I want to thank WWIA for a wonderful experience. I was able to harvest my first buck ever with my awesome guide Mike Vida. I’ve met so many new lifelong friends in the beautiful state of New York. It was a much-needed break from the daily grind back home. I learned so much from how to field dress a deer and goose and how to prepare game for cooking. It was a very humbling experience and I will always be grateful for being able to attend. Thank you for the support, the volunteers making sure we were always well fed, everything. I enjoyed every part of it, good times.

N. Zardus, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Patience is a virtue, and I got a quick lesson during this event, and I loved it. Waiting and not moving was very hard for me, but I pushed through and followed the directions of my guide. I want to thank WWIA for allowing me to attend the event. I never have been waterfowl hunting and I have never hunted deer with a crossbow, let alone taking down a buck. Now I can say, I have harvested my first buck and my first waterfowl (duck, and goose). I learned how to field dress a buck, breast out a goose, along with tips and tricks of cooking the game meat. All the volunteers and members of this chapter were so welcoming and giving. I did not go hungry at this event.

M. Zavodny, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

I appreciate WWIA for giving me an opportunity to attend this great hunt. I am humbled to attend and learn from people who care about us and the hunt. I have learned how waterfowl and deer behave in the wilderness, how to use a crossbow, skin a deer, and properly cook game. This trip has been very spiritual and therapeutic. Thank you, I am blessed to be here. The food and fellowship were fantastic. God bless the people of Finger Lakes and the WWIA brotherhood.

J. Wink, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Thank you everyone for the opportunity to come out and just enjoy the outdoors. Everything was well coordinated and executed. From planning, flights, travel, guides, and everything in between. Even though we had Timberwolves come in on the first day and run off the deer, it was still an awesome site to watch. I highly recommend other Warriors to sign up for events and try you all out. The only thing I would suggest is that the hunting be longer. The fishing and guides were awesome as well and we all had a great time. I would not change anything about that. Thanks again for a great opportunity and I can’t wait for future hunts.

C. Terry, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

First off, I’m very thankful WWIA gave me the opportunity to participate in this trip. After being here, I realized very quickly that I needed this more than I thought. It was very comforting being around other veterans and sharing the outdoors together. The host and guides were extremely welcoming, gracious, patient, and hospitable. They all went above and beyond to give us a memorable experience. I am very grateful for the people I met during the weekend we had together.

D. Derr, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

First, let me say thank you. Second, I had a blast. You guys rock. I enjoyed getting to know the guides and the Warriors. Everyone was super nice, and it was great sitting around talking about life and laughing a lot. I would not change a thing. If you ever need help, I’m your man.

M. Dickison Jr., US Army, Purple Heart recipient

First and foremost, I would like to say thank you for who you guys are, every single one of you. You guys are an amazing group of tremendously, dedicated, loving, caring individuals. Also, I want to thank you for what you are doing and continue to do for us veterans, people you don’t even know. I know that what you do comes from a place of love. For us broken, beaten veterans who love to enjoy being around other brothers in arms, we enjoyed every moment you guys provided for us. Now I want to thank every single one of you personally and want to say never stop doing this because you are saving lives, one soul at a time by taking us hunting and fishing and bringing us into this amazing cabin with amazing people such as yourselves. I will forever cherish these memories and will forever remember and take them with me. I pray the Lord blesses you guys with an amazing prosperous, peaceful, and loving life. For those who didn’t serve, know that you helping us is serving with us, and for that you guys are now my brothers in arms as well. Thank you very much.

J. Pleites, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Having tried giving spot-n-stalk hunting many attempts over the years, it was great to have the opportunity to learn from some real pros. The amenities at camp were amazing and exceeded all expectations. I never expected to have a toilet seat to sit on after coffee in the morning! Much respect to everyone that gives their support to this great organization. There has been no better form of healing for me, then dressing in camouflage, carrying a pack and weapon, and patrolling God’s creation with a mission.

R. Mitchell, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

This event was life changing. I never would have had the access, experience, knowledge, or connections to make a hunt like this happen and WWIA did it. I can’t thank everyone enough and I hope to contribute what I can in the future. Awesome people, awesome, animals, awesome time.

B. Filson, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

What an experience. I may be going home empty-handed, but this was the best experience I’ve had since leaving the Marines. The friendships and knowledge I’m leaving with is life-changing. I wouldn’t change anything about the hunt. Getting back outdoors for an extended period is just what I needed. Thank you.

T. McDonnell, USMC, Purple Heart recipient