Our mission is made possible because of the tremendous generosity and support of patriotic people and businesses across North America. On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes one of these American Patriots, and an outstanding supporter and friend of the Foundation, Mr. Kyle Bennett to the show.

Kyle is the General Manager at Kabco Builders, Inc., which designs and constructs high-quality manufactured homes and employs 225 people in beautiful Boaz, Alabama.

In 2018, Kyle became the youngest General Manager of a production plant in the manufactured housing industry at just 35 years of age. He and his wife of 18 years, Lacy, share three incredible children together, ages 17, 14, and 12.

Kyle is a proud alumnus of the University of Alabama, where he played football for the Crimson Tide from 2002 to 2005 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. This is a great episode that we’re excited to share with you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast aims to honor and support America's combat wounded veterans through various initiatives.
• Kyle Bennett, a notable supporter and friend of the Foundation, is the General Manager of Kabco Builders and has significantly contributed to our mission by building and donating a beautiful home to WWIA's Camp Hackett in Phillips, WI.
• The podcast discusses the importance of leadership and the impact of personal stories shared by veterans and their families.
• Kyle highlights the value of maintaining high standards in business and how it reflects on the overall quality of work produced.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• WWIA
• Kabco Builders Inc.
• University of Alabama

Mentioned in this episode:

Kabco Builders Proudly Sponsors this Episode of the WWIA Podcast

This episode of the WWIA Podcast is proudly sponsored by Kabco Builders—a company built on integrity, craftsmanship, and a deep commitment to those who’ve served. Kabco is honored to support the mission of Wounded Warriors in Action, bringing healing and connection to our combat-wounded Heroes. We salute our veterans and believe in building more than homes—we’re building stronger communities, together. Thank you, Kabco Builders, for standing with our Heroes.

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, and a steadfast friend and supporter of our mission, Mr. Jeremy Smith.

Jeremy 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.

Jeremy attended his first WWIA event in 2011 and graduated from the Inaugural WWIA Guide School in 2016.

He has been an active member of WWIA, leading events all over the country. It is with great pride that we introduce you to Jeremy and share some of his journey with you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast highlights the profound journeys of America's Purple Heart heroes, focusing on their resilience and healing.
• John McDaniel, the founder, emphasizes the importance of bringing honor and connection to combat-wounded veterans.
• Jeremy Smith, a guest on the podcast, shares his experiences of service, injury, and eventual healing through outdoor activities.
• The episode discusses the therapeutic benefits of nature for veterans, showcasing how outdoor adventures aid in recovery.
• Listeners are encouraged to support the WWIA mission by spreading awareness and participating in events.
• The podcast illustrates the strong bonds formed among veterans during shared outdoor experiences, which significantly contribute to their healing.

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.