On this latest episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is honored to spend some quality time with two of the Foundation’s long-standing friends and leaders. Today, we proudly welcome combat-wounded Purple Heart Heroes and WWIA certified Guides Jeremy Smith and Derek VanBuren to the show. Jeremy and Derek are attending WWIA’s 2nd iteration of their Leadership Development Program at WWIA headquarters in beautiful Apollo beach, Florida. The Leadership Development Program is designed to identify, train, and develop key leaders within WWIA. Few have the opportunity to fully understand the inner workings of the organization—how events are planned, resources are managed, and operations are developed. This program bridges that gap by providing personalized leadership development experiences led directly by WWIA’s Founder and CEO. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to plan, resource, and execute complex WWIA events and activities, as well as manage the day-to-day functions that keep the organization thriving. Jeremy Smith 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. Derek VanBuren grew up with a love for hunting, fishing and trapping from an early age and his passion for all things outdoors continues to this day. While attending college, he worked as a hunting guide, which broadened his interest in hunting, especially bow hunting. Derek joined the Army in July of 1998 and was deployed to Afghanistan from Nov 2008 until July 2009. While deployed, he and other members of his crew were wounded by an RPG during an intense firefight. He then spent time in Lundstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed Army Hospital, and the Warrior Transition Unit while recovering from wounds, for which he received the Purple Heart medal. He attended his first WWIA event at Camp Hackett, Wisconsin in the fall of 2010 and has been a valuable part of the WWIA team ever since. Today he lives in Negaunee, Michigan, with his wife Katie and two children Eli and Amelia. He enjoys stream fishing for Brook Trout, fishing Lake Superior for Lake Trout, Predator Hunting, grouse and small game hunting, bow hunting of all kinds, and most anything outdoors. Takeaways: The WWIA Podcast emphasizes the importance of honoring America's combat wounded Purple Heart Heroes, fostering a sense of connection and healing among them.Participants in the Leadership Development Program are afforded the unique opportunity to gain insight into the operational and event-planning aspects of the WWIA foundation.The podcast features stories of resilience from combat veterans Jeremy Smith and Derek Van Buren, highlighting their experiences and the impact of their military service.The Leadership Development Program is designed to cultivate leadership skills among Purple Heart recipients, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the foundation's mission.Through outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting, the WWIA fosters camaraderie and support among veterans who have faced significant challenges in their lives.The podcast serves as a platform for sharing personal narratives that underscore the transformative power of connection, honor, and healing in the lives of combat-wounded veterans. Companies mentioned in this episode: Star Lake OutfittersPheasants ForeverWounded Warriors in Action
