WWIA Podcast

Welcome back to another special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In part three and four of this series, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, continues discussing his early military career as he expounds on his post-Ranger School assignment, combat in Panama, and an awesome story involving alligators and beer.

This special podcast series was released to commemorate John J. McDaniel Day and follow John throughout his 20 years of military service up to where, how, and why the Foundation was started. These episodes are filled with great stories, personal and historical insights, and chronicle John’s journey as only he can tell it.

In 2013, Mayor Buck Tower officially proclaimed April 19th as John J. McDaniel Day in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. John started his military career after graduating from The University of Wisconsin Madison and going through the ROTC program. During his career as a former Infantry officer, Airborne Ranger, and Master Parachutist he earned such awards as the Combat Infantryman’s badge, the Master Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab. John served on active duty from November 1987 to November 2007. Soon after John’s retirement, he felt that his service to the nation was not yet finished. As a concerned citizen, he started taking a few Wounded Warriors out on hunting and fishing trips, but quickly saw that the need for this kind of healing and outreach was greater than he could support on his own. In 2009, The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and with the help of a remarkable network of Patriotic Hosts, Guides, Supporters, Volunteers, and caring communities across North America, they have been changing the lives of America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes ever since. We hope you enjoy this special series.

Welcome to a special edition of the WWIA Podcast! In case you didn’t know, today is John J. McDaniel Day! In 2013, Mayor Buck Tower officially proclaimed April 19th as John J. McDaniel Day in the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. John started his military career after graduating from The University of Wisconsin Madison and going through the ROTC program. During his career as a former Infantry officer, Airborne Ranger, and Master Parachutist he earned such awards as the Combat Infantryman’s badge, the Master Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab. John served on active duty from November 1987 to November 2007. Soon after John’s retirement, he felt that his service to the nation was not yet finished. As a concerned citizen, he started taking a few Wounded Warriors out on hunting and fishing trips, but quickly saw that the need for this kind of healing and outreach was greater than he could support on his own. In 2009, The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and with the help of a remarkable network of Patriotic Hosts, Guides, Supporters, Volunteers, and caring communities across North America, they have been changing the lives of America’s combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes ever since.

In recognition of John J. McDaniel Day, we are releasing a series of special podcast episodes featuring WWIA’s Founder and CEO, John McDaniel. These episodes follow John throughout his 20 years of military service up to where, how, and why the Foundation was started. These episodes are filled with great stories, personal and historical insights, and chronicle John’s journey as only he can tell it. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating John McDaniel Day, and we hope you enjoy this special series.

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel spends some time talking with Mr. Dave Hintz, one of the Foundation’s longest and most ardent supporters. Dave is the founder and driving force behind Hides for Heroes, a phenomenal fundraising powerhouse based in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Through their tremendous hard work and collective efforts, the incredible Hides for Heroes team has donated over $127,000 to WWIA since 2012! Dave's dedication, patriotism, and thoughtfulness are second-to-none, and we hope you enjoy getting to know him and his example of how one person's ingenuity and generosity can blossom into something amazing that impacts thousands of lives! We know you’re going to love this episode.

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel sits down for a special conversation with WWIA Team member, Corrina Hart. Corrina has been with WWIA for 10 years as their Logistics Coordinator and Hero Engagement Specialist, ensuring the Foundation’s operations run smoothly and provide the best services possible to the Purple Heart recipients they proudly serve. She is the proud daughter of a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran who succumbed to his wounds in June of 2009, and sister of a career Air Force senior NCO (retired). An accomplished sportsman herself, having owned and operated a hunting and fishing guide service for nearly 10 years, Corrina has an intimate understanding of what's entailed in making our events successful. She is honored to have such a critical role in an organization that gives so much back to our wounded veterans. In addition to her work with WWIA, Corrina is a retired volunteer firefighter/EMT currently residing in Idaho. She enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with her daughter and grandson.

WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel proudly welcomes Matt Brannon to the WWIA Podcast. Matt’s life has been dedicated to the service of his country and others. Matt is a proud husband and father, a United States Army Purple Heart Veteran, a certified WWIA Guide, Event Host of the Alabama Turkey and Hog Hunt, and a newly elected WWIA Board Member. Matt has served in Law Enforcement for the past 11 years. He is a Special Agent Senior, working for the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and currently assigned to the Narcotics division, working on the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force. He also holds full credentials with Homeland Security/ICE. Matt strongly believes in the healing power of the great outdoors and the mission of WWIA. Matt is truly an exceptional Hero and Patriot, and we hope you enjoy getting to know him as he shares his story.

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is on-site at Camp Hackett, WWIA's Northern Healing Center in Wisconsin. John has come to Camp Hackett to do some required "housekeeping" at the property, to ensure it is in optimal condition for the Purple Heart Heroes who visit the Camp for our world-class sporting events, but also for the wildlife who frequent this 410-acre sportsman's paradise.

