On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes longtime supporter and WWIA Event Host, Mr. Sandy Deveney to the program. Sandy is the Host of the Central PA Cast & Blast, an outstanding event that has been proudly honoring and serving our combat-wounded veterans for the past 11 years.

For 40 years, Sandy has been married to his beautiful wife Elizabeth, a retired teacher, and an accomplished artist. Sandy has had an eclectic and distinguished career. Following his graduation from Penn State with a degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections, Sandy served across the globe as a U.S. Customs Sky Marshall, a Criminal Investigator, Founder of a utility-based K-9 drug detection program, and a Private Detective, specializing in K-9 drug detection. His service-based career allowed him the privilege to work on both the local and federal levels, assisting law enforcement, corporations, and school districts.

Now enjoying retirement, Sandy continues to serve in his work with WWIA and our Purple Heart Heroes, as well as assisting with the Penn State Alumni Trustee elections for over a decade. Sandy and his wife are also involved with the local Wildlife for Everyone Foundation, where he serves as a Board Member and Elizabeth generously donates her artwork for their Spring Gala. We’re honored to spend some time introducing you to Sandy and look forward to you hearing his story.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast endeavors to bring honor, connection, and healing to combat wounded veterans.
• Sandy Deveney has dedicated over a decade to supporting combat-wounded veterans through various outdoor events.
• The podcast highlights the unique experiences gained from engaging with local wildlife and the Amish community.
• Sandy's extensive background and commitment have significantly enriched the experiences provided to the participants.
• The camaraderie fostered through shared experiences among veterans has proven to be immensely beneficial for their healing process.
• Community support plays a crucial role in the success of the events organized for the veterans.

Takeaways:

• Alan Probst emphasizes the importance of quality video and sound in outdoor educational content.
• Patience is crucial for successful trapping, especially when working with coyotes and other canines.
• Bedding traps properly is essential to ensure they function correctly and catch target animals.
• North American Trapper aims to educate the public about responsible and effective trapping methods.
• Alan's philosophy includes being open with his trapping knowledge, contrasting with many secretive trappers.
• Engaging kids in trapping through easy-to-use tools can inspire the next generation of trappers.

Links referenced in this episode:

• northamericantrapper.com
• wwiaf.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• North American Trapper
• Duke
• Sportsman Channel
• NRA

At every WWIA event, there is a certified WWIA Guide present. WWIA Guides are an essential part of accomplishing our mission, as they have been recommended by their fellow Purple Heart peers and are certified through our WWIA Guide School. WWIA Guide School is the world’s first multidisciplinary adaptive sporting guide program and prepares our Guides to lead and serve their fellow Purple Heart recipients and assist the event Hosts on each WWIA mission we conduct across North America.

On today’s episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, is honored to welcome Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide, Gabe Fierros to the program. Gabe, along with his wife and son, reside in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Gabe joined the Army after high school and was deployed to Iraq three times during his service. After being medically retired from the Army, Gabe worked in Anchorage, Alaska as a contractor for the Army. He later relocated to northeast Pennsylvania and took a federal position with Tobyhanna Army Depot, where he continues his career.

Gabe initially heard about WWIA from one of the guys in his unit and soon after attended his first duck hunting event in southwestern Ohio. He found it both relaxing and cathartic to be around like-minded people who understood his experiences and found that the camaraderie and experience was just what he needed. Gabe now proudly leads WWIA events as a Guide and enjoys giving back to his fellow combat-wounded Warriors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Gabe and hearing more about his story. Let’s join the conversation with John and Gabe now.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast focuses on bringing honor and healing to America's combat wounded veterans.
• Gabe Fierros shares his journey from soldier to guide, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie.
• The WWIA Guide School prepares veterans to support their peers during outdoor events.
• Gabe's experiences highlight the therapeutic value of outdoor activities for healing.
• The foundation creates a space for veterans to reconnect and bond over shared experiences.
• Gabe's story underscores the significance of mentorship and support within the veteran community.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wwiaf.org