War Heroes on Water Magazine - Issue 2 by loanDepot

JUNE 2021

Veteran Spotlight: Kaleb Weakley

WHOW 2021: Our Turn to Be There for Them Spotlight on Bull Pen Assembling the WHOW 2021 Fleet

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04

FOUNDERS’ STORIES: The Start of Something Big

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHT: WHOW Night at loanDepot park

ROD ON THE WATER: The Right Stuff

FLEET SPOTLIGHT: BULL PEN “WHOW Will Change Your Life”

WHOW 2021: Assembling the Fleet

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: KALEB WEAKLEY WHOW 2021: Our Turn to Be There for Them

PHILANTHROPY CORNER: Halfway to our $1M goal

FOUNDERS’ STORIES:

THE START OF SOMETHING BIG Planning for the WHOW 2021 Tournament is well under way, and the 2021 Tournament is anticipated to be the largest yet— with WHOW hosting 100 veterans aboard a nearly tripled fleet. This expansive increase in size and scope is beyond exciting—and, in addition to bringing invaluable services to more veterans, also will further expand interest and awareness of this important event. All of this planning got us thinking about how the Tournament came to be. It all began, recalls WHOW Tournament Director Rod Halperin, with a humble post made by Anthony Hsieh following a three-day fishing trip. The trip had been a very special excursion in Cabo San Lucas, during which Anthony had hosted seven decorated military veterans. The post said simply: “Okay, this year let’s do something great for our war heroes.” It continued: “1st annual WOW Tournament. Warriors on water. Tentatively scheduled for August 25-28 with 2 days of fishing out of San Clemente Island, California.” From there, Anthony offered up three of the Bad Company fleet and sought three more boats to participate. He concluded: “Fishing community, Let’s do this!”

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JIM KINGSMILL Chaser/Joint Venture

BILL LARKIN | BRANDON VOLGAMOTT Play-N Hookey

MARK MITCHELL Motivator

STEVE LASSLEY Bad Company

COLBY DURNIN Joint Venture

DAVE DUBOIS Bull Pen

DAVE HANSEN Wild in Sac

KYLE DICKERSON Pacific Pioneer

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Hundreds of likes and nearly 100 comments on that post alone, the WHOW Tournament was born. Within those comments were offerings of yachts, gear, hospitality and financial and physical Tournament support. “Anthony’s single-handed enthusiasm to create this event almost immediately transformed his idea from a ‘this could be great’ into a ‘let’s do something great’ event for veterans,” recalls Rod. “The first people to jump into the event were Kyle (Dickerson) from Pacific Pioneer, who also brought in Dave (DuBois) from Bull Pen. Then Bill (Larkin) from Play-N Hookey volunteered. Next, Jimmy (Kingsmill) called and offered up Chaser and Colby (Durnin) from Joint Venture,” he continues. “Dave Hansen on Wild in Sac was next to reach out, so within a couple of hours, we had filled the WHOW fleet for our initial capacity. Which, of course, doubled over the next couple of weeks.” Whenever the WHOW Tournament planners needed people, support or resources, Anthony would reach out on social media, updating friends, acquaintances and all of his fishing followers about the Tournament’s progress, what activities were upcoming and what was needed.

“Anthony’s reach into the sportfishing community is very powerful and is a primary reason why WHOW was an instant hit,” adds Rod. “Whenever he posted, I almost immediately knew about it, mostly because my phone would blow up before I could get back to my desk.” On March 29, with a solid planning foundation established, Anthony posted the Inaugural Tournament dates as well as the Tournament’s goals: Show appreciation to our nation’s greatest heroes—our servicemen and women. Raise awareness of the challenges veterans face after their tours are complete. Raise funds for organizations dedicated to supporting veterans. It was at this point that the Tournament organizers decided it was time to assemble a dedicated WHOW team. Rod, members of the local sportfishing community and volunteers from loanDepot joined forces to ensure the first Tournament (and all of the subsequent Tournaments) was truly special.

