The Wounded Heroes Fishing Project (WHFP) is focusing on those in our community with the greatest need. Simply put, the number of military and veteran suicides is rising, and experts fear it will continue to rise despite aggressive suicide prevention campaigns by the government and private organizations. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day - we can not lose this battle and we need your help!

With almost 10 years under our belt, we are seeing a significant, positive impact on the veterans and their families. The veterans have summed up their experiences best.

“It is so quiet out here on the water.” “The view from here is so magnificent.” “It’s small, but I was happy. Thanks for your encouragement. These events do mean a lot to us.” “I have been in therapy since I was assigned to river boats in Vietnam and this is the first time I have had the courage to get on a boat. Don’t worry; I am having the time of my life. Thank you for giving me the chance.” “I have not seen my wife and kids smile this much since I got home.”

Sounds great, but this is only a drop in the bucket. FCO is here to CONNECT and EMPOWER. In addition to the suicide rates increasing, there are 22 million U.S. veterans, with more than six million receiving medical care every year. Numerous organizations are trying to help veterans, but in an ad hoc manner; this has to stop! Everyone rushing to the soccer ball is causing confusion and wasting valuable resources with little or no real benefits. We are losing the battle and it is time we CONNECT and be EMPOWERED

The single biggest thing I learned was from an indigenous elder of Cherokee descent, Stan Rushworth, who reminded me of the difference between a Western settler mindset of ‘I have rights’ and an indigenous mindset of ‘I have obligations.’ Instead of thinking that I am born with rights, I choose to think that I am born with obligations to serve past, present, and future generations, and the planet herself. - Don Miguel Ruiz