On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO John McDaniel proudly welcomes two exceptional American Patriots to the show. Purple Heart Recipients and WWIA Guides Jake Whipkey and Matt Brannon join John for an engaging conversation on leadership.

Jake Whipkey served five years in the U.S. Army, 101st ABN division, stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he received while serving his second tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This tour was cut short on November 18, 2007, when he was wounded while under fire in Suh-marr-uh, Iraq. After being medically retired in December of 2009, Jake returned to Boswell, Pennsylvania, his hometown, where he lives today.

He joined WWIA in 2010 and has been leading numerous events across the country ever since. He is a successful fisherman and hunter and has harvested small game, turkeys, wild boar, white tail deer and bear in his hunting lifetime. Matt Brannon’s life has been dedicated to the service of his country and others.

Matt is a proud husband and father; a United States Army Purple Heart Veteran; a certified WWIA Guide; Event Host of the Alabama Turkey and Hog Hunt, and a WWIA Board Member. Matt has served in Law Enforcement for the past 13 years. He is a Special Agent--Senior, working for the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and currently assigned to the Narcotics division, working on the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force. He also holds full credentials with Homeland Security/ICE. Matt strongly believes in the healing power of the great outdoors and the mission of WWIA.

This is an outstanding episode that we are honored to share with you.

Takeaways:

1. The WWIA Podcast emphasizes the importance of leadership in supporting America's combat-wounded Purple Heart heroes through the power of outdoor activities.
2. Jake Whipkey and Matt Brannon, exemplary Purple Heart recipients, share their transformative experiences with the WWIA Foundation and its mission.
3. The podcast highlights the significance of community involvement and the positive impact it has on the lives of veterans through shared outdoor experiences.
4. Leadership in the context of the WWIA Foundation is defined as providing purpose, direction, and motivation to enhance the experiences of combat-wounded veterans.

This episode is sponsored by ABLEnow. ABLEnow is a national ABLE savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities.

It allows eligible individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without risking certain means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid.

ABLEnow is available nationwide and serves eligible individuals in all 50 states. Learn more at https://www.ablenow.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

ABLEnow

This episode of the WWIA Podcast is sponsored by ABLEnow. ABLEnow is a national ABLE savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without risking certain means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. ABLEnow is available nationwide and serves eligible individuals in all 50 states. Learn more about ABLEnow: https://t.co/r5071ltB0G

ABLEnow

Our mission is made possible because of the tremendous generosity and support of patriotic people and businesses across North America. On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes one of these American Patriots, and an outstanding supporter and friend of the Foundation, Mr. Kyle Bennett to the show.

Kyle is the General Manager at Kabco Builders, Inc., which designs and constructs high-quality manufactured homes and employs 225 people in beautiful Boaz, Alabama.

In 2018, Kyle became the youngest General Manager of a production plant in the manufactured housing industry at just 35 years of age. He and his wife of 18 years, Lacy, share three incredible children together, ages 17, 14, and 12.

Kyle is a proud alumnus of the University of Alabama, where he played football for the Crimson Tide from 2002 to 2005 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. This is a great episode that we’re excited to share with you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast aims to honor and support America's combat wounded veterans through various initiatives.
• Kyle Bennett, a notable supporter and friend of the Foundation, is the General Manager of Kabco Builders and has significantly contributed to our mission by building and donating a beautiful home to WWIA's Camp Hackett in Phillips, WI.
• The podcast discusses the importance of leadership and the impact of personal stories shared by veterans and their families.
• Kyle highlights the value of maintaining high standards in business and how it reflects on the overall quality of work produced.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• WWIA
• Kabco Builders Inc.
• University of Alabama

Mentioned in this episode:

Kabco Builders Proudly Sponsors this Episode of the WWIA Podcast

This episode of the WWIA Podcast is proudly sponsored by Kabco Builders—a company built on integrity, craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to those who’ve served. Kabco is honored to support the mission of Wounded Warriors in Action, bringing healing and connection to our combat-wounded Heroes. We salute our veterans and believe in building more than homes—we’re building stronger communities, together. Thank you, Kabco Builders, for standing with our Heroes.

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, and a steadfast friend and supporter of our mission, Mr. Jeremy Smith.

Jeremy served 2-1/2 years in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division. In 2006 he was injured by mortar shrapnel in Baghdad, Iraq, and was awarded the Purple Heart medal. After several surgeries and months of physical therapy, he was medically retired from service.

Jeremy currently lives in Burke, South Dakota with his beautiful wife April, and their daughter Natalie and son Matthew. For the past three years Jeremy has owned and operated Star Lake Outfitters, providing exciting hunting and fishing expeditions. Hunting and fishing have always been a part of his life, but it never played such an important role until now. Since leaving the military, Jeremy has found special solace in the conservation of the outdoors, and the tranquility and peace it provides.

Jeremy attended his first WWIA event in 2011 and graduated from the Inaugural WWIA Guide School in 2016.

He has been an active member of WWIA, leading events all over the country. It is with great pride that we introduce you to Jeremy and share some of his journey with you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast highlights the profound journeys of America's Purple Heart heroes, focusing on their resilience and healing.
• John McDaniel, the founder, emphasizes the importance of bringing honor and connection to combat-wounded veterans.
• Jeremy Smith, a guest on the podcast, shares his experiences of service, injury, and eventual healing through outdoor activities.
• The episode discusses the therapeutic benefits of nature for veterans, showcasing how outdoor adventures aid in recovery.
• Listeners are encouraged to support the WWIA mission by spreading awareness and participating in events.
• The podcast illustrates the strong bonds formed among veterans during shared outdoor experiences, which significantly contribute to their healing.