wwia Guides & Lead Associates

Adam Cook

Hometown: Ionia, MI
Branch of Service: US Army
Rank: MSG
Awards: Bronze Star Medal with “V” device and 2 OLC, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and 5 OLC
Theater: Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Niger, Kyrgyzstan

Adam was born and raised in a rural farming community in Michigan. He enlisted in the US Army after graduating High School as an Infantryman and served his first term as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. For the remainder of his career, Adam served in various capacities within 3D Special Forces Group (A) at Fort Bragg, NC where he deployed numerous times in support of a range of Operations. Adam retired after 20 years of service in 2024. He now enjoys the outdoors and blacksmithing on his farm in rural northern Michigan with his wife and three children.

Allen Pippin

Hometown: Smithville, MO
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant
Awards: Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, Three ARCOMS, Three AAMS
Theater: Kosovo and Iraq

Allen was raised in the small rural farm town of Smithville, Missouri. He and his two brothers were raised on hunting, fishing and farming by his father. His father encouraged his hunting with annual trips to Iowa and other locations for deer and upland bird hunting. He received his first bird dog at 13 years old and became an avid upland hunter.

Allen joined the Army in 1998 with a guaranteed contract for Europe as his first duty location. After graduating Basic and AIT he was assigned to the 82nd Engineer Battalion, First Infantry Division in Bamberg, Germany. He travelled all over Europe when not in the field or training.

Allen’s first deployment was to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo for 9 months in 2002-2003. His unit was the last active duty Army unit to be stationed in Kosovo.

Allen deployed to FOB Gabe, Iraq with the 82nd Engineers from January 2004 – March 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a Squad Leader and ran missions/patrols daily. His HUMVEE was struck by an IED on January 28th, 2005. Himself and two other soldiers were injured. He treated both soldiers and got them evacuated before being treated himself. Luckily none of his wounds were more than superficial and he was back patrolling the next day with a new vehicle. He was hit with multiple IED’s over his deployment but was only injured by them once.

After leaving the Army in June of 2005, Allen completed his Bachelors in Business Management and MBA. He has worked for multiple government agencies to include the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and his current position with the Department of Agriculture. He and his wife (an AGR Master Sergeant) currently own a farm in Turney, Missouri raising animals and hay. He spends as many days as possible hunting behind his two setters all over the Midwest.

Allen is a firm believer in the power of nature to help people heal. He is passionate about WWIA’s mission and its ability to help veterans heal though nature and camaraderie.

Anthony Smith

Hometown: Braham, MN
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: LTC
Awards: PH
Theater: Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Qatar

Anthony “Tony” Smith is an Army veteran who served 20 years on active duty including over 12 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment and other Special Operations Units. He deployed 12 times to combat and earned various service medals including the Purple Heart from wounds received in Iraq in 2010.
Tony grew up playing football, basketball, and baseball in high school. He spent time fishing and hunting deer and pheasants with his dad and brothers, developing a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2004 and has a Masters in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School.
After retiring in 2024 from Ft Bragg, NC, Tony became a licensed auctioneer and real estate broker. He is married to Alexa and they are blessed to have three wonderful children, Destry, Velzy and Zoya.
Tony attended his first WWIA hunting trip in 2016 at Grand Ciel Lodge, SD for a pheasant hunt and has been a true believer in the organization ever since. He has benefitted immensely from WWIA and cannot wait to start giving a little back as a Lead Associate.

Christopher Ritchie

Hometown-Brownsville TN
Branch of Service- US Navy
Rank-E-5, CE2 (SCW)
Awards-Purple Heart Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal
Memberships-Military Order of The Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Theater- Iraq

Chris grew up in the Mississippi River Delta in the farming community of Indianola. As a boy he was always into outdoor activities, and as a young teenager he learned to hunt deer, dove, and ducks, as well as fish for bass, crappie, and catfish. Chris’s love of the outdoors has grown as he has learned new sports such as bow hunting and trapping. Chris attended his first WWIA event in 2014, and has since enjoyed more events with amazing opportunities such as fishing for northern Muskie and archery hunting for Kansas whitetail.
Chris enlisted in the Navy in 1995 and was stationed in Mayport FL aboard USS Vicksburg CG-69. After completing 3 cruises aboard the Vicksburg as a Gas Turbine Mechanic, he was honorably discharged in 1999. Chris enlisted in the Navy Reserves and joined the Seabees in 2001. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 with NMCB 14 as a communications operator on the tactical movement teams. While conducting convey operations, Chris and other fellow Seabees were wounded during a mortar attack. He underwent surgery in Iraq, and received medical treatment in Landstuhl, Germany, Bethesda, MD, and Jacksonville, FL.
Chris has two children, and lives in Brownsville TN. He works for the Tennessee Valley Authority at a peaking power generation facility, and spends his free time hunting deer, duck, and rabbit, as well as trapping beaver, otter, coyote, and bobcat. Chris also enjoys event cooking, water sports, and any activity that involves the outdoors.

