WWIA Podcast

Our mission would not be possible without the tremendous support and generosity from so many selfless Patriots across North America who go above and beyond to honor the service and sacrifices of America’s combat-wounded Veterans.

Today’s guest on the WWIA Podcast is one of these special Patriots who has proven time and time again that there is truly no limit to the good works that can be accomplished, and the contributions and impacts that can be made, when people work together for a common cause. WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel proudly welcomes long-time WWIA supporter and valued friend, Mr. Mike Davenport to the program.

Mike is the President of the WWIAF Southern Vermont Chapter, alongside his wife Debi, who serves as the Treasurer. Mike and Debi have both recently retired after having had wonderful careers with UNICORR in Bennington, Vermont; and they also relocated to warmer weather, having made the move to the beautiful state of Tennessee.

The WWIA Southern Vermont Chapter is a 2-time WWIA Medal of Honor Decorated Patron, having raised over $559,000 in support of our Purple Heart Heroes since 2013! That is just incredible! John and Mike discussed the early origins of this remarkable fundraising juggernaut, and how the local residents and businesses of Bennington, Vermont come together year after year in support of the mission of WWIA.

There’s a lot to unpack in this episode, and we are excited to introduce you to Mike and his story.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast aims to honor and support combat wounded veterans, emphasizing community involvement.
• Mike Davenport's fundraising efforts have raised over $559,000 for veterans since 2013, showcasing exceptional community spirit.
• The podcast highlights the importance of sponsor appreciation, fostering long-lasting relationships with community businesses.
• John McDaniel and Mike Davenport discuss their shared commitment to expanding the mission of supporting Purple Heart recipients.

On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes longtime supporter and WWIA Event Host, Mr. Sandy Deveney to the program. Sandy is the Host of the Central PA Cast & Blast, an outstanding event that has been proudly honoring and serving our combat-wounded veterans for the past 11 years.

For 40 years, Sandy has been married to his beautiful wife Elizabeth, a retired teacher, and an accomplished artist. Sandy has had an eclectic and distinguished career. Following his graduation from Penn State with a degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections, Sandy served across the globe as a U.S. Customs Sky Marshall, a Criminal Investigator, Founder of a utility-based K-9 drug detection program, and a Private Detective, specializing in K-9 drug detection. His service-based career allowed him the privilege to work on both the local and federal levels, assisting law enforcement, corporations, and school districts.

Now enjoying retirement, Sandy continues to serve in his work with WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes, as well as assisting with the Penn State Alumni Trustee elections for over a decade. Sandy and his wife are also involved with the local Wildlife for Everyone Foundation, where he serves as a Board Member and Elizabeth generously donates her artwork for their Spring Gala. We’re honored to spend some time introducing you to Sandy and look forward to you hearing his story.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast endeavors to bring honor, connection, and healing to combat wounded veterans.
• Sandy Deveney has dedicated over a decade to supporting combat-wounded veterans through various outdoor events.
• The podcast highlights the unique experiences gained from engaging with local wildlife and the Amish community.
• Sandy's extensive background and commitment have significantly enriched the experiences provided to the participants.
• The camaraderie fostered through shared experiences among veterans has proven to be immensely beneficial for their healing process.
• Community support plays a crucial role in the success of the events organized for the veterans.

Takeaways:

• Alan Probst emphasizes the importance of quality video and sound in outdoor educational content.
• Patience is crucial for successful trapping, especially when working with coyotes and other canines.
• Bedding traps properly is essential to ensure they function correctly and catch target animals.
• North American Trapper aims to educate the public about responsible and effective trapping methods.
• Alan's philosophy includes being open with his trapping knowledge, contrasting with many secretive trappers.
• Engaging kids in trapping through easy-to-use tools can inspire the next generation of trappers.

Links referenced in this episode:

• northamericantrapper.com
• wwiaf.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• North American Trapper
• Duke
• Sportsman Channel
• NRA

At every WWIA event, there is a certified WWIA Guide present. WWIA Guides are an essential part of accomplishing our mission, as they have been recommended by their fellow Purple Heart peers and are certified through our WWIA Guide School. WWIA Guide School is the world’s first multidisciplinary adaptive sporting guide program and prepares our Guides to lead and serve their fellow Purple Heart recipients and assist the event Hosts on each WWIA mission we conduct across North America.

On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, is honored to welcome Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide, Gabe Fierros to the program. Gabe, along with his wife and son, reside in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Gabe joined the Army after high school and was deployed to Iraq three times during his service. After being medically retired from the Army, Gabe worked in Anchorage, Alaska as a contractor for the Army. He later relocated to northeast Pennsylvania and took a federal position with Tobyhanna Army Depot, where he continues his career.

