On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, is excited to welcome two remarkable entrepreneurs and tremendous supporters of the Foundation to the show, Mr. Joe Pechauer and Mr. Dan Bourget.

Joe Pechauer is the President and master cue maker behind J. Pechauer Custom Cues, a family-owned business that has become one of the most respected names in billiards craftsmanship. Starting in the early 1960s in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Joe and his father, Jerry, combined a passion for pool with an obsession for precision, building cues by hand in their basement workshop. Over time, his unmatched attention to detail, innovation in cue design, and dedication to players’ performance helped elevate the brand to international recognition. Joe’s legacy continued to grow as he recently brought his sons (Riley and Jake) into the craft, ensuring that the Pechauer commitment to quality would span generations. Known not only for his skill but also his humility and love for the sport, Joe has earned the admiration of professionals and enthusiasts alike, recently being inducted into the Wisconsin Billiards Hall of Fame.

Dan Bourget is the majority owner of Olhausen Billiards together with the founder, Donny Olhausen. Olhausen Billiards (The “Best in Billiards”) was founded in 1972 and has been proudly making high-quality, handcrafted pool tables and game tables for over 50 years. Located in Portland, Tennessee, Olhausen is the largest manufacturer of pool tables in the United States, known for traditional craftsmanship, innovative features, durability and value, making them a respected name in the billiards industry. Dan and his wife Paula live near Nashville Tennessee and together, they proudly run Olhausen Billiards. This is a wonderful episode that we’re proud to share with you.

Takeaways:

1. The WWIA Podcast is dedicated to honoring and supporting America's combat wounded Purple Heart Heroes through various initiatives.
2. Joe Pechauer of J. Pechauer Custom Cues emphasizes the importance of precision and craftsmanship in billiards, which has been handed down through generations.
3. Dan Bourget of Olhausen Billiards describes the significance of American-made products, highlighting the company's commitment to quality and innovation in pool tables.
4. The collaborative efforts between Pechauer Cues and Olhausen Billiards exemplify a shared dedication to community service and support for Veterans' organizations.
5. Both Joe and Dan express their deep respect for the sacrifices made by Veterans, contributing to their motivation to support the Wounded Warriors in Action foundation.
6. The podcast shares personal anecdotes reflecting the impact of billiards on community engagement, particularly among combat wounded Veterans.

To learn more about our friends and partners, please visit them online:

1. J. Pechauer Custom Cues- https://pechauer.com
2. Olhausen Billiards- https://www.olhausenbilliards.com

To see the remarkable Purple Heart Hero Pool Cue and the Purple Heart Hero Pool Table designed in honor of WWIA and America's combat-wounded Veterans, go to following link:

https://wwiaf.org/pechauer-and-olhausen-join-forces-to-honor-americas-combat-wounded-veterans

Our event Hosts play a vital role in our mission to bring healing and restoration to our combat-wounded Veterans. Their selfless generosity and hard work behind the scenes truly set the stage for a memorable and life-changing time in the field, on the water, or around the dinner table or campfire. On today’s episode, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel welcomes one of our remarkable and long-standing event Hosts to the show, Mr. Bruce Schreiner.

Bruce Schreiner is the co-host of the North Dakota Wild Pheasant Hunt, in Garrison North Dakota. This is a memorial event dedicated to Bruce’s brother Glenn, who also hosted the event and had a deep reverence and respect for Veterans until his passing in 2019.

Bruce has lived in Garrison his entire life and has three children and five grandchildren. He doesn’t just live in the community, he is an active part of it, having had a wonderful career at Garrison State Bank & Trust for 38 years retiring in 2021 as President. He’s also been a member of the Garrison Fire Department & Rescue Squad since 1984, serving as Chief from 1993 until 2025, and is also active in the State Firefighters Association. He further serves on the local Chamber of Commerce, Garrison Area Improvement Association and Better Living for Garrison. His family are fourth generation farmers, and his two nephews now operate the family farm, carrying on a proud and storied tradition. This is an outstanding episode that we know you will enjoy. Let’s go ahead and jump into the conversation with John and Bruce.

Takeaways:

1. The WWIA Podcast emphasizes the importance of community involvement in supporting combat wounded veterans.
2. Event hosts like Bruce Schreiner play a vital role in creating impactful experiences for Purple Heart recipients.
3. The dedication of local businesses and volunteers significantly enhances the success of veteran-related events.
4. Personal stories shared by veterans during these events foster healing and connection among participants.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. WWIA
2. Wounded Warriors in Action
3. Krause's Market
4. Garrison State Bank and Trust
5. Garrison Fire Department
6. Garrison Area Improvement Association
7. Better Living for Garrison
8. Garrison Chamber of Commerce
9. West River Transit

This episode 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 at https://www.ablenow.com/

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

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, WWIA Founder and CEO John McDaniel proudly welcomes two exceptional American Patriots to the show. Purple Heart Recipients and WWIA Guides Jake Whipkey and Matt Brannon join John for an engaging conversation on leadership.

Jake Whipkey served five years in the U.S. Army, 101st ABN division, stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he received while serving his second tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This tour was cut short on November 18, 2007, when he was wounded while under fire in Suh-marr-uh, Iraq. After being medically retired in December of 2009, Jake returned to Boswell, Pennsylvania, his hometown, where he lives today.

He joined WWIA in 2010 and has been leading numerous events across the country ever since. He is a successful fisherman and hunter and has harvested small game, turkeys, wild boar, white tail deer and bear in his hunting lifetime. Matt Brannon’s life has been dedicated to the service of his country and others.

Matt is a proud husband and father; a United States Army Purple Heart Veteran; a certified WWIA Guide; Event Host of the Alabama Turkey and Hog Hunt, and a WWIA Board Member. Matt has served in Law Enforcement for the past 13 years. He is a Special Agent--Senior, working for the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and currently assigned to the Narcotics division, working on the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force. He also holds full credentials with Homeland Security/ICE. Matt strongly believes in the healing power of the great outdoors and the mission of WWIA.

This is an outstanding episode that we are honored to share with you.

Takeaways:

1. The WWIA Podcast emphasizes the importance of leadership in supporting America's combat-wounded Purple Heart heroes through the power of outdoor activities.
2. Jake Whipkey and Matt Brannon, exemplary Purple Heart recipients, share their transformative experiences with the WWIA Foundation and its mission.
3. The podcast highlights the significance of community involvement and the positive impact it has on the lives of veterans through shared outdoor experiences.
4. Leadership in the context of the WWIA Foundation is defined as providing purpose, direction, and motivation to enhance the experiences of combat-wounded veterans.

This episode 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 at https://www.ablenow.com/

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

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.