2021 WHOW Magazine Recap Edition by loanDepot

NOVEMBER 2021

2021 TOURNAMENT WRAP-UP ISSUE REMEMBERING JOSH MILES WHY WHOW CELEBRATING OUR FIRST ALL-FEMALE TEAMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04

FOUNDER’S LETTER

REMEMBERING JOSH MILES

WHY WHOW

ONE EPIC EVENT: 2021 TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS

2021 WHOW TOURNAMENT WINNERS

CELEBRATING THE 2021 WHOW TOURNAMENT FLEET

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT: FIRST ALL-FEMALE TEAMS

ROD ON THE WATER: A TOURNAMENT LIKE NONE OTHER

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

FOUNDER’S LETTER It’s hard to imagine a time in my life where I have experienced both the greatest happiness and the most tremendous sorrow, all in the span of a few days.

family fell into the deepest of sorrows. The loss of our good friend and all-around outstanding human being, Josh Miles, has hit all of us exceptionally hard. All losses hurt; but this one is different.

The 2021 WHOW Tournament surpassed anything I could have imagined. We hosted 100 veterans on the weekend of a lifetime—and raised enough money to support thousands more with services and therapies throughout the year. We couldn’t have done that without the enthusiastic and generous support of our yacht owners, who donated their boats, their time, their crews, fuel, and so many other expenses, to make this happen. We couldn’t have done it without the donors and sponsors who feel as passionately about supporting our veterans—the true jewels of our country—as the WHOW team does. And, we could not have done it without our volunteers, who worked tirelessly before, during and after the tournament to ensure that this event was a true memory of a lifetime.

The WHOW family is very close. We have to be. We are a small group with a very special mission. As a result, every member of the family holds a treasured place. Josh was one of the first people to join the WHOW family. When we called Freedom Alliance back in 2017 and shared my idea about honoring and healing veterans through sportfishing, Josh jumped right in. He believed in us and our idea. He saw the potential for the event, and he personally spent countless hours bringing our first tournament—and every tournament since then—to life.

From the initial arrivals to the final goodbyes, the conversations that I’ve had with all of our veterans are still very much on my mind. These brave men and women, who sacrificed so greatly for our country—and for each of us—have made a lasting imprint on my soul. I, and the entire WHOW team, are honored to have met each of them, gotten to know them, and brought a few days of healing into their lives. Healing was my original intent when I ideated this tournament. I wanted it to be impactful. I wanted to see it grow and support even more veterans. Now, what I want more than anything, is to see it continue on for as long as it will bring meaningful relief and healing. I would like to see it become a lasting tribute to these brave warriors, and a special legacy for those who made it possible. And, speaking of legacies, soon after coming off the highest of tournament highs, the entire WHOW

His role was to ensure that WHOW could deliver on our promise of not only directly helping vets in our tournament, but also assisting thousands more across the nation via the funds we were raising. He took on that role with pride and uncompromising commitment. He helped us build this tournament to what it is today—and played an enormous role in helping us to bring nearly 100 veterans—double what we had in 2019—to Southern California. He guided and helped us build something lasting— and that saves lives—because he truly loved each member of the military. He had so many amazing qualities, but what shined above them all was his capacity to listen and to lead. In his far too short time on this earth, Josh made every life he touched better for having known him. The WHOW tournament would not be what it is today without the love and support we received from Josh, and we will forever honor his memory. The recollections we all have from this year’s tournament are special—but are made even more so now. Now, more than ever, I think it’s important to remind everyone to stay in touch with one another. We are all here to support each other. Anthony

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REMEMBERING

JOSH MILES Freedom Alliance Director of Military and Charitable Programs

FRIEND COLLEAGUE MENTOR ADVOCATE “Respectfully, Josh Miles.” For the past four years, this familiar sign-off has appeared at the bottom of hundreds emails, addressing a dizzying array of WHOW tournament details. Above it, the reader always found a genuine and thoughtful message, its contents clearly and carefully considered before being sent. Then, as now, Josh’s signature line reflects the considerate friend and colleague that he was—and stands as a testament to his tireless dedication to the servicemen and women of this country.

