Fishing For The Mission 22

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Fishing For The Mission 22 FFTM22 is a 501(c)(3) that aims to heal veterans through fishing while raising awareness to the 22. This is not only a public health crisis, but unacceptable.

Fishing for the Mission 22 is a 501(C)(3) which offers a therapeutic approach to help heal veterans through fishing while raising awareness to the 22+ we continue to lose to su***de every day in the United States. Since the Global War on Terror began in 2001, there have been over 7,000 combat related deaths, and in the same period, there have been over 120,000 Veteran Suicides. Only one percent of our Nation joins the armed forces and it’s the duty of the remaining 99 percent to help our veterans in crisis. Operation tackle 22 overview:

Operation Tackle 22 uses a therapeutic fishing model designed to help veterans heal through fishing. It's a peer-to-peer mentorship program that will primarily concentrate on offshore fishing trips and learning the trade of Tuna fishing. Towards the end of summer, veterans enrolled in the program will embark on two overnight fishing retreats guided by Captain Briggs of Outfitters to the canyons, or as some call it, the Holy Grail of fishing. The canyons are located over 120 miles offshore on the continental shelf and has a rich habitat of whales, sharks, tuna, big-eyed, yellow fin, and blue marlin. It's a breath-taking experience whether you like to fish or not! As the season comes to an end, we offer each veteran enrolled in Operation Tackle 22 the chance to attend Captain's School to learn the trade of marine navigation in hopes they can reintegrate back into a stable workforce. After obtaining their license and required sea experience hours, they will be ready to hit the open water as a career. During the winter months, veterans enrolled will embark on a therapeutic retreat where they can experience a new fishery and continue to log their sea experience hours. If you would like to donate, you can do so below. https://fishingforthemission22.org/donate/

3rd Annual Claws for a Cause event to benefit FFTM22. Amazing silent auction packages, great raffle table, and E bike ra...
10/10/2026

3rd Annual Claws for a Cause event to benefit FFTM22. Amazing silent auction packages, great raffle table, and E bike raffle!

Thank You and beyond to our generous sponsors, and donors.

Even bigger thanks to our wonderful boards members present for today Andrew Backman, Jennifer Gallant Backman, Rich Melloni and our founder Harold F. Skelton.

Much Appreciated
Kasey R Melloni
(Executive Assistant FFTM22)

Let’s Goooo
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

10/08/2026
Want to learn more about our programs and services? Join us tomorrow at the Fishing For The Mission 22 Community Center ...
10/07/2026

Want to learn more about our programs and services? Join us tomorrow at the Fishing For The Mission 22 Community Center to meet our new Executive Assistant, Kasey, from 8:30 AM–11:00 AM.

You’ll have the chance to learn about how to sign up for our programs, including fishing outings, behavioral health, peer support, scholarships for captain’s school, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Open to all who served and the public. Come together for coffee and donuts—and let’s talk about how we can help you!

10/07/2026

Coffee and donuts with Kasey is happening this Thursday at our center! Come by to say hello, learn about our programs and how to sign up, explore volunteer opportunities, and more. We can’t wait to meet you all—full details below.

Rain days off from work for Alexander Yukna usually mean one thing — VA claim assistance day at the center.Over the past...
06/23/2026

Rain days off from work for Alexander Yukna usually mean one thing — VA claim assistance day at the center.

Over the past two years, Alex has helped more than 400 veterans file or adjust their claims, with nearly a 98% success rate in getting our heroes the benefits they deserve.

Alex is not only a strong advocate for Fishing For The Mission 22, he’s a valuable part of our team. Keep up the great work, Alex!

If you are a veteran looking to file an initial claim or request a benefit increase, and would like to schedule a time with Alex at our Community Center in Buzzards Bay, please contact us at 774-810-2223 or email [email protected].

You can also fill out the form below:

https://fishingforthemission22.org/community-resource-center-in-buzzards-bay/

I spent a few peaceful mornings on the water this weekend with two Marine veterans from different eras aboard my persona...
06/14/2026

I spent a few peaceful mornings on the water this weekend with two Marine veterans from different eras aboard my personal boat. While I’m not a licensed charter captain, I’m glad to share my boat and time with veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders who prefer a quieter, more intimate experience—an opportunity to swap stories and connect.

As an Iraq War veteran who spent years isolated in my basement in Holyoke before moving to Buzzards Bay to incorporate Fishing For The Mission 22, I know firsthand that hidden wounds can persist long after the battles end. Fishing became my path to a better life; it truly changed me, and a morning on the water can offer a meaningful, restorative start. It may not erase all pain, but it can provide a pathway forward.

If you’re a veteran or first responder who would like to experience this, hit me up. I’m deeply committed to the continued growth of our vital transitional programs at our community resource center in Buzzards Bay, and I’m eager to share them with you.

We offer:

Behavioral health services
Peer support
Camaraderie-building activities and clinics, such as rod-building classes
Access to free electric bikes fully equipped with fishing gear for canal use at no cost
Hardship grants
Scholarships to attend Captain school
VA claims assistance, with over 400 claims submitted since our grand opening with Alex
RAD, random acts of kindness, and community-building initiatives
And many additional resources

If you’re currently struggling or have something on your mind, I encourage you to reach out. I’d be honored to spend a morning with you or connect you with other veterans through our network of captains, helping you find a path toward healing and linking you with support that can make a real difference.

To schedule a trip or learn more about our services at the center, you can reach me at 774-810-2223 or via email at [email protected].

06/04/2026

gw is offering up a ZeeBaas 1st Gen ZX27RDG Reel with number matching box to one lucky winner! Here’s how to enter:
Visit our website and purchase as many tickets as your heart desires ($10 per ticket). You can also purchase a gw Trucker hat and receive a free entry with each hat purchase! Or do both and up your odds.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a non-profit organization focused on assisting first responders, veterans, and active duty military.
Tickets are on sale from 6/3/26 to 7/3/26 at 12:00PM EST
Drawing will occur on 7/4/26 at 12:00PM EST live on our Instagram page!
Good luck everyone!

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Buzzards Bay, MA
02532

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