Gabe initially heard about WWIA from one of the guys in his unit and soon after attended his first duck hunting event in southwestern Ohio. He found it both relaxing and cathartic to be around like-minded people who understood his experiences and found that the camaraderie and experience was just what he needed. Gabe now proudly leads WWIA events as a Guide and enjoys giving back to his fellow combat-wounded Warriors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Gabe and hearing more about his story. Let’s join the conversation with John and Gabe now.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast focuses on bringing honor and healing to America's combat wounded veterans.
• Gabe Fierros shares his journey from soldier to guide, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie.
• The WWIA Guide School prepares veterans to support their peers during outdoor events.
• Gabe's experiences highlight the therapeutic value of outdoor activities for healing.
• The foundation creates a space for veterans to reconnect and bond over shared experiences.
• Gabe's story underscores the significance of mentorship and support within the veteran community.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wwiaf.org

The WWIA MO-KAN Ducks, Bucks, and Trapping Event has been proudly serving and honoring our Purple Heart Heroes for the past 15 years. It is one of our longest standing events within the Foundation, and their patriotic team of supporters are truly a remarkable group of people. On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes one of our good friends who is one of the integral parts of Mighty Team MO-KAN, Mr. Terry Supple.

Terry recently retired after successfully owning and operating his own screen printing and sign business for 44 years. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 42 years, is the father of three amazing children, is a doting grandfather to nine grandchildren, as well as two dogs.

An avid hunter for over 40 years, enjoying both quail and duck hunting, he enjoys the quality and experience of the hunt, including the company and camaraderie of those he surrounds himself with more than anything else. He considers it a high honor and privilege to serve America’s combat-wounded veterans with his team over the past fifteen years and always feels he gets more out of the experience than they do. We’re proud to share this great American’s story with you and hope you get to enjoy learning more about Terry and Team MO-KAN.

Takeaways:

• The MO-KAN Ducks, Bucks and Trapping event has significantly impacted combat wounded veterans for 15 years.
• Terry Supple shares how the Napier Duck Hunting Club evolved over the years from humble beginnings.
• Camaraderie and connection among veterans are fostered through shared experiences in nature at events.
• Combat-wounded veterans often find healing and support through engaging activities and shared stories.
• The emotional toll of serving veterans is significant, often leaving organizers feeling drained yet fulfilled.
• Terry emphasizes the importance of welcoming Vietnam veterans home, as they were not honored in their time.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wwiaf.org

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Foundation has operated for nearly 19 years, supporting combat-wounded veterans.
• Chris Diesing emphasizes the importance of creating connections among veterans through shared experiences.
• Transformations in veterans’ lives are evident as they bond over outdoor activities.
• The Bayfield Cast and Blast event combines fishing and hunting to foster camaraderie.
• Chris's dedication to honoring those who served is rooted in his family's military history.
• Guides play a crucial role in facilitating meaningful interactions and experiences for veterans.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Buskey Bay Resort- https://buskeybayresort.com/
• Northwoods Playground Cabin Rental- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45990242
• Dairyland Fence Company- http://dairylandfence.com/
• Whitetails Unlimited- https://www.whitetailsunlimited.com/

As our nation honors and celebrates Veterans Day, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes a very special guest to the WWIA Podcast, Mr. Michael Reagan. Michael is the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and Academy Award-winning actress Jane Wyman. He is the Chairman and President of The Reagan Legacy Foundation, which seeks to advance the causes President Reagan held dear and memorialize his presidency's accomplishments. He is a Syndicated Columnist, a former radio talk show host, a dynamic and sought-after public speaker, and a New York Times best-selling author. Some of his books include: On the Outside Looking In, Twice Adopted, and his latest book: Lessons My Father Taught Me.

Michael has had a distinguished and eclectic life, from debating Mikhail Gorbachev to setting world records in powerboat racing. He has spent most of his life in public service and is passionately involved with charities such as The Young America’s Foundation, and The Mixed Roots Foundation. He has helped raise over $1.5 million for charities like the United States Olympic Team, Cystic Fibrosis, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund.

Michael has been proudly married for 49 years to his wife Colleen. They have two wonderful children – a daughter Ashley, and a son, Cameron, as well as three incredible grandchildren. We are honored to spend some time with Michael and hope you enjoy getting to know more about his work, his journey, and his commitment to honoring America’s veterans and service members.