Remembering Josh Miles, Freedom Alliance Director of Military and Charitable Programs

Josh possessed a variety of unique talents, but quite possibly his greatest gift was his ability to actively listen. Whatever the topic—from granular logistics details all the way to deep personal challenges, Josh had a ready ear and a steady soul. His was a wise counsel; inherently knowing whether insightful advice or silent acceptance was the appropriate response. His sympathetic ear, together with a wisdom well beyond his years, was the perfect match for his passion for helping his fellow veterans. It also is what made him a beloved member of the WHOW family. From the moment we first met, back in 2017, when we contacted Freedom Alliance to discuss the idea of creating a sportfishing tournament that could help honor and heal veterans, he didn’t hesitate. In fact, he immediately jumped in to help bring it to life.

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Since that moment, Josh has been an integral part of the WHOW family. He saw the potential for WHOW to help thousands of veterans well beyond those supported in the tournaments themselves, and he worked tirelessly to help us make that dream a reality. Every member of the WHOW family has unique and treasured memories of Josh that will be with them always. But, together, we share a final farewell.

Josh, You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. With greatest respect, admiration, and love, The WHOW Family

THE JOSH MILES AWARD The soon-to-be-announced 2022 WHOW Tournament will feature a new and very special award: The Josh Miles Award. This award, reflecting the character of the man for which it is named, will be bestowed upon the yacht that scores the highest average points per angler. This “Top Boat” award will not be easily achieved. It will require a unique combination of dedication, leadership and teamwork—all traits that were strongly displayed every day by Josh. And, while the primary goal of the tournament is to bring healing to our veterans, the tournament fleet is also committed to sharing their love of the ocean—and their competitive spirit—with their veteran teams. The Josh Miles Award will celebrate the boat that creates that special synergy, striving to get their veterans on fish, working together as a cohesive unit, and focusing on the achievement of their pre-determined goal. Every team takes to the water with their own unique strategy; this award celebrates the group—and individual—efforts made to achieve that team goal. Most important, this award will help keep the spirit of our good friend, Josh, with us throughout future tournaments. A loyal and true leader and friend, Josh was one of the heartbeats of the WHOW family. He helped us build our tournament, brick by brick, by our side every step of the way. He did this because of his love for his fellow servicemen and women, and for his country. Josh spent countless hours helping us fulfill our tournament’s promise to honor and heal the veterans we serve, and we are forever grateful for his legacy. Josh’s heart for his brothers and sisters in arms was especially evident as he took the podium at our 2021 WHOW Awards Ceremony: “For all of our combat-wounded veterans, just being here affects so many people throughout the world. All of the participants, donors and volunteers made a difference. And, for all of our veterans, you made a difference for one another.” We will always remember Josh. And, together, we will always seek to make a difference for one another.

WHY WHOW “The challenges faced by many of our nation’s heroes as they transition back to civilian life are real, and suicide rates are unacceptably high,” said WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh. “The WHOW tournament makes a difference by forging meaningful human connections— between the veterans themselves, with our fleet captains and crews, and with the entire WHOW family—that replicate the brotherhood and sisterhood of the battlefield and serve as an enduring safety net of love and support. Our corporate sponsors and private donors recognize that need, which gives me great confidence that this tournament—and the much-needed support and services it delivers—will continue to gain momentum well into the future.”

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The WHOW tournament was conceptualized in 2018 by Hsieh as a way to honor and help heal our American heroes as they return home from their service to our country. Since inception, WHOW has directly served nearly 200 veterans on the water and thousands more through the dollars raised to support our philanthropic partner, Freedom Alliance. But, more important than raising money, the WHOW tournament itself saves lives. Statistics show that 22 veterans take their lives each day due to the struggles faced after service. Many of our WHOW veterans have shared with us that, because of the love and support they feel throughout the WHOW tournament, and their ongoing connection with Anthony and the WHOW fleet throughout the year, that we have saved lives. More important, our WHOW veterans tell their buddies that there is an entire community that loves and cares for them as well, which gives more veterans the power and spirit to continue onward toward purpose and healing. And, while WHOW is incredibly rewarding—and the fishing experience is beyond compare—at the end of the day, WHOW serves one profound purpose: to create human connections that matter. We hope that you will enjoy the many stories shared here that came from this year’s tournament experience. But, more important, that you will become a member of our family—joining us in our effort to support thousands more veterans as they begin—or continue on—their journey of healing.