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In early April, Anthony unveiled WHOW’s signature logo, courtesy of Ali at BD – Outdoors. In his post, he also thanked the boat owners who had committed to date. Said Anthony: “Contributors are piling in. So many boat owners are offering to participate. This is such a good cause and it will be epic; we plan to take 25-30 American heroes.” By June, with the Tournament less than two months away, both Anthony and Rod continued to update the SoCal fishing community on its progress—and also on the continued financial need. For a first-year Tournament with nine boats and 25 veterans attending, financial resources to support the event were essential. Anthony himself personally committed to funding any shortages to ensure an optimal experience for all. Said Anthony: “We are now up to 9 boats total and 25 wounded heroes for this event. Please show your public support here by donating towards this great cause and to raise awareness of our wounded heroes. I also like to thank many of you that have offered products and gifts, along with the boat owners that offered up boats to take the vets, we have announced the boats selected thus far in earlier posts.”

By August, Anthony’s—and the SoCal sportfishing community’s—excitement for the event was palpable. The kick-off event, held at Anthony’s home, gathered local sportfishing legends, SoCal friends and family and, most important, the party honorees—the veterans who had traveled from across the country to celebrate this first-ever event. Until this point, each of Anthony’s Tournament posts had garnered hundreds of likes, comments and shares, but the ones posted during and immediately following the Tournament were among his most engaged with and engaging. His stories and photos showcased the thrill of the Tournament— like one in which all three veterans are on the bow of his boat, all hooked on bluefin at the same time. But they also celebrated the heart of the Tournament, like when the color guard arrived for the singing of the National Anthem. And, most important, the soul of the Tournament, when the WWII vintage era planes flew overhead, leading everyone in attendance to hold their breath and pause in reflection.

“THIS IS SUCH A GREAT CAUSE AND IT WILL BE EPIC; WE PLAN TO TAKE 25-30 AMERICAN HEROES.”

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But, of all of the posts shared that first year, it was one that Anthony posted (from the Tournament): that summed up all of the emotions that the participants had felt as the event drew to a close. “Our national anthem ends with ‘home of the brave.’ We’ve all heard this our entire life since a child, and it’s just a few simple words. What I realize now is how our brave have shaped our country, not just protecting our way of life and the freedom enjoyed by all Americans but influencing the rest of the free world. It’s Thursday morning, it took me three days to recover emotionally from the last weekend’s WHOW event. I actually left my office this Monday at 1pm, completely drained and fatigued from four days of emotional connection with our soldiers, our community and our country. Thank you to the brave men and women. You inspire the rest of us, who enjoyed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” As we ramp up for the 2021 “biggest ever” Tournament, we are reminded of his Anthony’s words, and of the valuable reason he felt this Tournament needed to exist. All of us with the WHOW team are honored to help bring it to life and to carry forward the important message that inspired him, four years ago. As Anthony put it so well in that original post: “Let’s do this!”

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LOANDEPOT GIVES BACK: REFLECTIONS ON WHOW

“WHOW is life-changing for everybody involved, including all of the volunteers,” says loanDepot chief administrative officer TJ Freeborn, who also serves as WHOW Tournament Operations Lead. “There would be no War Heroes on Water if it weren’t for our Founder and CEO Anthony Hsieh. It gives me tremendous honor to be able to help put on the Tournament every year, to help work with the veterans, to help reach out to members of loanDepot and to help share the story of why WHOW so important.”

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TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHT:

WHOW NIGHT AT LOANDEPOT PARK July 5 celebration will bring the Miami Marlins, loanDepot, Freedom Alliance and the broader Miami community together to honor our country’s heroes Just WOW, or should we say, just WHOW! When the Miami Marlins play the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 5 some very special veterans will be honored—our WHOW veterans. “Our veterans have made significant and, in many cases, life-changing sacrifices for our freedom,” said Founder and CEO Anthony Hsieh. “It is our responsibility as Americans to honor these great heroes for their selflessness and their love of country. Additionally, through War Heroes on Water, our goal is to ensure that they also receive the services they need to help them heal from the wounds sustained during their tours of duty.”

