Testimonials
There’s so much I have to be grateful for. You are one of my most cherished friends, for all you do for wounded vets. Thank you to WWIA, and all of you for saving and enriching the quality of our lives. Thank you.
L. Roszell, US Army, Purple Heart recipient
I am so thankful to be able to come out here to spend time with Tony and the other Warriors. Tony is such an amazing person with such a big heart. It is so great to hear how much fun everyone has both when we’re turning and at the hotel. Tony, you’re amazing and I’m so grateful to have you as a friend.
J. Chance, USMC, Purple Heart recipient
Nine years ago, I was first introduced to Woodturning by Tony. The journey since then has been terrific. Turning wood and acrylic from tree to product is absolutely captivating. While in the shop at home or here in Wisconsin my mind is at ease, and my worldly worries disappear. Not only a craft, but a true art. If it were not for the team here, all volunteering their time, materials, and knowledge, none of this would be possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent alongside these gentlemen and the other heroes. We may be busy turning projects all day, but being able to share a meal with other veterans from all conflicts is a blessing. Thank you is not enough for your love and giving.
J. Smith, US Army, Purple Heart recipient
What an amazing experience! I had the best time learning a new skill. I’ve never turned wood before but feel very proficient now. Jeff helped me throughout the week and always insured I was safe, learning, and having fun. Tony was and is such an amazing and genuinely kindhearted man. This whole trip and experience has given me a mental refresh and a few new friends. Thank you so much!
K. Perry, US Army, Purple Heart recipient
To all of those who have helped organize and connect, thank you. From start to finish, the event has been seamless and safe. The passion shared from the top down is real. No lip service here. Great men, hard men, outstanding time.
M. Laroche, US Army, Purple Heart recipient
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, US Army, Purple Heart recipient
Thank you so much for everything you do to put these events on. Thank you for tricking me into thinking I was going on a hunting trip when in reality you brought me on a bonding trip. With all these trips you do, you are doing so much good healing for vets. This has been such a great bonding and healing weekend, spending time with brothers. It was so wonderful to be able to cut loose and laugh and be able to shut off the constant alertness and be able to relax. I can’t thank you enough for this healing experience.
C. Ohmer, USMC, Purple Heart recipient
What can I say, one of the best events for anyone that loves the outdoors. These guys make you feel like family from the jump. The atmosphere is uncanny, not to mention the hunting and all the food you could want. But besides all of that, the experience is worth more than money can buy. I can’t thank the WWIA enough for taking my mind off my troubles and giving me the opportunity to do something I’ve never done. Thank you.
B. Richardson, US Army, Purple Heart recipient
This is my first time with WWIA, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I am a kind of a stick to myself kind of guy, so I was a little nervous about it. I was met with open arms and made to feel comfortable from day one. The welcoming ceremony and ride in were amazing. It was great to see patriotism is still alive and well. Everyone went out of their way to make us all feel appreciated and special. I also met a guy here that I deployed with to Iraq and Afghanistan, what luck, it’s such a small world. It was a great opportunity to talk about and remember people that I hadn’t thought of in over 15 years. It was good to actually talk to someone and have them know what the hell I was talking about. This organization is such a great tool to get people like me out, talking with other veterans with similar experiences. Without WWIA these past few days of conversation wouldn’t have been possible. I will definitely be recommending these events to other Purple Heart veterans.
R. Weeks, USMC, Purple Heart recipient
This is my second event through WWIA, and like the first, it was amazing. It’s not often I am able to meet a new group of people and immediately feel a connection, as if I’ve known them for years. The Guide Allen was informative and knowledgeable and kept us all informed throughout the process. This was important as it made me more comfortable in a situation I am not often in. The men and women who ran the event went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and provide for our needs. The meals were great and the lodging phenomenal. The best part of the event was the camaraderie I felt with the other veterans and people running the event. The support from the local community was also very much appreciated. I would recommend these events to any veteran. Getting back outdoors saved me years ago and I believe in the healing properties of being outside and partaking in what nature has to offer, especially with other like-minded people.
E. Hoffman, USMC, Purple Heart recipient