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ONE EPIC EVENT The 2021 WHOW tournament set new levels of participation, fundraising and fish-catching—along with establishing ourselves as the largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament in the country.

100 VETERANS 38 YACHTS 51 SPONSORS 1,123 DONORS TWO TONS OF QUALIFYING FISH

With the beauty of the natural world and the intensity of team-based competition as the backdrop, the WHOW sportfishing tournaments provide combat-wounded veterans with a unique opportunity to forge deep and genuine bonds with other vets, as well as with fleet captains and crews, that become an ongoing safety net and long-term support system. “Back in 2017, I couldn’t have imagined what this tournament has become. At the time my goal was pretty simple: to host a small group of veterans to show my gratitude for their service for a weekend filled with some great Cabo-style fishing. Their profound appreciation for that weekend’s events set into motion planning for what would become the first War Heroes on Water tournament. I just couldn’t believe I could share my lifelong passion for fishing, wrapped in some love and support, and make such a deep impact on veterans’ lives. Today, what I know for

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certain is that the work we’re doing with WHOW is changing and saving lives, and that work is far from over,” said WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh. While the tournament was truly epic, all in attendance echoed one sentiment: that this event provides a singular opportunity for veterans from across the country to form deep and genuine bonds with one another, as well as with the WHOW fleet captains and crews, creating an enduring safety net and long-term support system. Said Daniel M., a retired USMC Master Sergeant, “The ocean is where I find my sanity. That’s really the only time I feel at peace, when I’m completely focused on what I’m doing and in that moment and I’m trying to get that next fish on the line. Everything else that I have to deal with in life when I’m back home, whatever worries I have, they’re completely gone in that moment.”

WHOW Weekend Recap

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WHOW Arrivals Video

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS Became largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament in the country

Added Jason W., who served six years in the Marine and six years in the Army, “I had a blast doing some deep-sea fishing; it’s something I’ve never done before. Speaking as someone who is disabled, one of the things I find great about being able to get out in nature, even with my restrictions, is comforting.” “This has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said Alhajie F., a retired Marine Staff Sergeant. “I’m so happy for the opportunity. I didn’t serve with the members of my team, but now that I’ve met them, we’re going to be lifelong friends.” “WHOW 2021 was a special one. It is not just the record amount of funds raised, vets hosted, or yachts that participated. It is not the number of great catches that made their way to the weigh in in Avalon. To me, it is all about the meaningful connections that were made from all involved. I made a bunch of new ones, and I know lots of others did to. That is my scoreboard, and we crushed it this year,” said Tournament Director Rod Halperin.

Raised a record $1.4M for combatwounded veterans

Hosted 100 veterans, nearly double that of the 2019 tournament

Featured 38 participating yachts, reflecting a generous in-kind donation of hundreds of thousands of dollars Caught two tons (4,000 lbs.) of qualifying fish, including 19 +100-lb. bluefin tuna

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2021 WHOW TOURNAMENT WINNERS This year’s tournament can be summed up in four words:

Big year, bigger fish! Check it out:

TOURNAMENT WINNERS Ret. Marine Corporal Larry D. takes top honors with the 2021 Ron Ashimine Award.

Team Tenacious takes eight awards, including Top Boat.

