I can’t put into words the gratitude I feel for everyone that made this event possible. The guides who put in so much work, the landowners who allowed us onto their properties and Travis who opened his home to us and made us feel like family. People like the ones I met the last few days remind us of why we decided to join the military. I can only hope everyone understands how much this kindness truly means to all of us. I hope that someday I can repay the kindness shown to us. Thank you .

S. Sawmiller, USMC, Purple Heart Recipient

These past five days have been unbelievable. It came in a pretty intense time both emotionally and mentally with my retirement this week. Asa and Travis have given me the opportunity to take a much-needed escape from reality. The hospitality from everyone that was associated with the event was truly appreciated and it will be one of my fondest memories ever. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart and feel truly blessed to have participated in this event.

S. Tice, USMC, Purple Heart Recipient

Being able to stay, hunt spring turkey’s and speak with the men of Great Creek Hunt Club. This trip has been one of my most fun times, including learning so much more about the art of turkey hunting. All of the men and their wives have really made this trip so enjoyable. Team Hobbit, Andy and Tim understand. I really hope that I have the opportunity to come again so I can return and spend more time with the members of Great Creek Hunt Club. I feel blessed they wanted to host us wounded veterans, to have a place like this to reset my brain and go back home to my family rejuvenated.

B. Graham, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient

This was the break from reality I needed. I won’t forget the people and the amazing time I had here. I haven’t had this much fun in a very long time. It was refreshing to be here and all I can say is thank you.

B. Wilson, US Army, Purple Heart Recipient

This is my first trip ever hunting, and I really enjoyed it and look forward to getting involved in more hunts and fishing events as well. I’ll eventually go broke buying all kinds of gear. The people who supported the event are amazing with their patience and generosity and the veterans were fun to be around.

A. Attia, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

The trips you offer allow the opportunity for me to be me. I don’t have to hide who I am. I feel safe with the participants and the host of volunteers and supporters. Even when I’m kicked out of a store for simply trying to practice my nontraditional therapies, I know I’m well taken care of. Thank you for providing an opportunity that feels safe participating in.

J. Andries, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

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