There will never be enough words to describe the gratitude I have for this event. The effort by the WWIA staff, the hosts, and the guides made the time spent here a forever cherished memory. Gabe was such a great guide for the event. He brought a calm to the weekend by keeping me informed, allowing me to be in a great mindset interacting with the hosts and everyone that made this a special event. Meeting the other Warriors and connecting with each of them has been the best connection with other veterans of similar and shared experiences. That bond is the reason we all help each other breathe. The hunting was top-notch. There were so many volunteers helping us that we had zero stress. Personally, I had just had a severe traumatic event happen. My guides Scott and Chip helped me to confront the emotion and taught me how to start healing.

C. Gisbrecht, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

Garrison North Dakota has become a place that I know I can go to for resetting. Roy, Vince, Bruce and every person I met are the truest of Americans. For me I will never forget their sacrifices and their service honoring our nation’s warriors.

T. Parker, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Thanks to all who made this event possible I have truly enjoyed the camaraderie with the other service members and the volunteers. Being able to get away from daily stresses and just enjoy life again is a blessing. Thanks again to all who made this event and all the others possible for veterans.

J. Flener, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Thank you! This event was an opportunity of a lifetime. Every day I had to ask if this was real life. I had to pinch myself because I could not believe it wasn’t a dream. I shot an antelope with a bow, caught walleye and bass before sunrise and shot our limit of grouse, all in three days. It was epic! All of those precious memories were only possible because of the selfless, professional and caring community of volunteers. Brad, Parker, Crystal, Jeremy and Jay, along with all the landowners and meal preppers made this one of the most fulfilling four days of my life. These trips are the best therapy in the world, and I’m forever in debt to WWIA. Someday, someway, I will figure out how to pay it back. Best regards.

A. Smith, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Thank you for the opportunity to attend this hunt. It has been a dream hunt of mine for a while. I couldn’t have asked for a better venue, awesome people, and food. Leaving with new friends and experiences. Thank you so much for letting me take part in this.

J. Pool, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Thank you for the opportunity to attend this event. The outpouring of support from the community is phenomenal. As the years go on things only continue to improve for me on my journey and it is because of foundations like you working with sportsman all across the country. The people and game that have surrounded me these past few days are a true blessing.

J. Smith, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

This weekend was nothing short of amazing! It is so humbling to know how a community is willing to come together and support a group of goofy wounded warriors. Everyone was extremely nice, and it felt like I have known everyone for years. I hope you all understand how this hospitality can be life-changing for us and a good restart mentally. Keep up the amazing work and I truly hope that I will be back in the future.

R. Beach, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

Thank you everyone for the WWIA 11th Annual PA Cast and Blast event. Nothing could’ve been any better. It’s the first time I felt welcomed back home from Vietnam except by my family.

R. Palmer, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

This experience was filled with great memories and lifelong friends. At first when we arrived and no one knew anyone, but by the last day we have created a bond. This is all thanks to the team at WWIA and all the volunteers that are willing to open their homes and spend long hours with us to provide us with a great experience. The planning and behind the scenes activities it takes to put on a great event like the cast and blast shows in the smooth operation that Sandy and his team execute. There were many stories and laughter while we spent time together. The lodge was great, we had everything we needed to be comfortable. The volunteers were amazing, they all were helpful and we’re always there when we needed something. The food was amazing! Thanks to all who were involved with the food prep. The hunts were by far the best hunts I have been on. The fishing was outstanding. I have never caught trout as big or pretty as we saw this weekend. Thank you to all the dogs that helped in the hunt, they are great. Thank you to all the fishing guides as well for teaching us and helping us land some big ones. We also had a great time shooting old and new weapons, the history lesson was very interesting. Thank you for all the live music by the campfire, they were also amazing. I want to thank Sandy and all of his team for putting on a great event that was full of activities. Lastly, I want to thank our WWIA Guides David and James, they were also great. They made sure we had all we needed. They always took care that we had a great experience. Thank you both for all you do.

J. Ichihara, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

For those looking to come to a life-changing event, this is it. You will not find a group of supporters who take better care of you. The food and attention to detail are second to none. The hunting of birds is done in a way that shows the devotion of those that volunteered in it and the fact that they want the best for the vets shows. The flyfishing is second to none. The guides and the access could not be better. I feel that this should be a keystone event for WWIA. This event allows for bigger groups to bond in a way that I did not think possible. The WWIA coordinators that were sent were also the best. Could not say thank you enough.

T. Stone, US Army, Purple Heart recipient