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We have another exceptional guest on this episode of the WWIA Podcast. WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is honored to share some time and a wonderful conversation with one of America’s tremendous Purple Heart Heroes, Mr. Greg Brazinsky. Greg recently retired from the United States Army after proudly serving for 20 years as a Combat Engineer. Greg is married, has three children, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. In his off time, he loves spending time with his family, enjoys woodworking, is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He also serves as a Guide for WWIA on various events across North America, assisting his fellow Purple Heart brothers and sisters. This is a great episode that we know you’re going to enjoy.
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This episode of the WWIA Podcast is all-important as we shine a light on the issue of veteran suicide. Veterans having faithfully served and defended our country are too often lost to suicide. It’s not only tragic, but also unacceptable. As United States citizens and supporters of our military, we have a duty to help these remarkable veterans overcome the issues that can lead to suicide. In this episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel discusses the current statistics surrounding veteran suicide including some of the contributing causes and some of the preventative factors. He also delves into an important collaborative and evidenced-based study between WWIA and Cornell University that shows how the work WWIA is doing is helping prevent veteran suicide and improve the lives of our combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes. If you’re a veteran, friend, or family member, and you’re struggling or considering suicide, we encourage you to please call 988 (then press 1) to be connected to a live person at the Veterans Crisis Line. You’re not alone. They are available 24 hours a day, it’s a confidential all, and they are ready and waiting to assist you. Again, simply dial 988 (then press 1).
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WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel continues his veteran entrepreneur series as he welcomes Brett Baker to the program. Brett is a retired Army Ranger, husband, father of two, and the co-founder and visionary of VAUSA. VAUSA creates meaningful jobs and community for military families through strategically building remote teams for veteran and faith-based businesses. VAUSA prioritizes people over profits, believes in using their business as a ministry, and is passionate about using their God-given gifts to serve others. Brett's other passions include mentoring transitioning veterans, homeschooling his two children, and running a homestead just outside of Savannah, Georgia.
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We have an exceptional episode for you today as WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes a close friend and a true American Patriot to the podcast, General Douglas Crissman. Doug is a West Point graduate, having served more than 33 years in the Army, retiring as a Major General in 2021. Doug earned a master’s degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia, taught on the faculty at West Point, served two tours in the Pentagon, and was the senior U.S. Army officer assigned to the British Army.
An Eagle Scout, former Scoutmaster and avid outdoorsman, Doug enjoys hunting, hiking, and backpacking and recently completed several hundred miles on the Appalachian Trail. Since retiring from the Army, Doug divides his time and energy between helping to raise the next generation of Army leaders as an Army Senior Mentor, providing corporate leadership development to Fortune 500 companies as a Senior Advisor with Thayer Leadership, strategic advising as an independent consultant, and sharing his passion for the outdoors as an Assistant Manager for an outdoor gear store in Northern Virginia where he now resides.
Although a recent member of the WWIA Board of Directors, he has been involved with the growth and development of the Foundation since its inception in 2007 and looks forward to helping guide it’s continued progression to Honor, Connect, and Heal our Nation’s combat-wounded, Purple Heart recipients.
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2023 is in the books, and it has been another outstanding year of serving, honoring, and changing the lives of America’s combat-wounded veterans. On this first episode of the New Year, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel provides us with WWIA’s year in review. John gives an overview of the Foundation’s mission throughout 2023, including some of the year’s highlights, as well as what’s in store for the upcoming year.
Over the past 17 years, it has been and remains a high honor and privilege to partner with so many incredible patriotic Hosts, Guides, Volunteers, Donors, Supporters, and remarkable communities across North America to bring Honor, Connection, and Healing to our Heroes. We move into 2024 with anticipation and gratitude, and we hope that the new year will bring you blessings, health, and happiness!
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WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel recorded this episode on location at WWIA’s Northern Healing Center, Camp Hackett, in Phillips, Wisconsin. This recording was done at the conclusion of the 17th Annual Camp Hackett event in late October of 2023 and features one of the remarkable Purple Heart Heroes that attended the event, Mr. John Samuels. John is a proud patriot and Marine Corps veteran having served from 2001 to 2005. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 20 years and they share 4 incredible children together. John continues to serve others long after his military career concluded, always seeking to give back to those in need. This episode gives you a unique look inside one of WWIA’s missions on the ground level and in real time from the perspective of a Hero attending the event. We appreciate John sharing his story with us, and it’s a great and entertaining episode that we are proud to share with you.
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WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes Mr. Eric Martinez. Eric is the Owner & CEO for Old Dogs New Tricks, LLC - a product development and marketing company that owns a portfolio of consumer-packaged goods products that includes energy drinks (Pursuit Energy), energy shots & powders, ready-to-drink & packaged coffee, beef and game jerky and dog treats all sold under the Pursuit brand.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Eric worked in a private equity firm as a managing director with oversight over certain portfolio companies. During his career, Eric held senior executive positions in various privately held and private equity owned companies including ProCare Automotive Service Solutions, Leo Burnett USA, Outboard Marine Corporation and Favorite Brands International. Early in his career, he held executive and management positions within publicly held companies including IMC Global, General Electric (GE Plastics), Amoco Corporation, and Ernst & Young.
