Today on the WWIA Podcast, we're honored to welcome an incredible friend and supporter of the Foundation, Mr. Danny Kirsic.....a filmmaker, cinematographer, musician, and Air Force Veteran whose remarkable career has spanned more than four decades. Growing up in a military family and traveling the world from a young age, Danny developed a passion for storytelling through photography, music, and film. His experiences in the U.S. Air Force, including helping document the historic evacuation of Saigon in 1975, profoundly shaped his creative vision and lifelong dedication to capturing authentic human stories.

Danny has since built an extraordinary career in television, film, and music, earning four Telly Awards, including one for WWIA's short film, Honor, Connect, Heal. He has contributed to more than 300 episodes of unscripted television and documentaries for major networks. From the Arctic Circle to Cape Horn, his adventures and work have taken him around the globe, always driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence.

Danny resides in the North Georgia Mountains with his wife Suzan, also an accomplished still photographer. They have a daughter who is a successful writer and shares in the family's creative gene-pool, a Firefighter son-in-law and two grandchildren. We are honored to welcome Danny as he speaks about his military service, creative journey, and the experiences that have made him one of the industry's most respected visual storytellers.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast is dedicated to bringing honor and healing to America's combat wounded veterans.
• Mr. Danny Kirsic, a filmmaker and Air Force Veteran, shares insights from his extensive career.
• The importance of storytelling in connecting with and supporting combat-wounded Veterans is emphasized.
• Danny Kirsic's unique experiences in the military and the arts illustrate the power of creativity in overcoming challenges.
• The podcast highlights the collaborative efforts of various individuals to support Veterans through creative means.
• The conversation underscores the profound impact of personal connections and shared experiences in the healing journey of Veterans.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• WWIA
• First Watch
• Ammo.com

For combat-wounded Veterans, time spent in the great outdoors through therapeutic and adaptive sports like hunting and fishing can provide healing, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today on the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO John McDaniel is honored to welcome one of the most respected names and an expert in the outdoor industry, Captain Tom Rowland.

From his early days fishing alongside his father in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to guiding on the legendary rivers of Jackson Hole and the waters of Key West, Captain Tom Rowland has built a remarkable career fueled by hard work, determination, and a relentless passion for the outdoors. A world-class angler, accomplished tournament competitor, fly-casting champion, and health and fitness enthusiast, Tom has also become a pioneer in outdoor media as the creator and host of the long-running television series Saltwater Experience, Into the Blue, and Sweetwater. Of all his accomplishments though, none mean more to Tom than being a dedicated husband and father.

Beyond television, Tom’s passion for education and mentorship continues through the wildly successful Tom Rowland Podcast, where he shares conversations and insights with some of the most respected voices in the outdoor world, leadership, and living at your highest level. Today, he joins us to talk about fishing, family, perseverance, guiding, and the life-changing impact the outdoors can have on all of us—especially our Nation’s combat-wounded Heroes. This is an engaging episode that we are proud to present to you.

Takeaways:

• The WWIA Podcast emphasizes the transformative power of the outdoors for combat wounded veterans, promoting healing and camaraderie.
• Captain Tom Roland exemplifies the intersection of fishing expertise and mentorship, fostering a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Guiding is portrayed not merely as a profession, but as an art form that encompasses safety, education, and customer enjoyment.
• Effective communication between guides and clients is essential for ensuring a fulfilling fishing experience, tailored to individual expectations.
• The importance of preparation and adaptability in guiding is highlighted, showcasing the need for guides to respond to diverse client needs.
• The podcast illustrates the profound respect for veterans, advocating for their acknowledgment and the appreciation of their sacrifices.

Links referenced in this episode:

• https://wwiaf.org
• https://www.tomrowlandpodcast.com
• https://www.saltwaterexperience.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• WWIA
• Saltwater Experience
• Tom Roland Podcast
• Discovery Channel

ABLEnow

This episode of the WWIA Podcast is sponsored by ABLEnow. ABLEnow is a national ABLE savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without risking certain means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. ABLEnow is available nationwide and serves eligible individuals in all 50 states. Learn more about ABLEnow: https://t.co/r5071ltB0G

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Mentioned in this episode:

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For more than 20 years, we’ve witnessed something powerful: the healing of combat-wounded Veterans not only through outdoor experiences like hunting and fishing, but also through unexpected avenues—like the art of woodturning. In this episode, WWIA Founder and CEO John McDaniel sits down with Tony Kopchinski, a National Guard Veteran from Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, who leads one of our most unique and deeply impactful programs, the Wisconsin Woodturning Event.

Now in its 12th year, this one-of-a-kind experience introduces our Heroes to the craft of woodturning, shaping wood on a lathe into beautiful, functional pieces like bowls, plates, and game calls. But it’s more than just craftsmanship. Under Tony’s guidance, and alongside a dedicated group of skilled artisans, Veterans discover focus, purpose, and a sense of peace through the creative process.

Tony’s passion for serving our Nation’s Heroes is unmistakable. Over the years, he and his team have helped create moments of healing and transformation that not only leave a lasting mark, but that have literally saved lives. His impact is deeply felt, and his story is one worth hearing.

We’re honored to share Tony’s journey, his heart, and his experiences with you.

Takeaways:

• This episode emphasizes the profound impact that creative activities such as woodturning have on the healing process of combat wounded veterans.
• Tony Kopchinski's dedication to serving veterans through woodturning showcases how craftsmanship can foster connection and personal transformation.
• The podcast highlights the importance of community support in helping veterans find purpose and healing through art and shared experiences.
• Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the therapeutic effects of hands-on activities in the lives of those who have faced trauma in combat situations.

ABLEnow

This episode of the WWIA Podcast is sponsored by ABLEnow. ABLEnow is a national ABLE savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without risking certain means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. ABLEnow is available nationwide and serves eligible individuals in all 50 states. Learn more about ABLEnow: https://t.co/r5071ltB0G

ABLEnow

Mentioned in this episode:

ABLEnow

This episode of the WWIA Podcast is sponsored by ABLEnow. ABLEnow is a national ABLE savings program designed specifically for people with disabilities. It allows eligible individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged account without risking certain means-tested benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. ABLEnow is available nationwide and serves eligible individuals in all 50 states. Learn more about ABLEnow: https://t.co/r5071ltB0G

ABLEnow