J. Allen

My name is Jeff, I am from Helena, Montana. I too had the great honor and blessing to serve this wonderful and great country USA. I love it. I followed the footsteps of service from my great grandpa, dad and brothers. I am proud of the service they provided and the example they were to me. I too, gave the oath to protect and serve and was willing to give my life for the freedoms that we each enjoy each and every day. Freedom isn’t free. Our great forefathers and mothers served with great devotion and honor, I love and respect that. I have so many experiences in life and the military is one I am very proud of. I remember what I was doing on 9/11/2001 as each and every one of us does. Our country at that time put everything aside and we were one. One nation under God. Shortly after, I was called to go to Iraq to serve and help. Wow what an experience that was. Highs, lows, tough, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Body, spirit, and mind. I came back injured to each of those. I am trying to heal from those injuries. This is where Wounded Warriors in Action comes in. Corrina has been so kind in calling wanting me to come and each time I declined wanting other Wounded Warriors to take my spot. There are a lot more people that are very special who have also served. I want them to also heal. But this time after many emails, phone calls and texts, I made the decision to go. What a blessing and experience I had. Bear hunting and fishing in Wisconsin. Dan, Nancy and James and many other people made the trip a great and wonderful experience. From the time we had arrived to the time we left it was well done. My fellow battle buddies, we all had different and wonderful experiences and journeys. We shared our life stories with each other and the host family. At that time, we were all one big family. With that being said, we treated each other with love, respect and kindness, even though we have never met before. That aspect of it was amazing. Friends and family for life. Truly wonderful. Life is special and one I don’t take lightly. It is a joy and a blessing to belong to Wounded Warriors in Action. I hope to go on many more journeys.  Thanks once again.

J. Allen, US Army, Purple Heart recipient