Evidence-Based Results

WWIA is committed to healing the lives of America’s Veterans and reducing Veteran suicide. More than 1,600 Heroes have shared testimonials describing how their WWIA experiences profoundly improved their happiness, health, healing, and overall well-being. This isn’t hype — it’s real and evidence-based. Cornell University has studied the impact of our program and how it reduces the risk factors of suicide, and the results are remarkable. Our mission is changing lives.

In 2022, WWIA partnered with Cornell University on a joint, multi-year study led by Dr. Keith Tidball (Assistant Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension; Senior Extension Associate, Natural Resources and the Environment; and WWIA Science Advisor). The research centered on ten protective factors known to influence suicide risk among Veterans—factors such as Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms, low self-esteem, isolation, and loss of interest.

More than 500 Purple Heart recipients participated, sharing their experiences with each of these ten risk factors both before and after attending a WWIA event. The outcomes speak for themselves. The data clearly shows that our mission—to provide Honor, Connection, and Healing to America’s combat-wounded Veterans—is not only meaningful, but effective.

Explore the graphics below for a clear overview of the data collected and the powerful results achieved.

Cornell Scientific Data 1 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Cornell Scientific Data 2 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Cornell Scientific Data 4 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Cornell Scientific Data 3 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Cornell Scientific Data 5 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Cornell Scientific Data 6 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

16th MOKAN Ducks Bucks Trapping 12 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

12th W PA Deer Hunt 5 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

p 17 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

11th Eagle River Muskie Challunge 3 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

7th Camp Hackett Black Bear Hunt 33 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Inaugurual Port Protection Alaska Fishing 12 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Truxton Turkey Trout 10 Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Testimonials From Our Purple heart heroes

We are bringing Honor, Connection, and Healing to America’s combat-wounded Veterans, and there is no greater proof of that than hearing it directly from those we proudly serve. Here are some thoughts and experiences from Heroes who have attended a WWIA event.

“Thank you all for such a good time. This event has helped me with my antisocial behavior. Everyone is so great and friendly towards me. I hope you guys will keep it up and help veterans know there are people out there that care.”

J. Smith

Purple Heart Recipient U.S. Army

“I want to thank this organization and volunteers for putting on an amazing event. This event was just what I needed, mentally. Just being able to relax and connect with everyone was so therapeutic. I truly felt like family the entire time from the beginning to the end. As a veteran, let alone a wounded veteran it’s such a breath of fresh air to see other vets like me, realize that they are not alone. This experience was so helpful in many ways, too many to count.”

S. Heck

Purple Heart Recipient U.S. Army

“Being a Vietnam Veteran, I have for 55 years been reluctant to join or participate in any type of organization. WWIA is the first one that after all those years a person I met convinced me to engage in. Although I was nervous about going to your Eagle River, WI event, from the moment I arrived and was greeted I knew this was a special organization. I felt comfortable with the other veterans knowing we all had something in common even though we were from different eras.”

G. Kerkman

Purple Heart Recipient U.S. Navy

“I want to thank you for this event. This is my first trip like this, and it’s been such a blessing to connect with veterans from all around again. Events like this are so much better than any counseling you can get. You have provided an event that has brought smiles and joy to all of us. Everyone involved put on a great time. I cannot thank you enough. The new memories and friends gained from this expereince is my all-time high.”

T. Wheelock

Purple Heart Recipient U.S. Army

“This event has been amazing for me and the other veterans. I’ve grown in my desire to give back to others after seeing some of the other veterans experiencing some “firsts” and experiencing my own joy in many of the successes we shared. The camaraderie with the other Heroes and the guides was much needed and genuine and I leave with a greater knowledge for life and future outdoor exploits. I’ve attended other events run by various programs and this event has been run better and has been more welcoming than others. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to WWIA and everyone I’ve met in Seneca County, NY.”

E. Hoffmann

Purple Heart Recipient USMC

“The camaraderie and fellowship experience on this hunt was just what my soul needed. The Host and hospitality were second to none. I am grateful to everyone and thankful to meet more fellow vetarans who are now like family members.”

T. Wicks

Purple Heart Recipient U.S. Army

“Words cannot accurately describe what an amazing event this was. Everyone involved went above and beyond to make this an outstanding event for the veterans. The sense of fellowship was exceptional, and the Kansas landscape was beautiful. This was listed as a turkey hunt, but it was so much more. The ability to spend quality time with great patriots who opened up their land to us, make new friends and spend time in nature does so much more than any medicine or doctor’s appointment could ever do. Thank you to our Host Carl Suter for his hospitality and culinary masterpieces. Thank you to all who were involved in this event, you have made an impact larger than you will ever know.”

E. Walsh

Purple Heart Recipient USMC