This was my first fishing trip for Walleye and in the Great Lakes and it was great. I have been invited for the last three years and finally got a chance to come and I am so glad I did. I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for me to come here and experience this event. You don’t leave hungry, great location, great people, and a great community. This was my first trip with WWIA and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the memories, the hospitality and the friendships made in this place.

G. Zavala, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

What a great fishing trip made possible by WWIA. We slammed the walleye, got our limit both days. We enjoyed seeing a warehouse of Buick’s, that we had time for. Mark and Jordan were fantastic guides. Not going to forget Virgil, he did an outstanding job. All of the Hosts went out of their way to please. Certainly, an unforgettable experience.

J. McClister, US Navy, Purple Heart recipient

This was an outstanding event with so many great and kind people. Ihave been on a handful of events in the past with other organizations. This was my first event with WWIA and I have to say it was the most welcoming and relaxing environment. Many connections and memories were made. All the Hosts and Boat Captains were amazing people. Thank you all for the outstanding time and for the chance to actually relax and unplug for the weekend.

J. Lindholm, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

I have had the privilege of co-hosting numerous WWIA hunting events in South Alabama and decided this year that I wanted to include a fyfishing trip in support of WWIA and their great organization. First off, I want to thank Corrina for helping us through the process of getting the trip on the calendar. She is a gem and has kept all the hunts and now flyfishing trip organized and stress free. Our WWIA Guide, Greg Brazinsky is one of the best I have been with over the years. He is professional, caring, organized and funny. Greg and I couldn’t have asked for a better Guide for our Inaugural event. Walter and John, our Heroes were two of the finest men I have had the pleasure of spending time with. Since I started supporting WWIA in 2017, I can’t remember a group of Heroes that got along and had more fun and laughs together. Hell, I haven’t laughed that hard in a long while. Greg and I are already getting the dates together for next year. I also wanted to thank Pat Stone (fishing guide) and Pappaw Bob Light owner of Pappaw’s Fishing Cabins. Again, great organization with great people supporting a great cause. Thank you for letting us be a small part of it.

J. Roland, Host

First, I had the honor to meet and become friends with three amazing Americans! Second, there military service was absolutely incredible, we need more great Americans like them. Third, I was wondering how hard it was going to be to relate to the Warriors, it was instant, it was awesome, it was fun, it was a blast. I wanted the event to never end. Fourth, Greg, John and Walt had such a diverse set of attitudes that melded so well. From breakfast in the morning, to lunch, to dinner the ability to just sit and talk was great. It was the best part of the trip. Lastly, Joe Roland is awesome, he is my best friend and if I have a chance to do this again with him, I will drop everything.
Walt is a mean man, just kidding, he did awesome fishing. John had such a military story, I couldn’t get enough of him. Plus, he is a great fisherman. Greg was an all-around awesome person and knows exactly what the team needs to be successful. WWIA, thank you for making this happen.

G. Chambers, Host

On Thursday May 1st I arrived at the airport in Bluff City, TN and was instantly contacted by Joe Roland informing me of where he was located outside of the airport. I was pleasantly surprised because of the organization and attention to detail regarding this trip was exceptional. The WWIA constantly made contact with me leading up to my arrival and made me feel at ease. From my first conversation with Mrs. Corrina who was and is very kind, to my first interaction (via phone) with Mr. Brazinsky. Every Guide and Host ensured all aspects of this flyfishing trip were taken care of. I have never flyfished before so I was a little hesitant, but that all quickly went away when we arrived at Pappaw’s Fishing Pad. Mr. Roland and Mr. Chambers’ great humor, patience, kindness and friendship made for a stress free environment. They immediately started the great hospitality with a lunch and introduced themselves further. Meanwhile, sharing some of their stories as we did ours. From there we were taken to the side and given detailed (but not overly complicated) instructions and guidance on proper flyfishing. We were then taken out to the water where both of our Hosts watched and instructed us, making me absolutely fall in love with flyfishing. The next two days, we went out on boats and flyfished on the Watauga River. Wow, what an enjoyable time. I felt at peace and relaxed and the period of instruction the day before really made it stress free. It would have been miserable trying to flyfish for the first time off a boat. Every morning Mr. Roland and Mr. Chambers had breakfast ready and smiles on their faces. Lunches and dinners were no different, great guys with an awesome history of military service themselves. Overall, I can’t thank WWIA enough for such a stress free and enjoyable trip, what a great organization. It has been a very long time since I laughed so much in the course of a few days, slept so good, and felt at peace at the waters edge. To Mrs. Corrina, Joe Roland, Greg Chambers and Greg Brazinsky, thank you so much! FYI – being an infantry guy, I loved the WWIA OPORD.

W. Diggs, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

This is my third trip with WWIA and I have to say it was the Best Trip Ever! Just being around people with military service is a great help. I have to thank the WWIA people that put this trip together. All I can say is thank you all. One of the best parts was the food, it could not have been better. Love to all of you people and I mean it.

J. Dickerson, USMC, Purple Heart recipient

This weekend felt like freedom. This weekend felt like everything that we fought for as soldiers. I think they should change the motto for the State; the new motto should be “The State that feels like freedom”. Nevertheless, I can say I felt loved in Virginia.

K. Patterson, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

First, what an incredible hunting experience. Second, thank you WWIA for the return trip and for everything this does for my mental health. Thank you again and God Bless.

J. Chrzanowski, US Army, Purple Heart recipient

What an incredible time out here turkey hunting in Virginia. I have learned a ton about turkey hunting. The Host and Guides were incredible. I never expected to run into a bear while turkey hunting. Thank you WWIA for this awesome hunt opportunity.

B. Shaffer, US Army, Purple Heart recipient