This week, Fish With a Hero is partnering with Project Healing Waters to bring 25 wounded and disabled veterans to Islamorada for two days of guided fishing out of Bass Pro Shops World Wide Sportsman. Activities include offshore and back country fly and bait fishing. Participants benefit from the curative power of being on the water with other disabled veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and other disabilities and wounds of war. The event is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Radco Industries, FreeWheeler Realty and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. “These 25 heroes have been selected from among the best of over 7,700 participants in Project Healing Waters programs nationwide,” said Captain Mark Gibson, director of Florida Keys operations for Fish with a Hero. For more info, visit projecthealingwaters.org.
Veterans share stories and casual conversation over dinner.
This program isn’t possible without the sponsors: Scott Pearson, National Air Traffic Controllers Association; Alexa Wheeler, FreeWheeler Realty and FreeWheeler Vacations; Capt. Mark Gibson, organizer; Cale Smith, sponsor/producer; Scott Bodziak, general manager, World Wide Sportsman; and Steve Jones, assistant general manager, World Wide Sportsman.
The guides — Capt. David Duncan, Capt. Eddie Oliveras, Capt. Kenly Turchetti, Capt. Mark Gibson, Capt. Rich Mitchell, Capt. Pedro Perez, Capt. Ron Brack and Capt. Tony Melton — take the veterans out fishing to experience the healing power of the
Sean McMahon travels to the Keys to fish with his puppy Summer.
Veteran Lou Orrie, with pal Becker, will spend two days fishing in the Keys.
Well wishers, heroes and guides gather on the grounds of the Islamorada Fish Co. for the opening reception dinner.
