My Nonprofit Reviews

Incredible chance to get together with peers and like-minded veterans. Wonderful experience.

WWIA brought in four Purple Hear veterans to Rothschild, WI from all over the US for their annual WI Cast & Blast. These Warriors were able to shoot their first turkeys, catch their first walleyes, turn wood for their first time, relax and bond with both fellow veterans and the local community. The WWIA is so much more than hunting and fishing -it's the friendships, increased passion for the outdoors and an environment to relax that greatly promotes better living for these Warriors. The organization of this WWIA event is impeccable and fosters a first class environment to provide for the needs of our combat wounded veterans. Well done!
SFC (ret) Jon French
US Army

I recently came back from an incredible WWIA Lake Erie walleye fishing event in Aushtabula, OH. As a volunteer, guide and Purple Heart Warrior for over 10 years, it amazes me how these events do so much for not only our Warriors but for all of those involved. Whether we're hauling in beautiful walleyes or engaging in an impromptu corn hole/bean bag toss tournament due to a small craft advisory on Lake Erie, the comradery and bonding that happens always comes at the most critical points in our lives. It truly breathes life into not only the Warriors but everyone involved. It makes us feel whole.
Thank you WWIA for the phenomenal opportunities you provide and the profound impacts it has on all our lives.

SFC (ret) Jon French
WWIA Guide/Associate

Can’t say enough on how much they’ve helped fellow wounded veterans and myself. The compassion and generosity shown is immeasurable. A very organized organization.

The WWIAF provided an incredible outdoors experience. The other veterans were strangers only prior to meeting. It provided great camaraderie that I've only had with my military friends. The turkey hunting and ice fishing were exceptional. The guides and hosts were extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. The food was unreal (most of us probably gained weight). From our first contact with WWIA to our guide dropping us off at the airport after our awesome trip, it was always extremely well organized. It was so nice to have a chance to relax, breathe and connect with other wounded veterans like myself. I am extremely grateful for such a wonderful opportunity.

My name is SSG Jonathan French, a Combat Engineer (12B)/SAPPER in the US ARMY MIANG. I was deployed to the mountains of eastern Afghanistan in 2008-2009. Prior to deployment, I thought the worst outcome was the possibility being killed. I was unaware there could be something far worse. During an intense firefight with insurgents in July of 2009, I was struck directly in the chest by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG). I was medevac'd out and sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for medical and physical rehabilitation. It was here I learned what was worse than dying. I found myself emotionally and mentally numb; wondering what my purpose or mission was. I felt lost with no real direction on where to go, what to do next or even if I felt like doing anything. I was later introduced to the Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation (WWIAF) and reintegrated back into the hunting and fishing sports (something I grew up with and was passionate about prior to deployment). Through the time provided in the outdoors, the pursuit of animals/game fish and providing sustenance for my family -I found my internal grounding, my purpose, a replacement for the surge of combat adrenaline and especially the ability to relax and breathe. Through WWIAF, I was able to gain direction in my life and a sense of purpose. In a battlefield environment a soldier is an expert at his job and duties. Now that I was back in the civilian world, this void was filled by my time as a sportsman in the outdoors. The WWIAF events provide the perfect environment for wounded Warriors' mental and emotional rehabilitation. A Warrior is given the camaraderie with fellow wounded Warriors and the environment to learn and grow from their experiences. New friendships and bonds are created between other Warriors, the extraordinary hosts as well as the donors with whose generosity helped us out on a deep, personal level; complete strangers who cared for us when we needed help. It confirms the idea of who we are fighting for, the greatness of this Country. This foundation introduces us with phenomenal people who share the same patriotism and values as us.

I'm not sure where I would be without this Foundation or the support of my family, firends and community. To the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation, my greatest and sincerest appreciation for giving me a sense of purpose, direction and meaning back to my life.