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From the singing of the National Anthem through to a post-game veteran tribute, WHOW Night at loanDepot park will be filled with celebratory salutes to the veteran community and to the veterans who have participated in past WHOW Tournaments. Tournament Founder Anthony Hsieh will be on hand to participate in the night’s events, as well as to share his insights about the WHOW Tournaments during a live interview from loanDepot park. Additionally, WHOW Night festivities will feature numerous WHOW moments of recognition and all game attendees will have the opportunity learn more about WHOW and support the WHOW efforts throughout the game.

As part of the WHOW Night at loanDepot park celebration, more than 250 tickets to the Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals game will be donated to the Miami-area veteran community through the Miami Marlins Salute & Serve program sponsored by loanDepot, and another 100 will be provided, as part of a gracious donation by the Miami Marlins, to area veterans who receive support from Freedom Alliance. All attending veterans, together with past WHOW Tournament veteran attendees, founding members of the WHOW fleet and representatives from Freedom Alliance, WHOW, will be honored throughout the event and will enjoy a special post-game on-field tribute.

“Anthony’s passion for supporting the veteran community—and the Miami community— resonates with us and with all of the baseball community,” said David Oxfeld, VP, Head of Partnership Development and Strategy. “The Miami Marlins are honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the WHOW Night celebration and to enable our organization to join with loanDepot and Freedom Alliance in honoring our nation’s heroes.”

“This Tournament is truly life-changing, both for the veterans we are honored to host, and for everyone who participates. No one leaves this event without having their life profoundly changed. And there is a story behind every moment.”

If you live in the Miami area and are interested in learning more about WHOW Night tickets, or to learn more about the event, please visit www.marlins.com/tickets

“IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS AMERICANS TO HONOR THESE GREAT HEROES.

“

ANTHONY HSIEH

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ROD ON THE WATER:

THE RIGHT STUFF ROD HALPERIN — TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

For the Tournament Director of WHOW, there are a number of things that need to be planned out well in advance to ensure a great event. First and foremost, is gathering the fleet of participating yachts. Let’s face it, you can’t host a fishing Tournament without boats for the anglers to fish from. Lucky for us, there are an abundance of yacht owners and crews eager to be involved. We don’t have to dig too deep to fill the fleet, but we do need to be selective to ensure each veteran/angler who participates will have the experience of a lifetime. Yachts who are invited to participate in WHOW need to be a triple threat, meeting our criteria for capability, fishability, and hospitality. To be a WHOW yacht, they need to have the right stuff. Capability is the first hurdle for yachts wishing to participate in WHOW. Yachts will be carrying two to three veterans/ anglers plus a crew of at least three for three nights at sea, with two full Tournament fishing days and two partial days on the water. That means plenty of fuel capacity, bait capacity, fresh water, lots of tackle, and all the food and beverages for a group of five, six or more for the entire time on the water. The yachts need to be in top operating order, with all the safety and other equipment necessary to minimize unnecessary drama and maximize comfort. We are adamant that each vet gets a bunk and enough space to be comfortable and stretch out. Quite often, owners or crews inquiring about participating don’t meet the capability standards for an event like this, and we need to turn them down. For those that do meet the grade, we move on to the next hurdle, fishability.

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The owners, captains and crews of the WHOW fleet are some of the most accomplished on our coast. This group from the first year of WHOW includes two members of the IGFA Hall of Fame.

WHOW is a fishing Tournament, and we pride ourselves on gathering the top captains and crews in the area to show our vets a great time on the water catching lots of fish. It takes more than a fancy yacht to be invited to participate in WHOW, you need to be able to put some fish on deck. The fishing rules and scoring format of WHOW challenges each crew to be proficient at a variety of fishing scenarios. Each yacht will spend a good amount of time fishing inshore for calico bass, yellowtail, white seabass and halibut, so the crew needs to be good at fishing on the anchor and have some good spots planned out that will produce. They also will move out to deeper water for rockfish,

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utilizing a different set of tackle and techniques, and some more good GPS numbers will need to be available to each captain to put the anglers in position to score there. The yachts also will spend part of the Tournament fishing offshore for marlin, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and dorado. Each of these species have their own nuances and often require special tackle and techniques if a yacht hopes to make some catches of these pelagics for their vets. Many crews are good at some of these but being talented enough to score points in multiple zones is what we are looking for in WHOW yachts.

