What can I say that hasn’t been said before? This trip isn’t about fishing or even about being in Mexico. This trip is all about family, and that is what Mark, WWIA and the Harris Family all go out of their way to make us feel like. I truly feel that these people have become family and for that I will be forever thankful.

-R. Kusch, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This past weekend in Galveston at Brad and Julie Boisen’s was an amazing opportunity to spend some great time with my Fiancé, Claudia and other couples. I found that I had a lot in common with everybody else as far as going through the military experience and relationships. Just sitting back out on the deck of the beach house enjoying the view and talking with everyone was nice. The Boisen’s really put together something special. The food was amazing, and I learned a few new things on how to prepare wild game and fish. I am very thankful that Brad hired a Guide that put me on the biggest speckled trout and flounder I have ever caught. I would like to thank WWIA and John McDaniel for giving myself and Claudia the opportunity to enjoy this past weekend in Galveston, Texas.

-N. Schoon, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

My Fiancé, Nick and I had such an amazing weekend! The home we stayed in was covered in Jasmine and was heaven to wake up to. Nick and I really needed this weekend getaway and it was the perfect blend of relaxation and the outdoors. Nick caught a huge trout and that brought so much joy to my heart to be able to experience that with him. These are memories that will last forever. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend possible and a special thank you to Julie and Brad for being so gracious and generous and opening their home to us. We will never forget this weekend!

-C. Pereyra, Fiancé

I just want to thank WWIA as well as the Boisen family for this opportunity to spend the weekend with such great people. Angel and I had an amazing time. Great food, great fishing, great people. Truly a trip of a lifetime.

-J. Scanlan, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

I can’t describe what a generous gift my boyfriend and I received from the WWIA. It opened the doors to communication of deep feelings and thoughts I didn’t know how to discuss or bring up. It also humbled me as a recipient and strengthened my beliefs of the good in people. It was actually a weight lifted, meeting other individuals struggling with the same issues and developing a network of friends to help guide and support each other through positive reinforcement. I now have a clearer understanding of very hard pasts and how they affect us going forward, the challenges we face as a couple and a family somehow feel more manageable knowing we have the support of these strangers we now call friends.

-A. Bell, Significant Other

First let me say thanks to everyone that made this trip a once in a lifetime event. To everyone that made it possible, thank you so much. It was way more than we ever expected. It felt like a family vacation at my uncle’s house with all of my cousins visiting. The most family-oriented place I have ever been. Thank you for inviting my wife and I.

-J. Bulington, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I haven’t been on too many adventures out of my home state, but I have to say this was one of the best experiences and opportunities I’ve had in a long time. Fishing was so fun, and I am proud to say I have caught a saltwater fish. It felt like family and I loved meeting new people. Everyone was kind and it felt like home. I would love to go back and visit again. The Boisen’s and family have great souls and I wish them all well. Thank you!

-K. Bulington, Spouse

I was selected to attend the turkey hunting event in Kansas. First and foremost, I’d like to say thank you! Thank you to WWIA for having a top-notch organization that afforded me the opportunity to do something I would not be able to do without people like you going above and beyond for wounded veterans. I’d like to thank Carl for opening up his home to me as a stranger and treating me as if I were family. Truly a gem in today’s society. I felt extremely comfortable around everyone I met in Glen Elder and Cawker City. You can see their appreciation of us and their love of country. It was nice to be around other vets especially ones that were wounded and could relate. Thanks to Ted for all the Guide work and all the land that he allowed us to be on for this opportunity. Being outdoors and getting away from the everyday life is something that does wonders for me mentally. It also let me gain some confidence. Because of my injuries I didn’t know what I was capable of doing on my own. Thanks to John, Nate, Cole, Herman and Austin for the brotherhood and hospitality. I’d also like to thank Asa and Whitney with whom I spent a lot of time talking and just competing. It was nice to meet them and become friends with them. Thank you again for everything.

-J. Reuber, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

As soon as I landed, I was welcomed with a handshake. I instantly felt like I was part of the family. I’ve never been on an event where it was so welcoming and laid back. All the Guides knew how to not only put you on the Turkey’s but on fish as well! The community instantly welcomed us in Cawker City. We literally did not have to worry about anything. I will have to say out of all the events I’ve ever been on with different organizations, this is by far my number one event. I will never forget this trip or the lifelong friends that I’ve just met! Thank you so much to everyone involved, I hope I can attend other events with WWIA.

-W. Shaw, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient