[QuietGuy]

A buddy and myself who were both active duty Marines and got out earlier this year and spend most of our time fishing would like to set something up that is non-profit way for the service members to be able to fish. Most of them don't have boats or the time or money to own one but I bass fish and own my boat and my buddy fishes saltwater and owns his boat. This is basically a way to get them out on the water and just be able to enjoy life and not worry about all the stressors that military life throws or has thrown at them. I know the wounded warrior project does something like this every year with charters but we're thinking more of the small scale and year round. Any input here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jeffonc]

Here are a few similar groups and events in the area. Searches on any of these should give many threads worth of planning, reports and contacts.

http://heroesonthewater.org/ is a group that has local chapters who take vets out on kayaks. Focused on therapeutic benefits of kayak fishing - physical, occupational and psychological.

speckhunter80 (Richard) ran an organization called FISHERMEN IN SUPPORT OF HEROES (F.I.S.H) that conducted several years worth of "Boots on the Boards" pier fishing outings. He might have some good insight on organizing a group and an event, plus things to look out for.

Military Appreciation Day is an annual coastal event where military members are teamed up with boaters (and more) for a day of fishing. http://militaryappreciationday.org/wp/

Warriors on the Water is a giant annual Bass tournament at Jordan lake. Web page looks to be having trouble today, but facebook is live: https://www.facebook.com/WarriorsontheWater

 

[Jeffonc]

Also well worth contacting the folks at the John E. Pechman Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville. They have regular events for military personnel and families

http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pechmann.aspx

Backlash (Tom) and al k (Al) are our regular contributors from the center. They both work/volunteer there and are very active with the military programs.

 

[Neilslure]

Reel American Heroes Foundation is basically what you describe... providing recreational therapy for our warrioirs. They also recently set up a program that puts wounded warriors in contact with willing boaters for a day on the water, they provide the tackle for the warrior.

I have fished with both RAHF and been with Warriors on the Water for many years. Any program that takes care of our military folks is a worthwhile cause IMO.