June is designated as PTSD Awareness month, because mental health matters.

It’s no secret that our combat-wounded Veterans didn’t just leave what they experienced on the battlefield behind, they brought it home with them, often experiencing the life-altering effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

This, combined with the injuries they and their fellow service members sustained, or the loss of life they witnessed around them, can be devastating and debilitating. It not only affects them, but those within their circle of influence: their family, friends, and even co-workers. It can severely impact relationships, careers, and make day-to-day life difficult to manage.

There are no shortcuts on the journey to healing and well-being, and today’s special guest has dedicated her life to helping others find peace, wholeness, and healing in their own lives. Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel, is honored to welcome Dr. Stacey Scheckner to the podcast.

Dr. Scheckner is a Licensed Psychologist who has been providing therapeutic services in Florida for over 18 years. Through personal and professional practice and study, she has made it her mission to help people become the best version of themselves. She has successfully worked with clients to help them in a variety of ways: from achieving more in their career, working through difficult divorces, overcoming the effects of PTSD, or raising mentally and physically healthy children. Whatever the issue, her focus is to help people unlock their potential, overcome their challenges, have a positive mindset, and live wholistically better lives.

John and Dr. Scheckner discuss the causes and effects of PTSD, and how healing is possible. They also talk about the challenges of parenting for servicemembers and Veterans, and ways to improve those relationships at home. This is an important podcast and an outstanding interview that we’re excited for you to hear.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing PTSD among combat Veterans, highlighting that many Veterans bring their battlefield experiences home, affecting their daily lives.
• Dr. Stacy Scheckner of Happy Counseling in Tampa, Florida, discusses the profound impact of PTSD not only on Veterans but also on their families, as symptoms can strain relationships and hinder normal functioning.
• Listeners are encouraged to seek professional help for PTSD, as acknowledging the need for assistance is a sign of strength and a crucial step towards healing and recovery.
• The conversation explores practical strategies for Veterans to manage triggers and emotional dysregulation, particularly in parenting situations, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and coping mechanisms.
• John McDaniel and Dr. Scheckner advocate for open discussions about mental health and the necessity of addressing emotional trauma to foster resilience and well-being among Veterans and their families.
• The episode underlines the significance of love and support in parenting, suggesting that Veterans should prioritize quality time with their children to reinforce bonds and facilitate healing.

Happy Counseling (Dr. Stacey Scheckner): https://www.happycounseling.com/

There are those among us who quietly go about the business of doing good—who don’t look for praise or recognition, but whose steady presence and giving spirit make all the difference. The mission of the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation is built upon the shoulders of such Patriots—men and women, families and businesses—who choose to stand in the gap for our combat-wounded Veterans. They offer not only their resources, but their hearts, their homes, and their hands. And because of them, healing happens.

On this episode of the WWIA Podcast, Founder and CEO John McDaniel introduces us to one of those quiet giants—a man whose life and legacy have become deeply intertwined with the WWIA story. We’re honored to welcome Mr. Joe DePriest, President and CEO of Western States Fire Protection.

For over 28 years, Joe has poured himself into a career marked by excellence and integrity, leading a company known for its strong values and outstanding people. But if you really want to know Joe, you have to look beyond the boardroom. You’ll find him out in the fields of Northwest Missouri, tending to his farm and animals with his beautiful wife, Kim. You’ll find him relaxing in nature, something he’s loved since childhood, as well as hunting and fishing, and sharing those experience with some of the Heroes he welcomes to his property each fall.

Nearly a decade ago, Joe and Kim opened up their farm—and their hearts—to the WWIA family. What began as a gesture of support has grown into a powerful partnership, one that has brought countless Purple Heart Heroes into their care and into the healing embrace of nature. They don’t do it for credit. They do it because it’s their way of giving back and saying thanks to our Heroes for their service and sacrifice.

So today, we invite you to listen in as John sits down with Joe for a heartfelt conversation about service, stewardship, and the incredible impact one family—and one company—can make. This is what it looks like when gratitude meets action, and it's the heart and spirit of WWIA.

Takeaways:

• The Wounded Warriors in Action foundation aims to honor, connect, and heal combat wounded veterans through various initiatives.
• Joe DePriest, president of Western States Fire Protection, exemplifies philanthropy by supporting veterans and their families through outdoor experiences.
• The partnership between Joe and his wife, Kim, with WWIA has provided therapeutic hunting experiences for numerous Purple Heart recipients.
• Engaging with veterans in nature fosters healing and connection, allowing them to share their stories and bond over shared experiences.
• The emotional impact of connecting with veterans and providing them support can lead to lasting friendships and positive memories.
• The foundation's work highlights the importance of gratitude and giving back to those who have served our nation.

The world-class outdoor sporting adventures that our combat-wounded Veterans participate in would not be possible without the generosity and support of our event Hosts. We have a remarkable team of WWIA event Hosts across North America who work with their local communities, friends, and businesses to honor and serve our Purple heart Heroes throughout each year. These Hosts do this voluntarily, rallying support, resources, and coordinating their community base because they want to give back, to recognize and thank America’s combat-wounded Veterans for their tremendous service and sacrifice. Our event Hosts are a critical part of what we do, and we could not be more grateful to have them as a part of our WWIA team and family. Today, WWIA Founder and CEO, John McDaniel is honored to introduce you to one of our valued event Hosts, Mr. Andy Wilson.

Andy is the Host of the Great Creek Hunt Club events in beautiful Alberta, Virginia. Great Creek Hunt Club proudly hosts two events per year, a turkey hunt in the spring, and a deer hunt in the fall. This will be their 12th year of hosting the deer hunt, and their 8th year of hosting the turkey hunt. Andy was born and raised just outside of Richmond, Virginia and has been married to his beautiful wife Abigail for 17 years. They have 2 amazing daughters, Kynleigh, who’s about to turn 10, and the youngest, Annistyn, who just turned 7. Whether it’s hunting, fishing, riding 4-wheelers, or checking trail cameras, they both love spending time with Andy in the great outdoors. Andy has hunted at the Great Creek Hunt Club since he was old enough to carry a gun. His grandfather and friends started the hunt club back in 1965and it is still thriving today. Andy says his best hunting memories have been made at the hunt club. It’s a special place to get away and commune with nature, and the hunting in this area is exceptional. Having the opportunity to hunt with some of the same people for over 30 years has been a tremendous privilege, and the members of the Great Creek Hunt Club are honored to be able to host these events in honor and recognition of America’s Purple Heart Heroes.

Takeaways:

• The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting combat wounded veterans through outdoor activities.
• Our community of event hosts plays a pivotal role in facilitating unique hunting experiences for Purple Heart recipients across North America.
• The significance of camaraderie and connection among veterans during these events fosters healing and appreciation for their sacrifices.
• Every event is not solely about the harvest but rather the shared experiences and bonds created between participants and their guides.
• Engagement in outdoor activities provides veterans an opportunity to reconnect with nature and find joy in shared interests.
• The Foundation's success relies heavily on the generous contributions of local communities and individuals who support our mission.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• WWIA
• Great Creek Hunt Club
• Fort Myer Thrift Store
• Bonaire Exteriors