Corbin McClanahan

Hometown – Florence, Oregon
Branch of Service – Oregon Army National Guard
Rank – Sergeant
Awards- Purple Heart (2010), Army Commendation Medal (2010), Combat Action Badge (2010), Army Achievement Medal x2 (2009), Overseas Service Ribbon (2010), Afghanistan Service Ribbon (2010), Army Service Ribbon (2009), National Defense Ribbon (2009), Presidential Unit Citation (2010), Meritorious Service Ribbon (2012), Good Conduct Ribbon (2012), NCO Development Ribbon (2012), N.A.T.O. Service Ribbon (2010) Global War On Terrorism (2010).
Memberships – MOPH, VFW, American Legion, RMEF, NRA.
Theater – Helmand Province Afghanistan, 2010-2011, (OEF)

Corbin grew up in the small coastal town of Florence, Oregon. He grew up fishing, hunting, hiking, and spending much of his time outdoors. He joined the military out of college in 2008 and served the next 8 years in the National Guard as a Combat Engineer. While enlisted he did a tour in Afghanistan in 2010 where he conducted route clearance operations and counter IED missions in Southern Helmand Province. During these missions he was struck on 5 separate occasions by enemy placed IEDS. He was medically retired after 8 honorable years of service in 2017 for his wounds received in action.
He returned to Portland State University in 2017 to finish his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. He currently lives with his wife and daughter in Tigard, Oregon and currently works for the Federal Government. He looks forward to hunting archery elk and Blacktail deer on the Oregon coast every year and enjoys going out on the Columbia River to target monster sturgeon and Chinook salmon.

Dan Berryman

Hometown: Minneapolis
Branch: Army National Guard
Rank: Sergeant First Class (Retired)
Awards: Purple Heart, ARCOM, AAM, Iraq Campaign, Afghanistan Campaign, Excellence in competition for rifle and pistol
Memberships: American Legion, VFW, American Legion Post 435 Gun Club
Theater: OEF, OIF

Dan Berryman grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he learned to fish and hunt through family and friends. He especially enjoys whitetail hunting at his family camp in Michigan where he has been hunting since he was 14. He joined the Army as a Combat Engineer in June of 2001 at the age of 18. He served in Baghdad, Iraq for 15 months in 2005, and in Afghanistan for 12 months in 2009. He medically retired from Michigan’s Army National Guard in 2018.

Dan was injured on 26 May 2009 during a route clearance operation in east Afghanistan while assigned as a gunner in an armored vehicle. His vehicle was struck by an IED causing him to lose consciousness and suffering a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and back/neck/shoulder injury.

He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2007 with an Associate’s degree in climate control technology. He joined the Sheet Metal Workers Union in 2007 and graduated from a 4-year apprenticeship program. He currently lives in Wheeler, Wisconsin with his wife Nichole and their dog Jango. He works at the University of Minnesota as an HVAC mechanic, and TAB technician and is part of the Local #10 Sheet Metal Workers union. He is also a member of American Legion Post 435 and their gun club.

Dan has developed a deeper passion for outdoor sports since his combat related injuries in 2009. He benefits from the recreational therapy that the outdoors has provided for him. He enjoys being a Guide with the WWIA Foundation and spending time with fellow outdoors men, women, and other Veterans.

Derek Duplisea

Hometown – Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
Branch of Service- Canadian Army, 031 Infantryman
Rank- Master Corporal
Branch of Service – US Army, 19D4P Cavalry Scout.
Rank – Sergeant 1st Class
Awards -Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, numerous other Operational Awards, Medals, Ribbons and Commendations. US & Canadian Airborne Qualified AATW
Theater – Iraq

Derek was born in the United States and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. He began his military career with the 1st Battalion, Royal New Brunswick Regiment (Carleton & York), serving five years as an infantryman and leaving the Canadian Armed Forces as a Master Corporal before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

He joined the U.S. Army in December 1993 as a 19D Cavalry Scout. After completing Armored Reconnaissance Specialist OSUT at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he earned his U.S. Army Jump Wings and was assigned to D Company, 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 73rd Armor Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

From 1998 to 2000, Derek served with the Scout Platoon, HHC 2‑8 CAV, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. During this time, he deployed in support of Operation Joint Guard/Joint Forge in the Former Yugoslavia, operating primarily in Bosnia‑Herzegovina. In 2000, he was selected for U.S. Army recruiting duty and stationed in Bellingham, Washington.

