I am very grateful for such an awesome opportunity. My wife and I have been on a lot of hunting and fishing trips, but this by far has been the best. From the camaraderie to the welcoming of everyone involved. The food and lodging were exceptional. I would like to put a special thanks out to all of the guides, they were awesome and so patient. To the staff that put this on, thank you and thank you WWIA.

T. Shaw, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I am very grateful for the opportunity to be included in this amazing event. A Ranger brother’s (Mark Price, KIA) mom (Diane Price) came to our banquet, and I became overcome with emotion. Knowing how fortunate I was to make it home to see my parents. Words cannot describe the gratitude for what this WWIA Muskie trip meant to me! Thank you to all the guides and sponsors and to Mrs. Price for attending the VFW banquet. RLTW.

W. Dunham, US Army
Purple heart Recipient

I can’t find all the words to describe this trip, the camaraderie between the Guides and Warriors and all the staff, my hat comes off for you. Such wonderful gift baskets and bags, sweatshirts, pullovers, t-shirts, caps, fishing poles and reels, but most of all is the memories I will have for the rest of my life. I have a grandson graduating basic training from the Army, another just graduated from the Air Force and a granddaughter who goes in the army next year. I know they will make friends in the service that will last a lifetime and that they will be safe, but if something happens to them that this organization would still be there to take care of them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

E. Ball Jr, US Army, Vietnam
Purple Heart Recipient

I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to attend this awesome experience. To Matt, it was amazing to see you again. To the WWIA, thank you for allowing me to participate in this beautiful community of fellow Purple Heart veterans. The good people at the lodge will be friends until the end for me.

B. Belgarde, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

This is my third WWIA event and every event I have been to I thought could not be better than the last, but every event gets better and better. I have always noticed with WWIA events that the true healing comes from the camaraderie, the brotherhood from the guests, Hosts, Associates and the outdoors. I am so grateful to be a part of this organization. On every event I have made lifelong friends, brothers, outdoor skills and amazing memories. Keep doing what you are doing because it is truly the best form of healing. I would like to thank Matt, Josh, everyone from Gravel Spring Lodge and the WWIA for an unforgettable time. Once again, thank you for being a part of this amazing journey in my life.

M. Brady, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

More food, beverages, and camaraderie than any one person can handle. The appreciation and kindness of the staff was overwhelming but most importantly the time that was spent with brothers from other mothers was healing, both mentally and spiritually and was nothing short of priceless.

J. Poff, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

This event has truly brought me to a better place. I have struggled over the past few years and rarely have the opportunity to let down my guard and speak freely with others. This event has allowed me to spend time with quality men and the hunting and fishing was a huge stress reliever. WWIA has put together a life changing event for me and I am sure others. I am honored to have been selected to experience such a great event with such good people. This has truly recharged my batteries and will always be great memories for me to revisit when I need to reflect on good thoughts! Thank you so much!

T. Prescott, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I have been blessed enough to be invited to attend this PA Cast & Blast event for the second time. Five days with the members of the lodge for the second time. With their hospitality and wonderfully kind hearts, definitely makes them feel like extended family that happen to Live in PA. There is no doubt that this trip just like WWIA is a true form of therapy. Therapy that guys like myself need…and continue to need, not to mention looks forward to attending. Mr. Sandy is so much appreciated for the effort, time and heart he puts into making this WWIA event happen. Matt and the guides effort and care they put into getting us Wounded Veterans moving and coordinated during the five days we stay at the lodge is incredible. Sandy, Matt, and Mr. Bill really make a “hunting and fishing trip” a much needed and wonderful therapy and adventure. Thank you to Corrina for her efforts in allowing me to attend this event for a 2nd time. Hopefully, I can be blessed enough to get another chance to attend the PA Cast & Blast again. Thank you to all the lodge members (family) for their enormous efforts.

B. Graham, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient

I have lived a very exciting life for the past several years but to say I had the luck to experience a hunt like this, there are no words to express how it feels. Not to mention the people I have met during this experience. I want to thank the organization for the opportunity. I am extremely humbled for being picked to be part of this experience; it was once in a lifetime. I would never think for me it would be possible to do this hunt with a great staff and Guide. Derek and Arthur have been great. If I was picked to do another hunt, I would not hesitate to do so. Thank you for everything. Thank you for teaching this Marine new trick.

A. Matos Mesa, USMC
Purple Heart Recipient

The Camp Hackett Bear Hunt was incredible! Two hours after getting off the plane, I was in the stand hunting. After only one hour, bear down! The Host, Event Leader, WWIA Guide and the tons of other supporters were outstanding. This was a trip of a lifetime. The wonderful locals of Phillips, WI were some of the nicest people I have ever met. I was very lucky and grateful for having this hunt. Truly a lifetime experience. Thanks to all of you at WWIA for making this happen.

J. Zaremba, US Army
Purple Heart Recipient