08/20/2026
We are still in need of captains for both events. I currently have 15 Veterans on the waiting list for Sacramento Marina on Friday September 25th, with more signing up daily. Captains and deckhands, reach out if youre interested in volunteering.
[email protected]
All Hands on Deck! 🎣 Volunteer Captains needed.....
From the early founding of Purple Heart Anglers (PHA) in 2009 to our current adventures as Recreation 4 Veterans (Rec4Vets), one thing has remained absolutely true: our volunteers are the heartbeat of this mission. Without your time, your boats, and your passion, we couldn't create these unforgettable experiences for our well-deserving Veterans.
We are already having a historic 2026, setting absolute attendance records at Collins Lake and Stampede. But we are just getting started!
This fall, Rec4Vets is bringing back our two most popular, high-demand events from the archives, and we need volunteer captains to help us clear the deck. Check out the lineup below and lock in your spot to give back.
🐟 Event 1: The Grand Return to Sacramento Marina
After a smashing success in 2019, COVID lockdowns and river closures forced us to pause this favorite. But the river is open, Sacramento Marina has invited us back, and we are ready to pick up right where we left off! What started with 20 people in 2014 quickly grew to over 60 Veterans in 6 quick years—let’s make this comeback our biggest one yet.
Event: Sacramento Marina Veterans Salmon Event & BBQ
When: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: TBD (Sign-ins typically begin at 0600)
Where: Sacramento Marina / Miller Park Boat Launch
The Logistics: Sign in at the Sacramento Marina Clubhouse. Launching at Miller Park is completely free. The marina's courtesy dock offers plenty of parking and easy loading access once check-in wraps up.
The Perks: We will return to the Marina Clubhouse in the afternoon for a free BBQ lunch for everyone in attendance!
🎣 Event 2: The Epic Delta Comeback (With Major Upgrades!)
On October 24, we are heading back to the Delta for an event that has previously drawn over 100 participants. As we have in the past, we are also welcoming back a group from California Veterans Home Yountville. We listened to your feedback from Brannan Island in 2024 and spent months scouting the perfect new home. We found it at the incredibly welcoming B&W Resort! This prime location is perfect for chasing both Striped Bass and Salmon. We need 40 to 50 volunteer boats for this one, so this is a true "all hands on deck" call to action!
Event: Annual Delta Veterans Fishing Event & BBQ
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: TBD (Sign-ins typically begin at 0600)
Where: B&W Resort
The Logistics: Sign in and launch for free directly at B&W Resort. Prefer to launch elsewhere? No problem—just motor on over to the docks to sign in and pick up your Veterans.
The Upgrades & Perks:
Elite Catering: We are going bigger than ever before. Tony Brown from Tank House BBQ is catering the afternoon feast with Tri-Tip, chicken, burgers, hot dogs and all the fixings!
Cabin Discounts: Want to extend your stay? B&W Resort is offering our crew a 20% discount on cabin rentals if you mention you are with Rec4Vets.
🦅 Ready to Captain? How to Sign Up:
Spaces fill up fast, and our Veterans are ready to fish! To sign up as a volunteer captain, please email [email protected] with the following details:
Which event(s) you are volunteering for (Sacramento, Delta, or both!)
How many Veterans you can comfortably accommodate on your boat
Thank you for continuing to change the lives of our nation's heroes. Let's make this fall unforgettable!