Derek later deployed to Iraq with Ghost Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (Fort Polk, Louisiana), serving as a senior scout during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–04). After returning to the United States, he was assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Within a year, he deployed for a second tour in Iraq with Blackhorse Troop, 1‑32 CAV (RSTA), 1BCT, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT), again serving as a senior scout. He was soon promoted to Sergeant First Class and became the Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Platoon, Able Troop.

During this deployment, Derek was leading a patrol when his unit was struck by a female suicide bomber and engaged by heavy small‑arms fire. The blast detonated within feet of the dismounted platoon members, severely wounding Derek and three of his soldiers. He spent two years recovering from his injuries before medically retiring from the Army.

Derek has been an Associate with the WWIA Foundation since 2010 and has led events across the United States and Canada. He graduated from the inaugural WWIA Guide School in 2016. He is the proud father of four children, three daughters and a teenage son. And just became a Grampie with the birth of his grandson in Bangor, Maine in August of 2025. 

In his free time, Derek enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, hunting and fishing with friends and family. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Troy University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He currently lives in New England and works as a mental health professional, managing an adult crisis unit in Calais, Maine

Derek VanBuren

Hometown – Negaunee, MI
Branch of Service – US Army and Michigan Army National Guard
Rank – Staff Sergeant
Awards – Bronze star, Purple Heart x 2 , ARCOM w/valor, ARCOM, Meritorious Service Medal
Theater – OEF

Derek was born and raised in the small rural town of Skanee in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Over the years he learned about the outdoors from his father, grandfather, and several other relatives and friends. He loved to hunt, fish and trap from an early age and his passion for all things outdoors continues to this day. While attending college, he worked as a hunting guide, which broadened his interest in hunting, especially bow hunting. He attended his first WWIA event at Camp Hackett, Wisconsin in the fall of 2010 and had a blast.

Derek joined the Active Army in July of 1998 and was deployed to Afghanistan from Nov 2008 until July 2009. While deployed, he and other members of his crew were wounded by an RPG during an intense firefight. He then spent some time in Lundstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed Army Hospital, and the Warrior Transition Unit while recovering from wounds, for which he received the Purple Heart medal. He retired after a total of 26 years in the Army and Army National Guard.

Today he lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He enjoys stream fishing for Brook Trout, fishing Lake Superior for Lake Trout, Predator Hunting, grouse and small game hunting, Bow hunting of all kinds, and most anything outdoors. Derek really enjoys being a WWIA Guide for the camaraderie, enjoyment of the outdoors, meeting and connecting with fellow Purple Heart recipients and traveling to great places and meeting amazing people all over the country that are doing great things for our nations combat-wounded veterans.

Derrick Oursler

Hometown – Birmingham, AL
Branch of Service – Army
Rank – Specialist
Awards – Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, 2x Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal
Memberships – Alabama General Contractor association
Theater – Operation Iraqi Freedom

Raised in the heart of Florida, Derrick has grown up as an avid outdoorsman spending the majority of his adult life in the outdoors. Whether it is overlanding on trips across the remote portions of the country, or spent near his home state hunting in his home state of Alabama. Derrick Spent 3 years in the Army, he was injured on a route clearance patrol when his husky was struck with an RPG-7G. He served the remainder of his 17 month deployment continuing to man the husky for a total of 12 months of route clearance operations on during the battle for Sadr City and providing route clearance support as a theater asset.

Edwin Hoffmann

Hometown: Valrico, FL
Branch: USMC
Rank: Corporal
Awards: Purple Heart; Navy Achievement Medal with “V” device; Combat Action Ribbon
Memberships: Life member of Military Order of the Purple Heart
Theater: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Eddie grew up outside of Tampa, Florida, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in early 2001 as an 0311. Eddie was assigned to Third Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, 2004 and 2005-06. During his final deployment, Eddie was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his wounds.
Eddie would finish his 8 1/2 year career with Weapons and Field Training Platoon at Recruit Training Depot, Paris Island, SC, before being medically retired in February 2010.
Shortly after retirement, Eddie would enroll at the University of Tampa and return to his hometown with his wife, Mollie. After graduating in 2013, Eddie began working in various roles in Mental Health as a Peer Specialist in the VA and continues in this role today.

Eddie is an avid deer and turkey hunter and enjoys surf fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Eddie has a daughter and a son who accompany him on outdoor adventures whenever possible.

