We’ve got another outstanding episode in store for you today, as WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel proudly welcomes an American Hero and friend of the Foundation to the podcast. Today, we are joined by Purple Heart recipient and WWIA Guide, Mr. Eddie Hoffmann.

Eddie grew up outside of Tampa, Florida, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in early 2001 as an 0311. Eddie was assigned to Third Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, 2004 and 2005-06. During his final deployment, Eddie was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his wounds. Eddie would finish his 8 1/2-year career with Weapons and Field Training Platoon at Recruit Training Depot, Paris Island, SC, before being medically retired in February 2010.

Shortly after retirement, Eddie enrolled at the University of Tampa and returned to his hometown with his wife, Mollie. After graduating in2013, Eddie began working in various roles in Mental Health as a Peer Specialist in the VA and continues in this role today. Eddie is an avid deer and turkey hunter and enjoys surf fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. He has a daughter and a son who accompany him on outdoor adventures whenever possible. We look forward to sharing Eddie’s story with you and allowing you to get to know him better.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast aims to honor and support combat wounded Veterans by connecting them through shared experiences and healing activities.

• Eddie Hoffmann, a Purple Heart recipient, shares his journey from enlistment in the Marine Corps to his challenges and triumphs in combat and recovery.

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and support among veterans, illustrating how shared experiences can foster healing and connection.

• Eddie's transition from military service to a career in mental health highlights the significance of peer support in navigating the complexities of post-combat life.

• The discussion includes the therapeutic effects of outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing, in aiding veterans' emotional and psychological recovery.

• The podcast underscores the necessity of community involvement and the impact of volunteer efforts in supporting veterans' reintegration into civilian life.

Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, welcomes an outstanding Purple Heart Hero, WWIA Guide, and longstanding friend of the Foundation to the podcast, as Mr. Derek Duplisea joins us. Derek is originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada but was born in the USA.

Derek served a total of 5 years with the 1st Battalion, Royal New Brunswick Regiment (Carleton & York) as an infantryman, leaving the Canadian Armed Forces as a master corporal before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

During his second tour in Iraq, Derek was leading a patrol with 2nd platoon, Able Troop, 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, when his unit was hit by a female suicide bomber and heavy small arms fire. The blast detonated within feet of the dismounted members of the platoon, severely wounding Derek and three of his Soldiers. He spent two years recovering from his wounds before medically retiring from the Army.

Derek has been a WWIA Associate since 2010 and leads events all over the USA and Canada and graduated from the Inaugural WWIA Guide School in 2016. He is married to his Canadian sweetheart Andrea and has four wonderful children.

He loves to spend his free time traveling, hiking, camping, hunting & fishing with friends and family.

Derek holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Troy University and an MBA from University of Phoenix. He has worked in the mental health profession for several years and is a manager at Aroostook Mental Health Center on their adult crisis stabilization unit in Callus, Maine.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast aims to honor and support America's combat wounded Purple Heart heroes, fostering healing and connection through shared experiences.
• Derek Duplisea, a Purple Heart recipient, shares his harrowing story of surviving a suicide bombing during his military service in Iraq, highlighting the chaos and violence of war.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of leadership and contingency planning, detailing how Derek's military training prepared him and his team to effectively respond to crises in combat situations.
• Derek's transition from military service to working in mental health illustrates his commitment to helping others, demonstrating resilience in the face of personal trauma and adversity.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• WWIA
• Troy University
• University of Phoenix
• Raytheon
• Aroostook Mental Health Center
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

On this week’s episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, is proud to welcome a great American Patriot, and one of his closest lifelong friends to the podcast. We are honored to have Colonel (Retired) Joel T. Suenkel join John for an engaging and timely conversation. Joel hails from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1988. He was commissioned as a 2LT in the Armor branch and went on to graduate from the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College Fellowship Program. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior from the University of Phoenix, and during his 28+ year career in the Army, held a number of key positions to include:

• Strategic Plans Chief for Stabilization Force 11, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Operation Joint Forge).

• Joint Logistics Command Operations Officer, (CJTF 76), Afghanistan.

• Commander, 83rd Ordnance Battalion, Japan.

• (and) Chief of Logistics, 25th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division-North, Iraq.

Upon retirement from the Army, he accepted the position of Chief of Operations with the Logistics Data Analysis Center, Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL.

In 2020, Joel purchased 75 acres of land in Moulton, Alabama, and embarked on a journey to establish a working cattle ranch, driven by a need to build something lasting with his own two hands. His vision didn’t stop at personal fulfillment. He began to realize the profound therapeutic benefits of working the land, the grounding power of physical labor, and the sense of purpose that came from providing for oneself. It struck him that this experience could be incredibly valuable for others, especially those who had served our country and were navigating the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. This realization led to Joe’s most meaningful venture: the establishment of Rally Point Veterans’ Ranch, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering veterans through comprehensive sustainable living skills training.

It is a high privilege to have Joel on the podcast, and we know you’re going to enjoy learning more about him and his story.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast serves to honor and support America's combat-wounded Veterans, fostering healing and connection.
• Colonel Joel T. Suenkel, a dedicated Veteran, shares his transformative journey into cattle ranching.
• The establishment of Rally Point Veterans Ranch emphasizes empowering veterans with sustainable living skills.
• The podcast highlights the challenges Veterans face during their transition to civilian life after military service.
• The conversation underscores the therapeutic benefits of engaging with the land and livestock for Veterans' mental health.
• Listeners are encouraged to support the WWIA Foundation and its mission to benefit Wounded Warriors.