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Purple Heart Recipients of Past and Present Unite

Wounded Warriors in Action aids in healing the hearts and minds of our nation's combat wounded heroes (Purple Heart recipients) from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom by providing them with world-class outdoor sporting activities, chiefly consisting of hunting and fishing retreats all across America.

In early 2011 the MOPHSF granted $68,000 to WWIA to support their operations. MOPHSF Board President, Jim Blaylock, stated, "WWIA's mission to bring together combat wounded warriors to participate in outdoor activities and experience the camaraderie of Purple Heart recipients is a cause we encourage and are honored to be part of." National Commander Clayton Jones added, "The MOPH is proud to support programs like the Wounded Warrior in Action sponsored Muskie fishing tournament, because they not only honor the service and sacrifice of our wounded service members, but they provide an opportunity for them to experience the wonderful outdoor activities in this great land that they might not otherwise be able to enjoy."

WWIA Summer Muskie Classic is also made possible thanks to the support of Muskie Country Outfitters, a fly fishing guide service from northern Wisconsin. Muskie Country Outfitters is dedicated to offering anglers the chance to experience the vast resources of the north woods under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

John McDaniel founded the WWIA in 2007 and established its corporate headquarters in Apollo Beach, Fla. A retired Army officer, John felt that his service to the American nation was not yet finished.

"I see a crucial need for mental and spiritual healing in the combat wounded veteran population, and I've seen how sporting activities in the great outdoors can meet this need," said war veteran McDaniel.

WWIA connects Purple Heart recipients with American sportsmen, to provide world-class sporting events. WWIA has served over 100 Purple Heart recipients to date.

"These sportsmen feel compelled to give back to these service members who have given so much," said McDaniel, an avid sportsman himself.

Through WWIA, combat wounded veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart receive opportunities they might otherwise never have, first-rate sporting activities like hunting elk in Washington State, hunting pheasant in South Dakota, and wreck fishing off the coast of New Jersey.

One of the most important outcomes of WWIA events for Purple Heart recipients is being able to connect with other service members who have been through similar experiences.

After the 2010 Alligator Hunt near Gainesville, Florida, Wounded Warrior Josh Krueger related, "These types of trips for me are spiritually cleansing. This trip renewed my faith in people and has helped me remember who I am and what I stand for."

The first WWIA Summer Muskie Classic is the centerpiece of the 2011-12 season that boasts more than 25 events across America.

Wounded Warriors in Action
Amanda Modell, 888-308-9942
info@wwiaf.org
or
MOPHSF
Tempie Thompson, 703-635-3531
Tthompson@mophsf.org
or
MOPH
John Bircher, 352-753-5535
publicrelations@purpleheart.org