Gabriel Fierros

Hometown: Marengo, IL
Branch of Service: US Army
Rank: SSG
Awards: Purple Heart
Theater: OIF

Gabriel Fierros was born and raised in Marengo, a small town in northern Illinois. He joined the Army after high school in June 1998 and was deployed to Iraq three times during his service. On his first deployment in 2003, he was injured by a grenade explosion during a riot on Highway 8 near Baghdad. He received a shrapnel wound to his leg and stayed in country to heal. After thirty days, he continued his tour.

His third deployment to Iraq began in 2006. he was injured in a helicopter crash 20 miles outside of Baghdad. He received additional shrapnel injuries and wounds to his left eye and nasal passages. He was sent to Walter Reed Medical Center in DC for 7 months of treatment, during which time he was diagnosed with a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. After treatment at Walter Reed, he was sent back to his post in Alaska and placed in a Warrior Transition Unit to continue his care until he was medically retired from the Army. Once retired, he worked in Anchorage, Alaska as a contractor for the Army until March 2012. Then he relocated to northeast Pennsylvania and took a federal position with Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Gabriel initially heard about WWIA from one of the guys in his unit. His first trip was duck hunting in Southwestern Ohio. It was relaxing to be around like-minded people who understood his experiences and the level of camaraderie was just what he needed. Gabriel now leads WWIA events and enjoys giving back to his fellow Wounded Warriors. He currently resides with his wife and son in Long Pond, PA.

Gregory Brazinsky

Hometown: Worth, IL
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, ARCOM w/Valor, ARCOM w/C device, ARCOM x 4, AAM x 6, Army Good conduct with 6 knots, National Defense Medal, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, NATO Medal, Overseas ribbon with Numeral 6, Iraqi campaign medal with 2 campaign stars, Afghanistan Campaign medal with 2 campaign stars, NCO professional development ribbon with numeral 4, Combat Action Badge
Theater: Ramadi, Iraq 2006, Balad, Iraq 2008, Helmand Providence Afghanistan 2012-2013, Kandahar Afghanistan 2019-2020

Greg was born and raised in Worth, Illinois. He enlisted in the Army in March of 2004 as a Combat Engineer. He has been stationed in Baumholder Germany, Fort Leonard Wood MO, Fort Sam Houston (during recovery), JBER AK, Fort Jackson SC, Fort Bliss TX, Fort Hood TX and currently Fort Drum NY. While he was deployed in 2008 during a route clearance mission, he was struck by an IED which led to his injuries. He has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. He is married with 3 children. In his off time he spends his time with his family and enjoys woodworking and most all outdoor activities.

Hans Grothaus

Hometown: Carlinville, IL
Current Town: Salt Lake City, UT
Branch of Service: USMC/USARNG
Rank: SGT/SSG
MOS: USMC Parachute Rigger / ARNG Military Police & Combat Engineer
Award(s): PH
Badges: Army Master Parachutist, Navy/Marine Corps Gold Jump Wings, Parachute Rigger Wings
Theater: OIF

Hans’ time in service began in June 2001, shipping off to MCRD San Diego just after graduating from high school. Hans served in the Marine Corps from 2001 – 2005 and in the Army National Guard from 2006 – 2012. Hans was injured by an IED during a deployment in 2004 while serving as a Team Leader with 2d Reconnaissance Bn, operating out of Camp Fallujah, Iraq.

Post military, Hans earned his bachelors and an MBA and is currently a Senior Manager for a simulation and training company based out of Tampa, FL supporting fixed wing, rotary wing, surface, and JTAC training programs.

Hans grew up fishing with his dad and grandpa and has more recently been able to expand on his love for the outdoors by getting more into hunting with a move from Florida to Utah where he lives with his wife of 16 years and eight kids (4 boys & 4 girls). Hans loves the outdoors and is looking forward to his future hunting experiences with long guns and compound bow.

Hans’ first trip with the WWIA was to Seward, Alaska in 2024, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Hans appreciates the camaraderie and time spent in the outdoors with fellow warriors where we get to Honor, Connect, and Heal.

Jacob “Jake” Whipkey

Hometown: Boswell, PA
Branch of Service: US Army
Rank: Sergeant
Awards: Purple Heart
Theater: OIF

Jake Whipkey served five years in the U.S. Army, 101st ABN division, stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he received while serving his second tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This tour was cut short on November 18, 2007, when he was wounded while under fire in Samara, Iraq.

After being medically retired in December of 2009, Whipkey returned to Boswell, PA his home town where he lives today. He joined WWIA in 2010 and graduated the Inaugural WWIA Guide School in 2016. Since then he has been leading numerous events all over the the country for WWIA. Jake is a successful fisherman and hunter and has harvested small game, turkeys, wild boar, white tail deer and bear in his hunting lifetime.

