Frogman Outdoors, a nonprofit organization that takes wounded and ill special operations veterans on fishing trips to recuperate, is entering its third year of operations and hopes to make big strides in growth.
The organization, founded in 2014 and run by former Navy SEAL Kevin H., who doesn’t use his full name because he still works as a technical consultant overseas, brings two special operations veterans on each fully-paid, four-day saltwater fishing trip in Florida, where they can all connect and develop deep relationships that last for years after.
“I had a huge fishing bug growing up. I have continued fishing all my life and through my teens, and when I was looking for a way to give back, I didn’t have a lot of other skills besides being a SEAL or taking guys fishing, so we decided to combine the two,” Kevin told The Daily Caller News Foundation.
Picture of Frogman Outdoors’ first fishing trips. Photo credit: Courtesy of Frogman Outdoors.
In past years, Frogman Outdoors has run about six fishing trips a year, but hopes to expand to eight to 10 in 2017, with this year’s first trips beginning in May.
Each trip costs around $1,500, which includes airfare, hotels and food for the entire trip. Frogman Outdoors covers that amount and also takes care of all the fishing expenses.
“The coolest thing for me has been connecting with these guys. You become friends with them,” Kevin said. “That was our whole goal. So if guys have issues or just want to talk, they come visit, it’s been really cool in that respect. That’s what we’ve been going for.”
Fish caught during the first fishing trip run by Frogman Outdoors. Photo credit: Courtesy of Frogman Outdoors.
Frogman Outdoors has made a major impact on the SOCOM veterans who have participated in the program.
“After my injuries down range and being moved away from my team to be an instructor, I have been disconnected and away from ‘team life.’ The opportunity to hangout with other SOF guys was the best part for me. Getting out on the water and catching fish might be the best medicine for any recovery,” said EJ, former SOCOM service member and Frogman Outdoors alumni.
Frogman Outdoors puts on about three fundraisers this year and has a golf charity fundraising tournament this coming Saturday.
Kevin hopes to expand the activities to hiking and hunting in the future
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