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SPECIES

WINNERS

Calico Bass

Phillip T. (Sea Horse)

Rockfish

Jose C. (Joint Venture)

Halibut

James J. (Ramble on Rose)

Bluefin

Shane L. (Tenacious)

Yellowtail

Larry D. (Tenacious)

Dorado

Eduardo S. (Rickdiculous)

QUALIFYING PTS

WINNERS

First Place

Larry D. (Tenacious)

Second Place

Trezise M. (Puritan)

Third Place

James J. (Ramble on Rose)

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2021 RON ASHIMINE AWARD

WORDS FROM OUR WINNER As he received the first of what would turn out to be five awards, Ret. Marine Corporal Larry D., a veteran who lost both legs while deployed to Afghanistan, choked up as he shared his perspective on the event, “Meeting new veteran buddies and spending time on the water has been very healing to me. This tournament also enabled me to check something off my bucket list: to strap into a 200 lb. tuna and fight him with my prosthetics. I got to do that. That’s freakin’ amazing.” Later, upon receiving the evening’s highest honor, the Ron Ashimine Award, he added, “I’m happy to have new brothers and sisters in arms and a new avenue if I’m struggling, and I hope everyone else here feels the same as I do. The outdoors saves lives, the outdoors saved my life, and there are a lot of other veterans struggling and if we can all save one life, it’s worth it. “We all have to deal with the veteran suicide amongst us,” he continued. “I’ve lost over 30 marines and sailors in my unit alone since my deployment. It’s a real struggle. And stuff like this, bringing us together, letting us be a part of each other’s lives, it fills that void for us. I’m just happy to have new brothers and sisters in arms. Because I know when we’re around our brothers and sisters in arms, that void in our life is filled. This tournament is changing lives and this is saving lives. Thank you.”

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WEIGHT

WINNERS

First Place

Anthony M. (Seaclusion)

Second Place

Larry D. (Tenacious)

Third Place

Shane L. (Tenacious)

TOP BOAT

WINNERS

First Place

Tenacious

Second Place

Ramble on Rose

Third Place

Showtime

TOP ANGLER

WINNERS

First Place

Larry D. (Tenacious)

Second Place

Shane L. (Tenacious)

Third Place

Anthony M. (Seaclusion)

Honorable Mention

James J. (Ramble On Rose)

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ABOUT THE RON ASHIMINE AWARD The evening’s top honor is especially poignant as it is named for a Vietnam veteran and best friend of Tournament Founder Anthony Hsieh. Together, Anthony and Ron had spent more than 800 days at sea, fishing around the world. Ron participated in the first WHOW tournament, held in 2018, and forged deep bonds with the founding WHOW veteran participants prior to his passing in 2019. We all miss Ron dearly, and are proud to name our top angler award in his honor.

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2021 WHOW TOURNAMENT RECAP

CATCH THESE STATS 500+ FISH

More than 500 qualifying fish were recorded.

Calico Bass were biting. The tournament saw more than 150 qualifying bass, and 20 veterans got the five fish tournament limit, with the largest weighing 7.4 lbs.

Bluefin Tuna were the star of the show, with nearly 100 recorded. There were eight bluefin over 200 lbs.; five over 150 lbs., and another six over 100 lbs. The largest weighed 245 lbs.

Rockfish were also popular, with over 250 qualifiers caught, topped by a 16.5-lb. Ling Cod.

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4,000+ LBS Over 4,000 pounds (TWO TONS) of fish made it to qualifying weight scoresheets.

There were a lot of nice Yellowtail, with more than 26 of those caught weighing up to 23 lbs.

Halibut remains an elusive catch, but this year’s division was won with an impressive 23-lb. fish.

Dorado also were hard to come by , but one yacht found five for their team, weighing up to 26 pounds.

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FLEET SPOTLIGHT

CELEBRATING THE WHOW 2021 TOURNAMENT FLEET

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WHOW Kickoff Celebration

“THIS IS A WONDERFUL HARMONY FOR US ALL TO CONNECT BETWEEN CIVILIANS AND OUR PRECIOUS JEWELS OF THIS COUNTRY, WHICH IS ALL OF YOU, OUR VETERANS.” ANTHONY HSIEH — TOURNAMENT FOUNDER

The heartbeat of the tournament—and what enables the event to continue its expansive growth—is the Southern California sportfishing community. When the inaugural tournament launched in 2018, the WHOW fleet numbered 12. This year, Tournament Founder Anthony Hsieh personally sent off 38 participating yachts from his dock—more than triple the original fleet. Hsieh points out that, in addition to the $1.4M raised directly, the participating yacht owners’ in-kind contributions, which include use of their boats and crews for four days, fuel, tackle, food and more—are estimated at approximately $800,000. “What makes all of this possible is our generous yacht owners. They all realize they’re successful in life because of the freedom that all of our veterans fought for,” said Hsieh.