James Rissler

Hometown: Newark, Ohio
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: MAJ
Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, ARCOM with Valor
Memberships: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Emergency Nursing Association (ENA)
Theater: Afghanistan

James is currently a U.S. Army Major. He has served in the military for 23 years as an active duty soldier. He started his career in 1997, as a Combat Medic for an Infantry Division (1-32 IN, Fort Drum, New York). He deployed with them two weeks after 9-11 and landed in Afghanistan for a ten-month deployment. During that deployment he was in numerous combat engagements. He was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart (shrapnel wounds from a mortar round and RPG) and ARCOM with Valor for that particular battle (Battle of Shai-e-Kot). A few years following that, James was commissioned as an Officer and became a 66T (Trauma/Emergency Nurse). In 2013, he again deployed to Helmond Providence, Afghanistan working with a British Group treating CAT A trauma patients. There he would see 20-30 triple amputee patients a day. He continued his career and then was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in 2017 working with various Special Forces groups for operations in and around the city of Kabul. He was awarded a Bronze Star for the various engagements while there. Today, he is the head of the Emergency Department at Fort Carson, Colorado (Evans Army Community Hospital).
James is married with twins (boy and girl). James grew up hunting and fishing with his father. It has always been and remains a passion of his to spend time in the wood line.

Jason Gaudette

Hometown: Rosamond, CA
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Awards: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendations Medal; Army Commendation Medal 4 OLC, Army Achievement Medal 4 OLC, Presidential Campaign Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award 3 OLC, Army Good Conduct Medal with 7 Knots, National Def Service medal with bronze star, Kosovo Campaign Medal with bronze star, Iraqi campaign medal with 2 campaign stars, Global war on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global war on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 7, ATO medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Italian, German and Belgium parachutist Badge.
Memberships: Military Order of the Purple Heart
Theater: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Jason’s love for the outdoors started at a young age growing up in California in the Mojave Desert hunting dove, quail, rabbit and fishing for rainbow and brown trout. It wasn’t until he joined the Army that he got to experience other parts of the great outdoors. He has experienced a myriad of different hunting and fishing opportunities from hunting whitetail deer and wild hogs in the southern United States, to hunting moose, caribou, black bear and catching giant halibut and salmon in Alaska. His adventures are not over, and he is always looking for new things to learn and help others learn along the way.

His 20-year Army career took him to many different locations around the world including, Fort Drum, New York; Vicenza, Italy; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Friedberg, Germany; Fort Benning, Georgia; Stuttgart, Germany and Finally JBER, Alaska where he retired in August 2014. He deployed with 1-36 Infantry, in May 2003 to Baghdad, Iraq as a squad leader and later a platoon sergeant. After 12 months in country his unit was extended another 3 months and sent to Karbala. On 14 May 2004 he was wounded by 60mm mortar rounds along with over 10 other Soldiers in his platoon that day.

After retirement he worked as the Deputy Chief of Training for the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska. It was there that he heard about WWIA, and what they stood for and represented. Jason’s first trip with the WWIA was walleye fishing on Lake Erie in Ashtabula, Ohio. Attending this and experiencing the camaraderie that it brought by talking and getting to know his fellow wounded veterans, made him realize that he needed to be more involved in giving back.

Jason currently lives with his wife Julie in Moncks Corner, South Carolina where they all enjoy getting out and fishing and hunting as often as possible. Jason works as an Administrative Specialist, for the Naval Information Warfare Center.

Jeremy Smith

Hometown – Slate Hill NY
Branch of Service – US Army
Rank – E4 Specialist
Awards – Purple Heart
Theater – Iraq

Jeremy served 2-1/2 years in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division. In 2006 he was injured by mortar shrapnel in Baghdad, Iraq, and was awarded the Purple Heart. After several surgeries and months of physical therapy, he was medically retired from service.
Jeremy is currently working for Pheasants Forever in South Dakota as a Habitat Specialist and owns and operates Star Lake Outfitters LLC in Gregory, South Dakota. Hunting and fishing have always been a part of his life, but it never played such an important role until now.  Since leaving the military, Jeremy has found special solace in the conservation of the outdoors, and the tranquility and peace it provides.

Jeremy attended his first WWIA event in 2011 and graduated from the Inaugural WWIA Guide School in 2016. He has been an active member of WWIA, leading events all over the country.

