I grew up here in South Florida when it was a simpler time. As a young man I didn’t have a father in my life, but I had the honor of an amazing man in my life, and somehow discovered my passion for fishing. My uncle, Master Sergeant Stan Harris, or Uncle Sonny as I knew him, taught me what it means to be patriotic. He served four years in the United States Army and then 26 years in the United States Air Force. He even worked for U.S. Homeland Security before finally enjoying retirement.
While growing up, Uncle Sonny taught me about the sacrifices that had been made by the men and women of this great nation over many generations. I was taught what it means to be an American. He told me stories about the sacrifice of others and I was taught that the most valuable thing we have as civilians, is our freedom. That freedom which came at a price by those men and women who have served. Uncle Sonny believed that the best way to pay back our veterans for their sacrifice was to be a good American.
When he wasn’t teaching me about dignity, respect, honor, and patriotism, I was busy fishing. Between Uncle Sonny and fishing I was saved from my own anger, confusion and doubt that I didn’t always understand or know what to do with. I fished all the time!
Hearing stories about how veterans that were coming home weren’t able to transition back to civilian life in their own homeland, after many had survived combat in a foreign nation, to then just take their own lives, was heartbreaking to me. This brought to the forefront of my mind the old feelings of being lost, confused and scared that I had faced daily in my younger years. No matter what I had gone through or the feelings that came with those experiences, fishing always gave me peace.
In that moment the idea hit me like lightning! It was my turn to give back as an American. It was time to use what Uncle Sonny had taught me and my love of fishing to reach out to help our veterans. The little boy who grew up hearing all the amazing stories of war, sacrifice and patriotism could now give back. As a fishing captain, I could provide veterans the opportunity to fish and use that as a way to offer therapy in a way that others might not be able to.
Over 10 years ago, I started an organization called Fishing with America’s Finest. I have had the honor to fish with thousands of veterans and their families, many of them suffering from PTSD or life altering injuries. It has become an organization of veterans helping veterans, and civilians helping veterans too. FWAF has chapters all over South Florida today, including Fort Lauderdale, Davie, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Miami, Doral, Homestead and the Florida Keys. We also have chapters in North Carolina and Oklahoma.
Whether fishing deep in the Everglades or on the flats, kayaking, canoeing or hiking, opportunities for piscatorial and recreational therapy are boundless. In addition, we offer fishing 101 classes to veterans at our local VA hospitals to break up the monotony of their surroundings and prepare them to use their skills on the water when they leave to head home.
FWAF is currently working with some of the top scientists in the United States to research and acquire data in an effort to change the way PTSD is treated. We put on events to bring veterans, active military and the civilian population together for family fun days, which often include fishing, lunch, bounce houses and free raffles for all who join us. We have been recognized in the award winning documentary, “Rudy and Neal Go Fishing,” and have been featured in Men’s Health & Fitness, City & Shore Magazine, the Sun Sentinel and the Miami Herald.
Our goal is to bring Fishing with America’s Finest to every state in this great nation. Those who work for FWAF take no salary. We are a true non-profit where every penny goes to helping veterans and making sure that no one is ever left behind. We offer camaraderie and friendship through fishing. Time in nature, enjoying the fresh air and finding alternatives to the use of medications are often offered to those with PTSD.
As Veterans Day approaches this month, we want to thank all active military service members and veterans for their service. Your dedication and devotion to this great nation won’t soon be forgotten. If you or someone you know would benefit from FWAF or you would like to become a volunteer, please find us online at www.fishingwithamericasfinest.com.
May God bless America!
~ Capt. Neal Stark