Eric earned a Master of Management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a BBA with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He is a CPA. He currently resides in Wisconsin with his wife Becky and two heelers, Harley & Buehl.
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WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes Mr. Charlie Buntin to the WWIA Podcast. Charlie is a veteran entrepreneur, a retired Army Major, having proudly served our country from 2004 through 2016. Charlie began his military journey as a former member of the Tennessee Army National Guard, before attending the University of Tennessee at Martin where he commissioned through ROTC as a 2LT in the Army Engineer Corps. In 2005 he deployed with the 101st Airborne Division to Iraq. Charlie also served with the 1st Infantry Division, the Delta Company 35th Engineer Battalion 1st Engineer Brigade, and the 2nd Brigade 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq. Charlie also served as an instructor of the ROTC program at Middle Tennessee State University for 3 years before returning to Fort Hood for his final assignment as a member of 3rd Corps HQ. His awards include the Bronze Star medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal 1 oak leaf cluster, Joint Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Combat Action Badge. Charlie is the co-owner of Cigars on the Boulevard, a veteran-owned premium cigar bar and lounge located in Apollo Beach, Florida.
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We’ve got another outstanding episode for you today as WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel proudly introduces us to a man who has gone above and beyond in his passion and pursuit to honor and serve America’s combat-wounded veterans. Today, we welcome Mr. John Everett, affectionately known as “Jello" John to the WWIA Podcast. John has been a central figure and member of Team Erie for 11 years, which hosts the Lake Erie Trophy Walleye Fishing Event for our Heroes each year in Ashtabula, Ohio. With the assistance of his family and friends, John has also graciously spearheaded an annual fundraiser over the past six years which has been a massive success in support of Team Erie’s annual event. John is a perfect example of how Patriots across North America can come together and make life-changing impacts on America’s veterans. We appreciate John and Team Erie for their tremendous contributions and support of our mission throughout the years.
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We love introducing you to some of the remarkable people that are a part of our WWIA friends, family, and support network. We have had the honor of meeting and forming lasting relationships with so many outstanding American patriots who selflessly give of their time, talents, charitable donations, and life experiences. We could not accomplish and expand our mission without them. Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes another one of these exceptional people to the WWIA Podcast. Mr. Audie “Rock” Murphy is Host of the Murphy Family and Friends Mississippi Hog Hunt and Co-Host of the Saltgrass Lodge Red Fishing Event. Audie is an amazing man who has lived an eclectic life. He is a proud husband to wife Joanie, and father to five children, an Army and Air Force veteran, he retired from the Armed Services in 1996, and then went on to serve as a police office for 15 years, and also served as a firearms instructor for the United States Navy. In addition to hosting an annual WWIA event for the past 11 years, Audie currently co-owns and operates with his brother Ray, Quiet Professionals Defensive Firearms Training, a Mississippi state certified business where he instructs and leads an enhanced concealed carry course. In Audie’s downtime, you can usually find him in the field, on the water, or enjoying time with friends and family at Dan B’s, a Murphy family-owned restaurant and bar in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and a long-time supporter of WWIA.
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WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is proud to welcome two outstanding American Patriots to the WWIA Podcast, Mr. Dixon Gunther and Dr. Keith Tidball. They are both avid outdoorsman and proudly serve as WWIA Advisors, Dixon as our Senior Outdoor Instructor & Advisor, and Keith as our Science Advisor.
Dixon Gunther is a retired United States Army Colonel, a highly decorated veteran, having served our country over an impressive 25-year career. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (second award), Combat Infantryman’s Badge (second award), and the coveted Ranger Tab. He is also a musician, outdoorsman, as well as a certified NRA Rifle and Shotgun Instructor, and an avid competitive shooter. Dixon is married to his wife Katie, and together they have two sons and a daughter, and currently reside in San Antonio, TX.
Dr. Keith Tidball serves as Assistant Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension for Veterans, Military Families, and Disaster Education, and as a Senior Extension Associate in the Department of Natural Resources. He is a licensed NY State Guide, has served in the National Guard since 1990, currently a Major in the 10th Brigade of the New York Guard, and is a life member of the American Legion. Keith is married to his wife Moira, and together they have two daughters. Keith and his family reside in the beautiful Fingerlakes region of New York.
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On today’s episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is honored to spend time talking with an incredible American Patriot and Hero. Crystal Masek is a Purple Heart recipient, WWIA Guide, and Host of the Inaugural Rocky Point Recreation Area South Dakota Archery Antelope Hunt. Crystal proudly served in the Army Reserves for twenty-six years and is an avid hunter and angler who appreciates and enjoys most anything outdoors, especially new experiences and traveling. Of all of Crystal’s accomplishments and successes, none of them mean more to her than her daughter Lexi, who also proudly serves our nation’s Armed Forces as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army. Enjoy this outstanding conversation with John and Crystal.
