WWIA Podcast Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation

Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, shares a wonderful conversation with Purple Heart Hero and WWIA Guide, Mr. Asa Barrett.
Asa has been an avid outdoorsman since a young age. He grew up in a rural town outside Tulsa, Oklahoma, hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather at the family ranch, and also worked as a guide for a Hog Hunting outfitter on weekends during high school. His love for the outdoors and hunting became a passion that has continued into adulthood.
Asa started his military career in 2009, worked as a team leader in a heavy weapons squad, and was deployed to Afghanistan, spending his deployment in the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains, operating in daily dismounted and mounted patrols. In 2011, Asa received injuries to his back, neck, and a severe concussion during an IED attack. He bravely fought through his injuries and remarkably continued the duration of his deployment, receiving the Purple Heart medal for injuries sustained during the combat operation. He experienced many more close encounters during intense firefights and is thankful for the lifelong friendships forged by battle during his time in theater.
Asa currently works as a Project Manager on a high-security database center and conducts numerous other projects across the country. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about this outstanding American patriot.

Our WWIA events could not take place were it not for the generosity and selfless efforts of so many remarkable Hosts across North America. Today, we are honored to introduce you to one of our WWIA event Hosts that has been helping facilitate healing and recovery in the lives of our Heroes for over a decade! WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes Mr. Dan Bevevino to the podcast. Dan and his wife Susan proudly host two different WWIA events annually, a turkey hunt in the spring and an archery deer hunt in the fall. Their events do a superb job of involving patriotic and grateful members of the local community who assist throughout the event. Their beautiful property in Pennsylvania provides an idyllic setting for our Heroes to get away from the demands of everyday life so they can relax, connect with their fellow Purple Heart recipients, and enjoy some world-class hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. Dan and Susan have both worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years and share 3 wonderful adult children who are also heavily involved in contributing to each event. We are excited to share this episode with you and hope you enjoy getting to know more about Dan, his family, and their tremendous contributions to the mission of WWIA.
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It is an honor to introduce you to some of America’s remarkable combat-wounded veterans. Sharing their stories and experiences with all of you is a high privilege. This week on the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes an outstanding Purple Heart Hero to the broadcast, Mr. Jason Gaudette.
Jason proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years, traveling across the globe, before retiring in 2014 while stationed in Alaska. He currently serves as an Administrative Specialist for the Naval Information Warfare Center, and also serves as a Guide for WWIA, leading his fellow Purple Heart recipients during events across North America. Jason is an avid outdoorsman whose love for hunting and fishing started at a young age. He has traveled throughout the United States hunting for moose, caribou, black bear, as well as fishing for giant halibut and salmon in Alaska. He’s always in search of his next adventure and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others along the way. Jason currently lives with his wife Julie and son Jackson in South Carolina, where they enjoy getting outside to fish and hunt as often as possible.
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WWIA Sponsor A Hero
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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, Mr. Greg Brazinsky. Greg recently retired from the United States Army after proudly serving for 20 years as a Combat Engineer. Greg is married, has three children, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. In his off time, he loves spending time with his family, enjoys woodworking, is an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He also serves as a Guide for WWIA on various events across North America, assisting his fellow Purple Heart brothers and sisters. This is a great episode that we know you’re going to enjoy.
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WWIA Sponsor A Hero
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This episode of the WWIA Podcast is all-important as we shine a light on the issue of veteran suicide. Veterans having faithfully served and defended our country are too often lost to suicide. It’s not only tragic, but also unacceptable. As United States citizens and supporters of our military, we have a duty to help these remarkable veterans overcome the issues that can lead to suicide. In this episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel discusses the current statistics surrounding veteran suicide including some of the contributing causes and some of the preventative factors. He also delves into an important collaborative and evidenced-based study between WWIA and Cornell University that shows how the work WWIA is doing is helping prevent veteran suicide and improve the lives of our combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes. If you’re a veteran, friend, or family member, and you’re struggling or considering suicide, we encourage you to please call 988 (then press 1) to be connected to a live person at the Veterans Crisis Line. You’re not alone. They are available 24 hours a day, it’s a confidential all, and they are ready and waiting to assist you. Again, simply dial 988 (then press 1).
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WWIA Sponsor A Hero
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WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel continues his veteran entrepreneur series as he welcomes Brett Baker to the program. Brett is a retired Army Ranger, husband, father of two, and the co-founder and visionary of VAUSA. VAUSA creates meaningful jobs and community for military families through strategically building remote teams for veteran and faith-based businesses. VAUSA prioritizes people over profits, believes in using their business as a ministry, and is passionate about using their God-given gifts to serve others. Brett's other passions include mentoring transitioning veterans, homeschooling his two children, and running a homestead just outside of Savannah, Georgia.
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WWIA Sponsor A Hero
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