Hooks for Heroes is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Charity, incorporated in the State of New York, focused on giving back to American Veterans & First Responders. Founded by a US Marine Veteran, former NYPD Police Officer, and current FDNY firefighter, we have seen first hand, the distress and potential hardships that these occupations may bring upon an individual. We are avid fisherman and love being on the water. We use fishing as a release and want to share this with other Veterans & First Responders. Hooks For Heroes sends American Heroes fishing on their local fishing charter boats, to help cope with the physical and mental injuries they receive during their service. This offers our nation’s Veterans and First Responders a day off and a chance to catch “The Big One”. We provide the Heroes with snacks, soda & water on the boats, and when applicable we will also provide transportation to and from the boat dock.
As you know, Too many of our Veterans suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) . A study conducted by the VA revealed that on average, 22 Veterans commit suice daily. That number is unacceptable. We want to reduce that number and prevent any more tragedies from happening. While suicide is the ultimate price to pay succumbing to PTSD, those numbers do not reflect on the number of Veterans suffering from PTSD and abusing drugs/alcohol, battle depression, and many other unhealthy conditions.
We would also like to provide light on the Heroes working here on American soil, who put their lives on the line each day protecting us, our First Responders. First responders are just as suseptible to being effected by PTSD as our country’s Veterans. First Responders deal with the worst of peoples lives, at their all time low, on a daily basis.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is defined as a – a disorder that develops in some people due to a traumatic, scary, shocking or dangerous life threatening event. This is the main element of the work our Veterans and First Responders do. Remember, it is not what is Wrong with our heroes suffering from PTSD, but what has Happened to them.
Another unfortunate result of these professions is physical injuries and illness. Our Heroes who succumb to this have sacrificed something most Americans take for granted. These Men and Women who are permanently disabled or terminally ill, as a result of there selfless service to our country and communities, deserve to enjoy the benefits of our services.
Fishing is a great release for all, and we want to share that with our Heroes. It can act as an alternate method of treatment for them, and be the positive outlet they need. Fishing with a group of other heroes who they can relate to can be tremendously helpful in healing our Veterans and First responders who are diagnosed with PTSD. As well as lift the spirit and morale of those with permanent disabilities and illness. It can potentially be more helpful than the traditional “doctors visit” by letting our heroes enjoy being on the water and taking in all that nature has to offer.
If we can help one person choose to stay on the right path, then we have accomplished our goals. With the support of others, we can give back to those who give so much to us.
EIN 81-3298688