There are those among us who quietly go about the business of doing good—who don’t look for praise or recognition, but whose steady presence and giving spirit make all the difference. The mission of the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation is built upon the shoulders of such Patriots—men and women, families and businesses—who choose to stand in the gap for our combat-wounded Veterans. They offer not only their resources, but their hearts, their homes, and their hands. And because of them, healing happens.

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, Founder and CEO John McDaniel introduces us to one of those quiet giants—a man whose life and legacy have become deeply intertwined with the WWIA story. We’re honored to welcome Mr. Joe DePriest, President and CEO of Western States Fire Protection.

For over 28 years, Joe has poured himself into a career marked by excellence and integrity, leading a company known for its strong values and outstanding people. But if you really want to know Joe, you have to look beyond the boardroom. You’ll find him out in the fields of Northwest Missouri, tending to his farm and animals with his beautiful wife, Kim. You’ll find him relaxing in nature, something he’s loved since childhood, as well as hunting and fishing, and sharing those experience with some of the Heroes he welcomes to his property each fall.

Nearly a decade ago, Joe and Kim opened up their farm—and their hearts—to the WWIA family. What began as a gesture of support has grown into a powerful partnership, one that has brought countless Purple Heart Heroes into their care and into the healing embrace of nature. They don’t do it for credit. They do it because it’s their way of giving back and saying thanks to our Heroes for their service and sacrifice.

So today, we invite you to listen in as John sits down with Joe for a heartfelt conversation about service, stewardship, and the incredible impact one family—and one company—can make. This is what it looks like when gratitude meets action, and it's the heart and spirit of WWIA.

Takeaways:

• The Wounded Warriors in Action foundation aims to honor, connect, and heal combat wounded veterans through various initiatives.
• Joe DePriest, president of Western States Fire Protection, exemplifies philanthropy by supporting veterans and their families through outdoor experiences.
• The partnership between Joe and his wife, Kim, with WWIA has provided therapeutic hunting experiences for numerous Purple Heart recipients.
• Engaging with veterans in nature fosters healing and connection, allowing them to share their stories and bond over shared experiences.
• The emotional impact of connecting with veterans and providing them support can lead to lasting friendships and positive memories.
• The foundation's work highlights the importance of gratitude and giving back to those who have served our nation.

The world-class outdoor sporting adventures that our combat-wounded Veterans participate in would not be possible without the generosity and support of our event Hosts. We have a remarkable team of WWIA event Hosts across North America who work with their local communities, friends, and businesses to honor and serve our Purple heart Heroes throughout each year. These Hosts do this voluntarily, rallying support, resources, and coordinating their community base because they want to give back, to recognize and thank America’s combat-wounded Veterans for their tremendous service and sacrifice. Our event Hosts are a critical part of what we do, and we could not be more grateful to have them as a part of our WWIA team and family. Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is honored to introduce you to one of our valued event Hosts, Mr. Andy Wilson.

Andy is the Host of the Great Creek Hunt Club events in beautiful Alberta, Virginia. Great Creek Hunt Club proudly hosts two events per year, a turkey hunt in the spring, and a deer hunt in the fall. This will be their 12th year of hosting the deer hunt, and their 8th year of hosting the turkey hunt. Andy was born and raised just outside of Richmond, Virginia and has been married to his beautiful wife Abigail for 17 years. They have 2 amazing daughters, Kynleigh, who’s about to turn 10, and the youngest, Annistyn, who just turned 7. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, riding 4-wheelers, or checking trail cameras, they both love spending time with Andy in the great outdoors. Andy has hunted at the Great Creek Hunt Club since he was old enough to carry a gun. His grandfather and friends started the hunt club back in 1965and it is still thriving today. Andy says his best hunting memories have been made at the hunt club. It’s a special place to get away and commune with nature, and the hunting in this area is exceptional. Having the opportunity to hunt with some of the same people for over 30 years has been a tremendous privilege, and the members of the Great Creek Hunt Club are honored to be able to host these events in honor and recognition of America’s Purple Heart Heroes.

Takeaways:

• The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting combat wounded veterans through outdoor activities.
• Our community of event hosts plays a pivotal role in facilitating unique hunting experiences for Purple Heart recipients across North America.
• The significance of camaraderie and connection among veterans during these events fosters healing and appreciation for their sacrifices.
• Every event is not solely about the harvest but rather the shared experiences and bonds created between participants and their guides.
• Engagement in outdoor activities provides veterans an opportunity to reconnect with nature and find joy in shared interests.
• The Foundation's success relies heavily on the generous contributions of local communities and individuals who support our mission.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• WWIA
• Great Creek Hunt Club
• Fort Myer Thrift Store
• Bonaire Exteriors

We have another outstanding episode to share with you today, as we welcome a tremendous patriot and friend of the Foundation to the program. Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is honored to share some time talking with Purple Heart Hero, WWIA Guide, and WWIA Event Host, Mr. Roy Holland.

Roy is married to his beautiful wife Sasha and is a father to two sons, Russell and Braden. Having been born into a military family, Roy joined the Marine Corps after high school and would also serve in Vermont Army National Guard, where he was deployed multiple times in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has also served as a police officer for 25 years, currently serving as the Chief of Police in Enfield, New Hampshire.

His biggest passions (other than family) are hunting and fishing. He has hunted and fished since childhood and has continued enjoying the great outdoors throughout his life, as he finds that immersing himself in nature is the best reset possible. Roy attended his first WWIA event in 2017 and came on as a certified WWIA Guide a few years later. In addition to being a Guide, he also proudly Hosts the New Hampshire Bear & Bass Event, now entering its seventh year.

This is a great conversation between friends, and we’re excited to share part of Roy’s journey with you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast aims to honor, connect, and provide healing for America's combat wounded veterans.
• Roy Holland, a Purple Heart recipient, shares his journey and experiences in law enforcement and the military.
• The importance of nature and outdoor activities for veterans' mental health is emphasized during the podcast.
• Community support plays a crucial role in the success of events designed for combat wounded veterans, as highlighted by Roy's efforts.