“As I look around and see the smiles on all of our veterans’ faces, I want to thank everyone once again. What an incredible year, what an incredible event. I see incredible, incredible patriotism. Thank you.” “We had a blast with these guys,” said Mike Mason, owner of GranDiego. “From start to finish, this was a great experience, learning about what these guys had been through, and how they served our country, it’s amazing.” Said Colby Durnin, tournament founding member and owner of Joint Venture, “The experience is hard to encompass in words— it’s like nothing you can imagine. Everybody says ‘thank you’ to the boat owners, but we get so much more back. We’re so lucky to live in this country and to have people like these men and women defending us. Today is my Thanksgiving.” WHOW MAGAZINE

FLEET SPOTLIGHT

WHOW 2021 FLEET: BY THE NUMBERS

BAD COMPANY 144*

BAD COMPANY 75*

BANDITO

BIKINI BOTTOM

BULL PEN*

DETERMINED

DIGNITY

EL CAZADOR

FAN TAIL

3 YEARS

1 YEAR

Tournament Participation Count Including 2021

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4 YEARS

3 YEARS

1 YEAR

3 YEARS

2 YEARS

Largest-ever WHOW fleet totaled 36 of the West Coast’s finest sportfishing yachts

Five yachts have been in every WHOW Tournament

13 yachts caught a 50 lb.plus bluefin tuna, qualifying them to bring their catch to Avalon’s Green Pier for a celebratory weigh-in

FUSION

GAD ZUKES

GRANDIEGO

HOPELESS ASSET

HOT RAIL

INCOGNITO

ISLAND FOX

JANICE O

JOINT VENTURE*

1 YEAR

3 YEARS

1 YEAR

3 YEARS

4 YEARS

* Participation in WHOW’s Inaugural Event WHOW MAGAZINE

FLEET SPOTLIGHT

WHOW 2021 FLEET: BY THE NUMBERS

NO FENCES

PATRON

PLAY N HOOKEY*

PURITAN

RAMBLE ON ROSE

REEL NOYES

REEL TIME

RICKDICULOUS

SEA HORSE

1 YEAR

2 YEARS

Tournament Participation Count Including 2021

1 YEAR

4 YEARS

1 YEAR

3 YEARS

VISIT WARHEROESONWATER.COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FLEET

SEACLUSION

SECOND C

SHANNON ROSE

SHOWTIME

SLEEPER

STARCH

SURLY MERMAID

TANGLER

TENACIOUS

1 YEAR

2 YEARS

1 YEAR

* Participation in WHOW’s Inaugural Event WHOW MAGAZINE

VETERANS SPOTLIGHT: ALL-FEMALE TEAMS

FEMALE COMBAT-WOUNDED VETERANS JOIN 2021 WHOW TOURNAMENT Four veterans join Team El Cazador and Team Surly Mermaid

As the WHOW yachts lined up to pick up their veteran teams, WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh’s excitement was clearly palpable—the first yacht to reach his dock, the Surly Mermaid, would soon be carrying another first for the tournament: one of two all-female veteran teams. “This is truly special” he exclaimed as he assisted Ret. Marine Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Robin B. and Ret. Army Sergeant (Sgt) Samantha S. as they climbed aboard. “The Surly Mermaid has arrived, bringing our first all-female team, led by our first all-female crew. Let’s hear it for these amazing women—and for this special day!” Surly Mermaid Owner Ali Palmer Johnson was equally thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this inaugural adventure. “It’s not just the fishing,” said Palmer Johnson. “Getting out on the water is very therapeutic. You forget your stresses and problems and just enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Plus, there’s the adrenaline rush whenever a fish takes your bait and the reel starts screaming—I love to share that experience.”

