thousands of lives! We know you’re going to love this episode.
Episode 8: A Look Behind the Curtain- Interview with WWIA Staff Member: Corrina Hart
On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel sits down for a special conversation with WWIA Team member, Corrina Hart. Corrina has been with WWIA for 10 years as their Logistics Coordinator and Hero Engagement Specialist, ensuring the Foundation’s operations run smoothly and provide the best services possible to the Purple Heart recipients they proudly serve. She is the proud daughter of a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran who succumbed to his wounds in June of 2009, and sister of a career Air Force senior NCO (retired). An accomplished sportsman herself, having owned and operated a hunting and fishing guide service for nearly 10 years, Corrina has an intimate understanding of what’s entailed in making our events successful. She is honored to have such a critical role in an organization that gives so much back to our wounded veterans. In addition to her work with WWIA, Corrina is a retired volunteer firefighter/EMT currently residing in Idaho. She enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with her daughter and grandson.
Episode 7: Interview with Purple Heart Hero, WWIA Guide, Event Host, and Board Member: Matt Brannon
WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel proudly welcomes Matt Brannon to the WWIA Podcast. Matt’s life has been dedicated to the service of his country and others. Matt is a proud husband and father, a United States Army Purple Heart Veteran, a certified WWIA Guide, Event Host of the Alabama Turkey and Hog Hunt, and a newly elected WWIA Board Member. Matt has served in Law Enforcement for the past 11 years. He is a Special Agent Senior, working for the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and currently assigned to the Narcotics division, working on the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force. He also holds full credentials with Homeland Security/ICE. Matt strongly believes in the healing power of the great outdoors and the mission of WWIA. Matt is truly an exceptional Hero and Patriot, and we hope you enjoy getting to know him as he shares his story.
Episode 6: Otters, Wolves, and Adventure at Camp Hackett with John McDaniel
On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is on-site at Camp Hackett, WWIA’s Northern Healing Center in Wisconsin. John has come to Camp Hackett to do some required “housekeeping” at the property, to ensure it is in optimal condition for the Purple Heart Heroes who visit the Camp for our world-class sporting events, but also for the wildlife who frequent this 410-acre sportsman’s paradise.
Another purpose for his visit, and the underlying subject of this podcast episode, is John’s attempt to fulfill a lifelong dream of trapping an otter. This episode follows John’s over a series of days in the Northwoods as he talks about the challenges of trapping, wolves and other animals in the local area, understanding animal behavior, adjusting to the environment and weather conditions, as well as the pleasure of the pursuit as he brings us along on his adventure to fill an otter tag.
Episode 5: Northwoods Interview with Mike Reed
On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, we are proud to bring you the first in a series of on-location interviews from the Northwoods of Wisconsin at WWIA’s Northern Healing Center, Camp Hackett. WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes longtime supporter and friend of the Foundation, Mr. Mike Reed. Mike is a multi-talented man who can do just about anything, truly a jack-of-all trades. He has graciously and humbly been the Camp’s go-to-guy go for troubleshooting issues on site or facilitating and spearheading maintenance or improvement projects. Mike’s also a successful entrepreneur, an avid outdoorsman, a generous philanthropist, and a true servant-leader. Mike and his wife Joan are true American patriots and tremendous supporters of WWIA and our combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes. We are honored to introduce you to Mike, to share part of his story, and to recognize the impact and contributions he has made and continues to make through his selfless participation and support.