Takeaways:

• Michael Reagan discusses his father's legacy and the importance of honoring veterans.
• The Ronald Reagan Legacy Foundation supports scholarships for sailors and airmen of the USS Ronald Reagan.
• Michael shares personal stories about his upbringing and the influence of his parents.
• The significance of educating children about freedom and history is emphasized throughout the episode.
• Michael details his experiences in powerboat racing and the charitable causes he supports.
• The podcast highlights the role of small acts of kindness in honoring service members.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wwiaf.org
• reaganlegacyfoundation.org

Alaska is truly the Last Frontier, filled with expansive beauty, bountiful wildlife, and boundless adventures. Every year for the past 11 years, our Purple Heart Heroes have traveled to Seward, Alaska to partake in several days of world-class fishing, sightseeing, exploring, and more at WWIA’s Alaska Halibut Fishing event. This is a unique and unforgettable experience for our combat-wounded Veterans. On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes the Host of this stellar event, Mr. John Moline.

John is the owner of Current Affair Charters and Kenai Fjords Bed and Breakfast in beautiful Seward, Alaska, where he expertly navigates the local waters to give people an elite and memorable fishing experience. John is also a modest but outstanding cook, as he often prepares delicious meals for his guests with some of their fresh catches of the day. He is a proud veteran of the Armed Forces, having served primarily in the U.S. Navy and also in the U.S. Army Reserves. During his time in the service, he worked on electronics, communications, and navigation systems, and developed a love and skillset for fishing the coastal waters of Alaska that soon turned into a fulltime profession that has continued for more than two decades. This is an outstanding episode that we’re excited to share with you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA podcast highlights the importance of healing and connection for combat-wounded veterans.
• John Moline, a veteran and charter captain, shares his passion for fishing in Alaska.
• The Alaska fishing event provides veterans with unforgettable memories and a sense of camaraderie.
• The podcast emphasizes the role of community support in enriching veterans’ outdoor experiences.
• John Moline discusses the significance of serving veterans and the joy of fishing.
• Listeners learn about the best fish for eating and fishing techniques in Alaska.

We could not accomplish our mission of bringing Honor, Connection, and Healing to America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Recipients without having such an incredible group of patriotic supporters throughout North America. The generosity and selfless efforts these individuals, communities, and businesses offer in support of WWIA and our Heroes is simply remarkable. Our special guest today on the WWIA Podcast is a shining example of one of the many supporters and friends that we are honored to have as part of our WWIA family. On this latest episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, proudly welcomes Mr. Trent McCall. Trent is the Co-Host of the Truxton Turkey and Trout Event in Truxton, NY, in collaboration with Co-Hosts Ed and Laurie Poole, and guides Zeb Leach and Josh Streichert.

Their event recently celebrated its 3rd year of honoring and serving Purple Heart Heroes in the historic Finger Lakes region. Trent is a husband to his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and a proud father to his beautiful daughter, Gabrielle. His vocation is a woodworker and manager at One Source Millwork, and he is also the owner of4-LeafCustom Calls, a hobby and side business that he started in 1995, going on 30 years this coming spring. These beautiful turkey calls are designed, hand-crafted and field tested by Trent, and are all made from premium hardwoods. We’re excited to share this wonderful episode with you, so without further ado, let’s join John and Trent now.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA podcast aims to bring honor, connection, and healing to combat-wounded veterans.
• Trent McCall, the guest, shares his journey of supporting Purple Heart heroes through hunting events.
• The importance of community support and teamwork in organizing events for veterans was highlighted.
• Trent emphasizes the emotional impact of providing healing experiences to combat veterans.
• The conversation explores how woodworking and crafting turkey calls became a passion for Trent.
• Trent's experiences reflect the transformative power of nature in helping veterans heal.

4 Leaf Game Calls: https://www.facebook.com/4LeafCalls/

On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes a longstanding friend and supporter of the Foundation, Mr. Kenny Thompson. Kenny is a part of Mighty Team MO-KAN, an exceptional group of supporters who have been honoring and serving our combat-wounded veterans through two outstanding annual events, the MO-KAN Ducks, Bucks, and Trapping Event, currently in its 15th year, as well as the MO-KAN Catfishing Event, now in its 7th year. Kenny is an avid and seasoned outdoorsman, having hunted and fished since he was a young boy, and has traveled across the globe in pursuit of his bow hunting passion. Kenny is an integral part of the leadership team at Basys, a leader in the payments processing industry and currently serves as Executive Vice President of Partner Relations. We are honored to spend some time with Kenny and hope you enjoy getting to know more about him and his story.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA podcast is dedicated to honoring, connecting, and healing America's combat wounded Purple Heart heroes.
• Kenny Thompson, a longtime supporter, shares stories of his hunting experiences and contributions to the foundation.
• The Mocan event, supported by Kenny, is one of the most requested events by Purple Heart recipients.
• Basis, the company Kenny works for, raised over $10,000 for the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation.
• Kenny's father has instilled a love for hunting in him, which he now shares with veterans.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support and engagement in helping wounded veterans.
• Kenny's story about hunting a grizzly bear highlights the thrill and challenges of bow hunting.
• The WWIA Foundation provides outdoor experiences to help veterans find healing and connection.