John Keeney

Hometown – Dawsonville, GA
Branch of Service – USMC
Rank – Sgt
Awards – Purple Heart, Navy Achievement Metal with Combat Valor, Combat Action, Presidents Unit Citation and several other Unit Citations
Theater – Iraq

John began his obsession with the outdoors at a very young age. Growing up in Dawsonville GA gave him the opportunity to chase multiple types of game and fish. After graduating from Dawson County High School in 2001 he enlisted into the Marine Corps. In February 2003 he was deployed to Kuwait. He was attached to 1/5 and 2nd Tanks as they invaded Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On April 10, 2003 as we were taking Saddam’s Presidential Palace he was shot in the elbow. After many surgeries and years of physical therapy, He is doing great. The best therapy he has found has been the outdoors. He is now a Manager at Tyson Foods in Cumming GA. He married his high school sweetheart Kellie Keeney and is raising two amazing children Kendall and Kolton.

Jon French

Hometown: UP, MI
Branch of Service: US Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Memberships: MOPH, American Legion, VFW
Awards: Purple Heart
Theater: OEF

Jon French grew up on a farm in Michigan’s rural farming country. His passion for the outdoors was fostered by his parents who actively took him and his siblings hunting, fishing and made sure they spent a lot of time in the outdoors. Jon graduated with a BS and MS in civil engineering and played Division 1 varsity hockey for Michigan Technological University. He enlisted as a combat engineer in the Michigan Army National Guard. Along with several men in his unit, he was wounded in action during an enemy engagement on July 19, 2009 in Afghanistan’s RC East region when he was struck in the chest with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG).

Jon medically retired out of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He attributes his mental and emotional recovery to his family, friends, and support from the local community; time spent outdoors hunting, fishing; and helping other veterans. Serving as a WWIA Guide, Jon hopes his military brothers and sisters will also benefit from the camaraderie and time spent in the outdoors as much he has.

He currently lives with his wife and two sons in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula, where he works as a civil engineer/project manager, a farrier (trims and shoes horse hooves) and engineered/manufactures/distributes the French Visually Impaired Sighting System (a firearm sighting system for visually impaired outdoorsmen/women). Jon is also a certified State of Michigan Hunter Safety Program instructor and a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), VFW and the American Legion.

Kawika David Segundo

Hometown: Maui, Hawaii
Branch of Service: US Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Awards: Fleet Marine Force (FMF) and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) Designators. Personal decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation medal with combat device, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals x 4, one with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals x 4, Combat Action ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation
Memberships: Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion 138
Theater: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo


LT Kawika David Segundo is from Maui, Hawaii and enlisted in the United States Navy in 2001, commissioned as an officer in 2013 and retired in 2023. He was a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman assigned 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines and 3rd Battalion 6th Marines, deploying to Iraq three times and once to Afghanistan. He took part in Operation Dynamic Response, Kosovo; Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF I), OIF II, OIF VI and the 2021 withdraw Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In 2004, he deployed in support of OIF II as the senior Corpsman attached to CAAT Platoon, Weapons Company, based in Camp Fallujah and Mahmoudiyah, Iraq. While deployed, he participated in over 200 combat patrols, where his platoon sustained 10 Improvised Explosion Devices and two Vehicle Born Improvised Explosion Device attacks. David was wounded by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) blast while conducting a night escort for a coalition unit through the infamous “Triangle of Death”.

After receiving a master’s degree in health care management in 2013 from Marymount University, he was commissioned as a Medical Service Corps Officer. David held positions as Patient Administration and Legal Officer, Inspector Instructor of 4th Medical Battalion, and a Plans, Operation, Medical and Intelligence (POMI) Officer for Task Force 51/5, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) and U.S. Marine Central Command (MARCENT). While stationed at MARCENT in 2021, he deployed to Afghanistan, leading in the medical planning and execution of the Crisis Response-Joint Task Force in Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations of over 120k evacuees from Kabul, Afghanistan.

One of David’s proudest moments is when he signed up for the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program. Four years after he entered into the donor registry, he was identified as being the only complete match for a six-year-old boy, Kyle, with severe aplastic anemia. The transplant was a success and Kyle made a full recovery. David and Kyle met in person a year later and continue to be friends.

Mark Broda

Hometown – Avon, IN
Branch of Service – USAF
Rank – Senior Airman (E-4)
Awards – Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation, Air Force Achievement
Theater – Southwest Asia

Mark was born in NW Indiana and has a lifelong passion for fishing. He has been an Associate with WWIA since 2012, leading events and fundraisers and graduated from the 2nd Annual WWIA Guide School in 2017. He thoroughly enjoys the work he does with the Foundation and has met some incredible friends (now family) along the way.

After completing his enlistment, he graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology and has been in the Information Technology field ever since, currently with the Department of Veterans Affairs as an IT Specialist.

