What the participants have to say about OACFund events

Steven Hill--2014: "I personally had an awesome time. I was able to scratch #8 off my bucket list, catch a Sailfish. I actually caught 3 and lost 1.This was an amazing day, one I will never forget and the fact that it was Veterans Day guarantees that it will be a locked memory for as long as I can remember. I would love to participate again in any future events, but I wouldn't want to deprive any of my fellow veterans of the opportunity to experience a day like I had. Anchors aweigh. Special thanks to both Chris from both organizations and all the captains who gave of the time yesterday. God bless you all."                                                                                                                                 

Billy Phin--2014: "My husband [Billy] is still beaming ear to ear from the trip. I am so happy that he was given this opportunity. Please let me know if any other trips are ever planned in the south fl region. We would love to either volunteer or participate." Lauren Phin

Capt. Russ Rivers (far right)--2015, a Navy veteran and an experienced fisherman and guide, indicated the group had a great day. “We enjoyed ourselves immensely. All the vets had a great time down here in Miami. We had one vet who caught his first sailfish, and the thrill that was going through him was incredible, he was as happy as could be.”  Rivers is shown with Capt. "Bouncer" Smith, (middle) who has recruited all the fishing boats and captains for the OACFund Veterans Day Events.

Todd, Kimberly and Bryce Rohr--2015 summed up the veteran’s experience in the OACF fishing event. “It was an awesome day, we caught big fish-pompano, dolphin, mackerel, sailfish and sharks. The captains were very talented, if there were fish out there, they found them.”  Their son, Bryce, said "...it was a great day." He caught the big African Pompano, which he said “took a while to get in.”

Garrett Cathcart (right)--2015, Team--RWB Southeast Regional Director said, “The cornerstone of the Team Red, White & Blue mission is to enrich veterans’ lives. We define enrichment as creating quality relationships and experiences that contribute to life satisfaction and overall wellbeing. This experience certainly has helped to build some relationships!"

Capt. Bouncer Smith--2014 and 2015: Captain Bouncer (behind, with salifish) said there were five more captains waiting to see if more boats were

needed. “When I ask for boats to volunteer, everyone one jumps to participate. We all feel honored to give back to the best Americans. I was raised to respect military members with the highest regard. We all benefit from the sacrifices of these men and women every day. It is an honor to make their lives better, even if only for a few hours.” Pictured with Capt. Bouncer is Army Veteran Patrick Zeigler, aka 2015 event "Salifish King." 

All the boat owners, captains and mates volunteered their time, boats, equipment, the bait and their expertise to make the veteran’s day a bucket list kind of day.

Lt. Col. Lew Deal (USMC, ret)--Veterans/Military Advisor to OACFund--2015: "Congratulations to the Outdoor Adventure Conservation Fund. You are one of the very few that are actually doing something for our veterans...on Veterans Day!"