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.