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WHOW First All Female Team - CBS News

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Mea P., a National Guard veteran who served in Iraq as an intelligence analyst and was wounded by shrapnel in a rocket attack, expressed her appreciation for participating in this year’s tournament. Mea was looking forward to bonding with her fellow female teammate aboard a second tournament yacht, the El Cazador. “It’s already been really nice, especially for a first-time veteran,” she said, pointing out the sense of community that’s a hallmark of the tournament. “Any time that we can start getting combat veterans who are females included with these organizations and in this type of stuff is great. We need this just as much as the guys do, if not more so, because we’re such a small group.” Female combat veterans are an exclusive group in a military force that has, historically, been predominately made up of men. Forging connections with other vets— both women and men—who’ve had similar experiences is particularly important in their healing journey. Vanessa B., Ret. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) and Mea’s teammate, echoed a similar sentiment, “Paying attention to the female veterans—especially combat female veterans—is important.”

“WHOW is all about supporting our military veterans who bravely volunteered to protect our great nation. All of them. It was great to have two female veteran teams this year, one hosted by an all-female crew. Women combat veterans face some unique challenges in returning to civilian life. Given the great experience and leadership we saw on full display from our female teams this year, I’m pretty sure we’ll see more female veterans interested in participating in the future. Can’t wait!” – Tournament Director Rod Halperin

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ROD ON THE WATER

A TOURNAMENT LIKE NONE OTHER ROD HALPERIN — TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

We officially began the 2021 WHOW fishing tournament when Surly Mermaid pulled up to the dock to kick off the boarding ceremony. Some two hours and dozens of yacht boarding’s later, our WHOW fleet was gathered in the turning basin excited for the National Anthem and boat parade, and eager to head to sea. From the upper deck of Bad Company 144, the view of our tournament yachts and other supporters was a sight to behold. As the parade commenced, the lineup stretched for over a mile, flags flying, horns honking and spectators waving and cheering the vets as they passed by en route for the epic fishing that would transpire over the course of the next couple days. Most of the yachts ran through the night to the outer Tanner and Cortez banks, which had been holding schools of mixed grade bluefin tuna, yellowtail, and the resident bottom fish for weeks. Others headed for the offshore islands such as Catalina, San Clemente and San Nicholas to begin their tournament. Crews had been strategizing for weeks for this exact moment. Stocking up on tackle, bait, provisions and up-to-the-minute information that would set them apart from the competition, striving to get their vets up on the podium to accept their trophy for one category or another. Tournament success comes with preparation, perspiration and a good dose of luck. WHOW yachts did what they could on the first two keys to success; the other was out of their control.

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For the next couple days, the crews worked hard to put their vets on fish and show them a good time. Along the way, new friendships were forged, old ones strengthened, and memories created that will last a lifetime. Stories will be told of epic bites, battles won and lost, and the lifechanging experiences that can only be created by spending extended time on the water with good people. Tales of camaraderie and cooperation amongst the yachts competing against each other while still assisting and cheering on the competition is a unique facet of WHOW, where everyone is a winner despite the final standings. Over the VHF radio, teams shared information and encouragement freely. Even non-tournament boats joined in, providing WHOW yachts with info and bait when they could. For some teams, success came fast and furious. The crew of Janice O shared that as they reached the spot they wanted to start fishing, they were bit as they were just setting the first line out, kicking off what would turn out to be an epic run of back-to-back-to-back large bluefin tuna. An hour and a half into fishing, they had three beauties on deck. The crew of Rickdiculous also landed a big bluefin 44

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early, then headed down south for other species, a move that earned them the only dorado of the tournament—actually five of them—to win the dorado division. And so it went. Some yachts zigged when they should have zagged, others lost epic battles that lasted for hours, but most found fish willing to bite sooner or later. That is tournament fishing, and fishing in general. Monday afternoon, as the yachts gathered in front of Avalon at lines out and final roll call, we determined that 13 yachts needed to come to the scales for weigh-in with fish over 50 pounds. It was going to be quite a night on the storied green pier in Avalon. Before heading into town, the yachts lined up once more, stretching over a mile as each participant—crew and veteran alike, took a moment to pause and reflect on the past couple days. The scheduled flyover was delayed, but the teams were treated to a low and slow fly-by from the loanDepot jet and numerous passes of the helicopter capturing video and photos of our fleet. Anthony came by each yacht in the Bad Company skiff, greeting and thanking each of them before addressing the entire fleet via the VHF radio.

