The gang here at Chi Wulff is not shy in our support of our armed forces brethren. Personally, I’m honored to note some of my best friends are (or have been) in the special operations community, and my favorite photojournalism assignments are always working in tandem with the military. Lots of respect for that community.
And so, at IFTD last month, when Rob Snowhite, an Alexandria, Virginia based guide and podcaster introduced me to three gentlemen with a pretty cool story, morale for the day improved greatly. These were the founders of Frogman Outdoors, a small nonprofit organization which provides ill, injured, and wounded SOCOM veterans a recreational rehabilitation opportunity via guided saltwater fishing trips on the Florida coast.
Naturally, I was interested. After a long talk in the aisleways of IFTD and several emails since, I’ve been excited to learn a bit more about the impressive team behind the organization, and their niche mission to help their brethren.
I asked the guys if they’d be willing to take a whack at ten questions for Chi Wulff, and here’s what came back a few days ago…
Talk to me about Frogman… what was the catalyst that spurred the idea.
After retiring from the SEAL Teams, I was looking for a way to give back to the Special Operation Forces (SOF) community which has been a part of my life for over 25 years. I figured the best way to give back was to combine my passion for fishing with my compassion for my fellow SOF brothers.
And how did the three of you meet?
Steve and I met by chance through a fishing forum in late 2012. Steve posted that he was a former SEAL and was looking for a fishing partner on the Potomac River. This was about the same time I was retiring from the SEAL Teams and relocating to the D.C. area. I was excited to spend time on the water with someone who not only loved fishing but also shared a similar background and understood the SOF culture. We started fishing together regularly and further developed the idea of Frogman Outdoors.
What might an average trip look like?
Each trip will consist of roundtrip flights, three days of lodging in Cocoa Beach, FL., three days of guided saltwater fishing, and other local events. The trips will be customized to match the needs and requirements of each wounded warrior. Every fishing trip will be guided by retired and former Navy SEALs who share a common bond and understand the challenges facing our nations wounded warriors and the SOCOM ethos. Our goal is to provide a unique and enjoyable experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
So why the salt—why Florida?
We originally considered freshwater locations but quickly realized that a saltwater location would provide a greater opportunity to target a multitude of species and to fish various bodies of water. Florida seemed to be the perfect location. Fortunately, my new job allowed me to live anywhere in the U.S. so we jumped at the opportunity and moved to Merritt Island. We are very excited with our new location as we can fish the Indian River, Banana River, Mosquito Lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean all within a 20-minute boat ride.
The idea of a team of retired SEALS forming something like this for SOCOM wounded warriors is pretty unique. What do you think is the most important benefit of keeping it within that culture?
The benefit of staying within the SOF community is the strong bond that exists between individuals inside the community and understanding the culture. This is really the main focus we have with the foundation. We look at fishing as the mechanism to connect with the individuals, but having this strong bond provides a very relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
Part two of the Frogman Outdoors interview to follow tomorrow.
All images via Frogman Outdoors.