Matt Phillips

Hometown: Heath, Texas
Branch of Service: U.S. Marines
Rank: Corporal
Awards: Purple Heart 2nd Award, Combat Action Ribbon 3rd Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Terrorism Service Medal, Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Aid Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal, Naval Unit Commendation 2nd Award, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 4th Award, Rifle Expert 3rd Award, Pistol Expert
Memberships: Life Community Church Member, International Society of Arboriculture Member, Tree Care Industry Association Member, Texas Department of State Health Services EMT-Paramedic
Theater: Port au Prince, Haiti 2004; Fallujah, Iraq 2005; Ramadi, Iraq 2006; Helmand Province, Afghanistan 2007

Matt Phillips was born and raised in the North Texas area. He enlisted in the USMC after high school in September of 2002. He served as a member of both 3rd Battalion 8th Marines and 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal and honorably discharged in April of 2008. Following his military service, he worked as both an EMT and Paramedic before switching careers to the arboriculture industry. In his spare time, he likes to coach little league baseball, cook, hunt and fish, train Brazilian jiu-jitsu and spend time with his family.

Matthew Brannon

Hometown: Boaz, AL
Branch: Army
Rank: E-4
Awards: Purple Heart, ARCOM w/ Valor, ARCOM, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge.
Qualifications: Airborne (Parachutist Badge), Combat Infantry Badge, Combatives Instructor with Level I, II and III qualifications.
Theater: Operation Enduring Freedom 09-10, Operation Cobra Gold 11

Matthew grew up in the small, Northeast Alabama town of Boaz, AL where he excelled in football, baseball, basketball and track. Matthew lettered Varsity 4 years in all sports. Matthew also learned to hunt, fish and trap at a young age. Matthew’s father would spend most weekends in-between sports taking Matthew on hunting and fishing adventures throughout the Southeast. After high school, Matthew signed an athletic scholarship to play football and baseball in college. A motorcycle wreck, breaking his leg in two places ended his collegiate career. After healing from the wreck, Matthew entered the Army at the age of 20, going through Army Infantry Basic Training School. After graduating from infantry school, Matthew attended the coveted US Army Airborne School. Matthew then moved on to complete the US Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection course. Matthew was then assigned to the 3/509 Airborne Infantry in Anchorage, AK. Matthew deployed with his unit to the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in the East Paktika Province. Matthew became team leader of the weapons squad and engaged in many close combat firefights. Matthew was involved in the Battle of the 4th of July when his Company was attacked by over 350 combatant enemies. Able CO 3/509 was able to fight off the enemy with only approximately 100 soldiers in Able Co. Matthew would finish the year long deployment despite being wounded in October of 2009 when he was gunning the rear vehicle providing security for another element. Matthew was hit in close proximity to an RPG and received shrapnel to his hands and arms as well as a traumatic brain injury. Matthew finished his time in the Army as a weapons squad team leader and acting squad leader as well as being the unit combatives instructor.

Nathan Allen

Nathan Allen grew up with a passion for the outdoors as a country boy from God’s country (Iowa). With limited resources, he was either fishing, hunting, or studying fishing/hunting. He also trained hunting dogs on upland birds, thoroughly enjoyed watching the dogs work the fields. After graduating high school, he went to college for a year, but it wasn’t his forte. He enlisted in the military as an Infantryman and upon graduating basic was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Nathan deployed from 2010-2011 to Kunar Province, Afghanistan. After a long year, his platoon was fifteen days away from coming home when he was wounded while going after a fellow wounded soldier. Back stateside in the hospital, fellow WWIA associate Jacob Whipkey told him to apply for a hunt with WWIA. He had nothing else to do at the time while lying in a hospital bed, so he did. Nathan says this was one of the greatest decisions of his life.

Nathan’s first WWIA hunt was the MO/KAN Ducks and Bucks, and it was everything he possibly could dream about in one hunt. Being able to meet the founder John McDaniel and listen to him speak about the organization and how it helps wounded veterans inspired Nathan to get more involved. Afterwards he began spreading the word about WWIA and helping with some fundraising on behalf of the Foundation. He enjoys seeing these Warriors go on the hunts and have a great time, watching their body language change from hesitant to “heck yeah man, let’s go!” is truly a blessing in disguise. Nathan is proud to be an Associate of such an amazing brotherhood that helps our nation’s Heroes.

Nick Fox

Hometown: Hubert, NC
Branch of Service: USMC
Rank: SgtMaj
Awards: (2) Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, (4) Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device “V”, (5) Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, (2) Combat Action Ribbons, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, (2) Afghanistan Campaign Medal, (3) Iraqi Campaign Medals, Coast Guard Special Operations Medal
Theater:
2000- Operation Determined Response (Yemen- bombing of the USS Cole)
2003, 2004, 2008- Operation Iraqi Freedom
2009- Operation Blue Storm (Caribbean Narcotics)
2010, 2011- Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)
2012- SPMAGTF Crisis Response- (Libya)

Nick enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1994 and attended boot camp, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation, he attended and graduated from the School of Infantry onboard Camp Geiger, NC where he received the MOS 0331- Machine Gunner. Throughout his career, Nick served in infantry units within all three of the active duty Marine Corps Divisions. He was also the Company First Sergeant for B Co. 2d Reconnaissance Battalion and 2d Force Reconnaissance Company. Nick retired in 2015 as the Sergeant Major for MACS 2.