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With a backdrop of thunder and lightning, the teams made their way to Avalon and the weigh-in party on the pier. Avalon icon Caleb Lins rolled out the red carpet for our WHOW fleet, hosting the entire tournament with plenty of food and beverage for all as the crowd gathered to watch each yacht come to the weigh-in dock to score their catches. With a live webcam, and excellent commentary from WHOW staff TJ and Josh, viewers from across the country watched as each team came into the scales. Some four hours and 13 yachts later, 21 bluefin had been weighed, ranging from about 75 pounds up to 247 pounds. The vibe was full of energy and excitement as old and new friends, locals, tournament sponsors and more joined in to celebrate our WHOW vets. For some, the party carried into town into the wee hours of the night, for others, a good night’s sleep was all that was wanted. Oil spills, closed harbors, logistical challenges and bizarre weather all threatened to spoil our awards ceremony the following evening at the Newport Country Club. WHOW staff, tournament supporters, and our WHOW community rallied to get everyone across the channel and to the event on time. The evening was a special one, with each winner taking the stage, and several taking the microphone to describe what WHOW has meant to them. Larry D., the winner of several awards including the Ron Ashimine award as top angler, drove home to all in attendance just how much impact WHOW is having in the veteran community. As the last trophy was presented and the group photo captured, WHOW vets, crews and staff spent a few minutes to say goodbye to each other, with promises to stay in touch and hopes to see each other soon. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that 2021 WHOW was indeed over. For WHOW staff, we could finally exhale, having wrapped up one heck of an event. For the vets, it was back to home and family, with lots of great memories in the banks and new friends to connect with. For most of us, it became the final farewell to a great Marine, friend, co-worker and WHOW hero—Freedom Alliance Director of Military and Charitable Programs Josh Miles. WHOW would not be what it is without Josh and will never be quite the same without him. Rest easy Josh, we will take it from here.

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THANK YOU

TO OUR SPONSORS The WHOW tournament has attracted the interest of a broad range of private donors and corporate sponsors, all of whom have one important thing in common: a deeply held desire to acknowledge and support our servicemen and women. “The volume of corporate support we achieved this year, at a time when many companies are adjusting their philanthropy budgets, is truly awe-inspiring,” said Nicole Carrillo, loanDepot Chief Accounting Officer and fundraising lead for WHOW. “The tournament’s year-over-year fundraising momentum is absolutely outstanding, and a testament to Anthony’s infectious passion for serving our nation’s heroes.” And, while the tournament continues to attract a growing number of new sponsors, it also has done something essential for consistent growth: maintained its original sponsors, many of whom have increased their levels of partnership over the years. Also helping to achieve that $1.4M milestone were thousands of families and individuals who donated to the cause, with contributions pouring in from 47 out of 50 states—and even internationally. Local interest within the Southern California community remained strong as well, with the tournament’s celebrated silent auction, traditionally held during the event’s kickoff festivities, bringing in more than $130k alone. The heartfelt support from across the country—and at every donation level— has had a deep and lasting impact on Hsieh and the entire WHOW family.

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“WE KNOW THAT WHOW IS CHANGING AND SAVING LIVES,” SAYS HSIEH. “WE ALSO KNOW THAT WE COULDN’T DO THIS CRITICAL WORK WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF ALL OF OUR SPONSORS AND DONORS. EVERYONE WHO COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT WHOW BECOMES A SIGNIFICANT MEMBER OF THIS SPECIAL FAMILY.” ANTHONY HSIEH — TOURNAMENT FOUNDER

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2021

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