Another purpose for his visit, and the underlying subject of this podcast episode, is John's attempt to fulfill a lifelong dream of trapping an otter. This episode follows John's over a series of days in the Northwoods as he talks about the challenges of trapping, wolves and other animals in the local area, understanding animal behavior, adjusting to the environment and weather conditions, as well as the pleasure of the pursuit as he brings us along on his adventure to fill an otter tag.

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, we are proud to bring you the first in a series of on-location interviews from the Northwoods of Wisconsin at WWIA's Northern Healing Center, Camp Hackett. WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes longtime supporter and friend of the Foundation, Mr. Mike Reed. Mike is a multi-talented man who can do just about anything, truly a jack-of-all trades. He has graciously and humbly been the Camp's go-to-guy go for troubleshooting issues on site or facilitating and spearheading maintenance or improvement projects. Mike's also a successful entrepreneur, an avid outdoorsman, a generous philanthropist, and a true servant-leader. Mike and his wife Joan are true American patriots and tremendous supporters of WWIA and our combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes. We are honored to introduce you to Mike, to share part of his story, and to recognize the impact and contributions he has made and continues to make through his selfless participation and support.

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, Host, John McDaniel gives an overview of the history of Camp Hackett, WWIA's Northern Healing Center, located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Camp Hackett is the WWIA’s longest standing operational mission, dating back to 2007. Consisting of 410 acres of private property (owned and operated by the WWIA), Camp Hackett is a sportsmen’s paradise. The property primarily consists of undeveloped wild forestland which is conveniently surrounded by other large parcels of similar private land holdings, with one exception — the entire eastern border of Camp Hackett abuts 570 acres of accessible and usable property which is owned by the State of Wisconsin. This additional large land-locked parcel essentially doubles the opportunities our Heroes can enjoy while pursuing outdoor sporting adventures.

The Purple Heart recipients who attend Camp Hackett are afforded the opportunity to experience this vast and unique wilderness, which is teeming with wild game. This magical place affords our Heroes the chance to pursue some of the most unique game and fish species from across North America. While at Camp Hackett, our Heroes hunt for trophy whitetail deer with bows and arrows; hunt for black bear; pursue wild and elusive ruffed grouse and woodcock; fish for the mighty freshwater musky; and enjoy Canadian goose hunting.

The accommodations at Camp Hackett are fairly spartan, but highly adequate and appropriate. It is, in a strict and traditional sense, a “deer camp”. A well-insulated, externally heated and sturdy bunkhouse complete with a small kitchen, shower and commode serve as the centerpiece for story-telling, veteran bonding and a safe shelter for sleeping. Camp Hackett is “off-the-grid” and powered by a state of the art, eco-friendly solar and battery-powered system that was graciously donated and installed by our friends and partners at Dragonfly Energy/Battle Born Batteries.

The future of this great camp is also very promising. The WWIA enjoys a long-standing series of well-developed and meaningful bonds and relationships with great people and the Northwoods’ communities, especially those that reside in the town of Phillips, WI which is 20 miles southeast of Camp Hackett. Thanks to the generosity and partnership of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, WWIA constructed, with the help of long-time friend and supporter, Mike Reed, a beautiful and functional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bathroom and shower facility in the bunkhouse. Eventually, the WWIA will build an ADA compliant lodge on this great property, transforming it into a year-round healing center for our combat-wounded and their families.

This episode of the WWIA Podcast features Mr. Wade Seaburg, Chief Revenue Officer for Dragonfly Energy, a 5-star sponsor and a valued friend and partner of the Foundation. Wade and Host, John McDaniel talk about the tremendous contributions they have made in support of WWIA and our Heroes, how they changed the effectiveness and future of WWIA's Northern Healing Center, Camp Hackett; and how Dragonfly Energy and Battle Born Batteries are leading, innovating, and revolutionizing energy storage.

Dragonfly Energy are committed to revolutionizing energy storage to build a greener future. They are developing technologies to improve conventional and solid-state lithium-ion battery manufacturing and storage by reducing costs and expanding accessibility, without sacrificing quality. They believe that affordable and effective energy storage is the renewable energy landscape of the future.

Chief Revenue Officer, Wade Seaburg leads Dragonfly Energy’s sales, business development and revenue growth & diversification efforts. During his time with Dragonfly Energy, Seaburg has helped grow the company’s OEM business and relationships exponentially, including being instrumental in successfully getting the company recognized as a “Five Rivet Supplier” with the iconic brand – Airstream RV. As a valued leader, Wade has built a talented and experienced team around him at Dragonfly Energy as he continues to develop integral business relationships and new opportunities.  

Dan Doll and Dave Studenka are the Hosts of the Southwest Ohio Ducks and Bucks Hunt in Waynesville, Ohio. For the past 11 years, they have been honoring and serving our Heroes through their stellar and longstanding event. They join WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel along with Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide, Jake Whipkey for an outstanding talk about the origins of the Southwest Ohio event, the incredible community and team they have amassed, why they feel so passionate about their mission to serve Purple Heart Heroes, and how it has positively impacted the lives of our combat-wounded veterans. This episode is chock full of insightful stories and gives a great look behind the curtain of our operations and into the people who are an integral part of it.