09/21/2026
This year’s annual Getaway on the Oregon Coast fell on 9/11.
We opened the weekend by remembering what this date means to the military and to veterans, followed by a moment of silence. 🙏
This annual Getaway is a campout in Gold Beach with two nights at the campground, two shared dinners, fishing or jet boat rides, or just spending time on the beach. Multi-day events give us more time together, and that is a big part of building community.
One Marine veteran shared something with us that really reminded us why we do what we do. In their words: “It was only after the encouragement of another veteran (and a trusted person whom I'm working with at the VA) to go on the trip (yes, the same one that I was backing out of) that I realized that I was (somehow) slipping into another isolation pattern. I'm glad (and grateful) that I went. It was a blast!!! What a blessing on every level. It was simply amazing, and that's just everyone involved, much less everything that we were able to enjoy together. A wonderful family setting, indeed. Beautiful examples of selflessness in action. Heros, everyone. Thank you all. I'm humbled. Connection is the opposite of addiction. I absolutely needed that kind reminder. Not spoken, but just lived out. “
This is one of the reasons we believe coming together matters. Sometimes you may not feel like going, and it becomes easier to stay home. But having someone there who is expecting you can make a difference.
As always, we are grateful to Merit from Rogue Fishing Operations RFO, who has partnered with us for four years now, and to the team of guides who volunteer their time to make the fishing possible for veterans and their family members.
Merit also brings in the larger community and donated food, from Wagyu beef and brisket to mac ’n cheese. Having shared meals together was a big part of the weekend, as was sitting around the campfire.
And there was even another “treat” — a very talented massage therapist came out to give massages. Back pain is familiar to many of us!
As always, thank you to all the participants. You come for yourself, but you also come for each other. And that is what matters when it comes to having a sense of community.
Thank you to all the guides and businesses that helped make the weekend happen: Rogue Fishing Operations RFO, Dwayne Hankins, Chase, Cody Paul, Joey Lebefrve, Tony Timeus Rogue Pacific Guide Outfitters, Indian Creek Cafe, Gold Beach BBQ, Pacific Rogue Wagyu and Cass Grant of Fiddlehead Fern Apothecary and Massage!
