Too many veterans come home carrying wounds no one can see. We fight back with purpose, community, and the healing power of God’s creation. In 2016, our founder, Matt Schwanke—a 100% disabled Iraq War veteran—found something life-saving in the outdoors. Offshore fishing, hunting, and long-range shooting gave him space to breathe, decompress, and believe again. On a trip to the Florida Keys, he inv
ited a few veterans to join him on the water—by the end of the day, they were talking, laughing, and healing. A hobby became a mission. Who We Are
We’re a faith-based 501(c)(3) restoring hope to veterans with PTSD and depression through offshore fishing, outdoor therapy, peer-to-peer connection, and holistic care. Veterans don’t have to explain themselves here—they simply belong. What We Do
Operation Fresh Start – A year-long, whole-person pathway that pairs outdoor therapy with coordinated, trauma-informed and holistic care to rebuild routines, relationships, and purpose. The Rally Point – A veteran-led peer support group where warriors drop the mask, speak freely, and leave stronger than they arrived. Vows & Valor – A support network for spouses and partners, because families serve—and heal—together. Offshore Missions – Guided saltwater trips that lower stress, build camaraderie, and create breakthrough conversations in a judgment-free space. Community Impact Events – From Kids Casting days to our Warriors Gala and skills clinics, we connect veterans, families, and supporters in positive, life-giving experiences. Why It Works
Peer-to-Peer Healing: Veterans open up with veterans. On the water, walls fall and real conversations begin. Consistent Community: Most of our warriors return for multiple trips—because connection is the medicine. Holistic Care: We combine outdoor experiences with practical next steps—faith, family, fitness, and follow-through. Measurable Impact: We’ve served 2,000+ veterans with no-reported suicides among our participants. Just Show Up. If you served, you’ve earned this. Bring your DD-214 or military ID, and you’re on the boat. No invasive questions. Just a team that’s got your six. Our Team:
Executive Director and Founder/ Boat Captain: Matt Schwanke . US Army Tanker OIF 05 Vet. President: Major Michael Carrasquilla, USMC Retired. Floridian from Plantation, Michael graduated from Florida State University before joining the United States Marine Corps in 2000. Over the course of his distinguished 20-year career, he served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with numerous other undisclosed missions around the globe. He retired in 2020 after two decades of honorable and faithful service to our nation. Vice President: Dr. Larry Schwanke is a Doctor of Chiropractic and practices in Ocala, FL at Back to Basic's Chiropractic. He has been in practice since 2000. Secretary: Terry Puckett, US Army
Chaplin: Matthew Flint, US Army
Ports of Call
Crystal River, FL
Horseshoe Beach, Fl
Ponce Inlet, FL
St Augustine, FL
Stinehacthie, FL
Trips
On our trips we provide everything to vets, rods, reels, tackle, bait and ice. All we ask is for them to bring a large cooler to take their catch home and some lunch. We provide the necessary instruction on how to catch the various species of fish on each trip.