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On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, spends some time talking with two incredible American patriots, Dennis Reynolds and Shelley Cohen. Dennis and Shelley have been tremendous supporters of the Foundation, hosting 3 different WWIA events annually at their beautiful DoubleCreek Lodge in Tennessee. They currently host a turkey hunt in the spring, followed by an archery Deer Hunt and rifle deer hunt in the fall. This year will mark a decade of Dennis and Shelley proudly serving and honoring our Purple Heart Heroes, and we could not be more grateful for their outstanding efforts and dedication. We hope you enjoy getting to know Dennis and Shelley and we appreciate them taking time out to share some of their stories and experiences with us.
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On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, introduces us to one of the Foundations premiere partners and friends, Mr. Chris DeMik. Chris is a part of the American Legion Thomas Hartung Post 1977 in New Lenox, Illinois. The American Legion Thomas E. Hartung Post 1977 are a WWIA Medal of Honor recipient, having donated over $210,000 in support of WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes since 2010. Remarkable! We are honored to have Chris join us today as he and John discuss their amazing community of supporters, family, fatherhood, and what it means to give back and make a difference. It’s a wonderful conversation that we’re proud to share with you.
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Today is National Purple Heart Day, a day where we recognize and honor the tremendous service and sacrifice of those brave men and women who have earned the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded on the battlefield or having paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives while in service to our country. On this special episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel talks about the history of the Purple Heart. Please join us in honoring America’s brave Purple Heart recipients today as we honor and thank them for all they have given on behalf of our country and in preservation of our freedom. 💜
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On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, is honored to introduce us to one of our phenomenal event Hosts, Mr. Scott Samuels. Scott has been proudly serving and honoring our Purple Heart Heroes at his stellar event, the Eagle River Muskie Chal-Lunge. Scott, along with his tremendous and generous community of friends, businesses, and supporters in Eagle River, Wisconsin, have rallied around our Heroes year after year, thanking them for their service and sacrifice. For the past ten years, our combat-wounded veterans have had an exceptional and memorable time while they experience world-class fishing in pursuit of the elusive muskie, share food, fun, laughs and stories with fellow Heroes and newfound friends in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. It’s a great conversation that we’re excited to share with you today and a wonderful example of what a tremendous impact a community can have when they join forces in support of America's Heroes.
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On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes Mr. Roy McKenzie to the program. Roy resides in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and is the founder and owner of 4 Bulls Meats, Seafood, & Deli. Roy has been in the meat and butchery business for over 35 years and has the distinct honor of having won four National Beef Stampede Awards. Roy is also the Host of WWIA’s Annual North Dakota Wild Pheasant Hunt, which will proudly celebrate its sixth year of honoring and serving our Heroes this fall. Roy also co-hosts the “End of Summer BBQ Cookoff & Concert” in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, an outstanding fundraising event that helps support WWIA as well as other local non-profits within Mississippi. Roy is a proud and avid supporter of WWIA and America’s combat-wounded veterans, and we are honored to spend time talking with him and sharing his part of his story with you today.
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On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, we are proud to introduce you to one of our incredible Purple Heart Heroes and a certified WWIA Guide, Mr. Derek VanBuren. Derek grew up with a love for hunting, fishing and trapping 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. Derek joined the 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 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 attended his first WWIA event at Camp Hackett, Wisconsin in the fall of 2010 and has been a valuable part of the WWIA team ever since. Today he lives in Michigan, with his wife Katie and two children Eli and Amelia. 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. Enjoy this awesome conversation with John and Derek.
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On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is joined by two remarkable Americans, Todd Bohm and Tony Kopchinski. Todd and Tony hail from Kronenwetter, Wisconsin. Todd is the Host of the longstanding Wisconsin Cast and Blast event, which has been proudly honoring our Heroes for thirteen years! Tony is Todd’s father-in-law and is the outstanding Host of one of our most unique and revered events, the Wisconsin Woodturning event, which recently celebrated its 9th year of serving our combat-wounded veterans. Todd and Tony have a tremendous heart for our Heroes and have made a tremendous impact and difference in their lives over the years. We are honored to share their thoughts, experiences, and WWIA journey with you today.
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The mission of WWIA is to serve our nation’s combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors. One of the questions that we get on occasion pertaining to our mission is, how exactly does that work? What does that mean exactly? Well, it’s a great and valid question. On today’s episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel answers that question for us, giving clarity and detail behind how our mission and events unfold. There's certainly a great deal that goes into sending our Heroes on these outdoor sporting events across North America and John breaks down the process and particulars to give a better understanding and an inside look on this special “How it Works” episode of the WWIA Podcast.
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