Nick deployed 12 times during his career. Seven of the deployments were in combat zones. In 2004, while deployed to Iraq, Nick was wounded twice while conducting combat operations in and around Fallujah.

Nick is now fully retired and living in Hubert, NC with his wife and daughters. When he’s not giving back through WWIA, you’ll find him in the woods hunting or on the intercostal fishing!

Roy Holland

Hometown: Grafton, NH
Branch of Service: USMC and VT Army National Guard
Rank: SFC E-7
Awards: Bonze Star, Purple Heart. ARCOM with V/2 OLC,, AAM, NAM, AGC, MGC, CAB, MWS RH, Iraq Campaign Medal w star, Afghanistan campaign medal w star
Memberships: DAV, FOPH
Theater: OIF, OEF

Roy has been married to his wife Sasha for 24 years and has two son’s, Russell (23) and Braden (16). They live in Enfield NH where he is currently the Chief of Police. Roy was born into a military family. When his father got out of the Army they moved to Grafton, NH where he graduated high school and joined the Marine Corps. Roy was called back into the Marines after 9/11 for several deployments. Upon returning home he joined the 3/172 Mountain Infantry unit of the Vermont Army National Guard. He deployed to Iraq in 2006 and again to Afghanistan in 2009-2010. He was injured in Ramadi in 2006 by shrapnel from a SVBIED. Roy was introduced to hunting and fishing by his grandfather at a young age. He has continued to carry on that tradition throughout his life. One of his biggest passions is teaching others the skills of hunting and fishing. He especially enjoys passing on knowledge and experience to new hunters. He was introduced to WWIA by a very good friend, Wesley Black in 2016 and in 2019 he helped start the NH Bear and Bass event for WWIA and he looks forward to hosting that event each year.

Shaun Tichenor

Hometown: Youngsville, LA
Branch of Service: US Army (15 yrs)
Rank: E-7 Sergeant First Class
Awards: Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, ARCOM 4 OLC, AAM 6th award
Memberships: VFW post 9822
Theater: Operation Enduring Freedom AFG 2011-2012

Shaun grew up in the small farming community of Staples, Minnesota, where he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1997 and was first stationed with the Old Guard in Arlington, Virginia. After a nine-year break in service, he rejoined the Army and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. In 2011, during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Shaun was injured in combat and lost the lower part of his right leg.

Following a year of rehabilitation, Shaun continued his military career, serving nine additional years as an amputee with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. There, he competed in air pistol and smallbore pistol disciplines, ultimately representing Team USA at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Shaun retired from active duty in 2021 after a distinguished career marked by resilience, service, and excellence. Today, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and continues to pursue his love of hunting and fishing—particularly bow hunting for deer.

Timothy Spence

Hometown – Littleton, NC
Branch of Service – NC Army National Guard
Rank – Master Sergeant
Awards – Purple Heart
Theater – OIF

Tim has been an Associate with WWIA since 2010 and graduated the Inaugural WWIA Guide School in 2016. With a great love of the outdoors, there is no better way to continue his service than helping with WWIA.

Win Anderson

Hometown: Black River, NY
Branch of Service: Army
Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3
Medals: Bronze Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal (2), ARCOM with Valor Device
Memberships: New York State Outdoor Guide Association (NYSOGA)
Theater: Afghanistan

Win joined the Army in 2004 as an Infantry recruit with Airborne in his contract. My first duty station was Vicenza, Italy with the 173d “Sky Soldiers.” He deployed to Afghanistan with Attack Company in 2005 and again in 2007. After this second deployment he submitted a flight packet and was picked up for flight school. He attended flight school in Ft. Rucker, Alabama from 2009-2011 and selected the CH-47F “Chinook” helicopter.

After graduating Win was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY with the 101st Airborne (Air Assault). He deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and again in 2015 with Bravo Company 6-101. After Ft. Campbell he was stationed at Ft. Rucker where he taught flight students the finer points of flying the CH-47F. Win’s final duty station was Ft. Drum, NY where he again deployed to Afghanistan in 2019. Win retired from Ft. Drum in 2024, completing a twenty-year Army career.

Win lives on a hobby farm with two kids, two cats, one dog and one wife. He works part-time as a fishing guide and owns a small charter service.