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