J. Smith

Corrina, Words cannot describe the past 4 days in Rural Valley, PA with Dan, his family and support of friends. The atmosphere that Dan created is something I have personally been looking for in a true escape for a very long time. The Bevevino Team were able to show a level of gratitude and appreciation beyond anyone’s imagination. The lodge was very homely feeling and had the perfect mix of comfort, home and hunting camp. Every detail was executed with perfection and the heroes and myself could not have asked for anything more. Dan’s wife and Mother in Law prepared the meals by hand, real homemade food that truly went above and beyond. Dan worked very hard in the kitchen, preparing breakfasts, readying meals, and having things nailed the first time around. Saturday evening was catered by a family friend’s daughter whom also blew everyone away with her fantastic meal. Lodge atmosphere was again, homely, relaxing and again very appreciated by all. Had the event not even left the lodge, it would have been a home run. The drive into the property was enough to send chills down your spine. Large tracts of soybean, and great patches of timber. Deep ravines and cuts big enough to conceal the largest of buck’s travel. Dan and his team (Steve, Frank, Tim, Jason and maybe more) had setup several ladder stands with a separate guide stand attached just above each. Ground blinds were plentiful and placed along travel routes and field edges. The amount of equipment put out for the event is enough to make a man excited when looking at maps of the layout! Everything was lined up and looking promising. The first morning, the deer woods teamed with deer and everyone had activity. Evening 1 followed suit as well with again multiple deer sightings, close encounters, and Bucks were reacting to the grunt call like I have never seen before. The Buck: Doe ratio must be just perfect, making the bucks, even button bucks, aggressive and lively. The weather was intermittent but overall held out for the best hunting scenario and good winds for the setups Dan had ready. Day 2 AM was windy, slight rain, but the deer were moving and moving well. Evening 2 was tough, winds blew almost all day and a cold front moved which we thought would be helpful but proved otherwise. The activity was still there but winds kept deer further out from stands. Even though no animals were harvested (aside from a groundhog) the heroes were overwhelmed with joy and peace. The woods are soothing, and the company of the guides was welcoming. Both Ralph and Tim could not stop talking about the deer density and overall great time they were having. Dan has truly got a special place. Getting a little personal, I felt a sadness after leaving that felt like I walked away from family I would never see again. Dan and team have a special place in my heart and I hope that the relationship between Dan and WWIA will continue for many years to come.
Corrina and John – Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to represent the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation. I am honored to take on the challenge and really grow with every event I am able to attend. John, since day 1 the foundation has meant so much to me, and I honestly feel that Missouri 2011 and Ohio 2012 trips saved my life and forever I am grateful. The foundation too holds a special place in my heart and I will always welcome the opportunity to lead events and represent the WWIA in all aspects. Each event is special in several ways and continually they build on the damaged core within me slowly patching together the hate, frustration, anger, and depression that lies beneath.
THANK YOU, Dan, Corrina, John and everyone involved.