“WE BELIEVE OUR WHOW FLEET IS THE BEST IN THE WEST.

“

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Play-N Hookey is a great example of a WHOW yacht with plenty of capacity to carry vets and crew in comfort along with all the tackle required to score in multiple fishing scenarios.

The friendships and camaraderie formed between WHOW crews and vets are powerful and long-lasting. This crew received a priceless souvenir from their vets.

The final hurdle is the hospitality factor. Operating a sportfishing yacht requires lots of dedication, and some deep pockets. Fuel, bait and tackle, provisions and yacht maintenance don’t come cheap, and for an owner to offer up their pride and joy for four days on the water takes a special kind of person. The owners and crew recognize these aren’t their regular fishing buddies who know their way around a boat and how to fish, but a group of vets who may have never been aboard something larger than a jet ski or never caught anything big enough to justify reaching for the fillet knife at the end of the trip. We expect our yachts to help teach the vets the ways on the water, from how to use the head to how to set the hook when a fish picks up the bait. There should be plenty of good food and beverage readily available, and, of course, being there to share our passion and the healing properties of time on the water.

Honestly, this is the most important hurdle, and for the yachts that inquire about participating, the easiest one to check off the list. We believe our WHOW fleet represents the best in the west. We are able to recruit some very capable yachts, able to carry a goodsized group of anglers and crew for multiple days on the water in comfort and safety. The crews are extremely talented and dedicated, and work hard to put their veteran anglers on a wide range of fish species utilizing a variety of different tackle and techniques. Over and above the capability and fishability, our yachts provide some of the highest levels of hospitality and camaraderie found anywhere on the ocean. We are so appreciative and thankful for these owners and crews who step up to be a WHOW yacht. They have the right stuff.

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FLEET SPOTLIGHT: BULL PEN

“WHOW WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE” Bull Pen Owner and WHOW Founding Member David DuBois talks about the long-term impact of this unique on-water Tournament. For Bull Pen Owner and WHOW Founding Member David DuBois, being a part of the War Heroes on Water Tournament enables him to personally show the gratitude that he and his family have for the sacrifices made by our veterans, and to demonstrate how much their service means to himself and the Bull Pen crew. “These veterans served their country,” David says. “While doing their duty, they went through a lot while at the same time giving back so much to us. The WHOW Tournament is our opportunity to give back to them—when it’s all over and they head home, they’ll have some new experiences and, hopefully, lifelong stories they can tell their friends and families.” David, an expert fisherman and well-known member of the SoCal sportfishing community, was first introduced to the Tournament through Steve Lassley, of Bad Company fame. Steve and David met with Tournament Founder Anthony Hsieh in early 2018, hearing directly from Hsieh about the newly conceptualized Tournament.

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“The very first kick-off was at Anthony’s home,” David recalls. “You could see his passion for it – he glowed with it. He was telling all of us about his experience of inviting three veterans to go fishing with him in Mexico for a weekend—that’s where he got the idea: ‘What if we did a Tournament? More veterans and fisherman could get this experience.’ He was the one spreading the word to those who had never experienced anything like WHOW.” “That first year, the Tournament had 11 boats and a total of 27 veterans,” says David. “We really enjoyed treating them to the full experience—we had Bull Pen burgers one night, a specialty of the house, and steak the next. We really tried to spoil them.” He was most impressed by the veterans’ enthusiasm and their overwhelming desire to learn. “All of the veterans we have hosted really are about getting the most from the experience and they want to be involved in every detail. They whole-heartedly desire to pitch in and help, even though many of them have never cleaned a fish before,” adds David.

“They want to know what we’re doing—we’ve been doing this our entire lives—for each of them, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.” In 2019, David and his crew took the title of Tournament Top Boat, an accolade he is quick to credit to the prowess of his team, which includes his son, Captain Seth Dubois, First Mate Anthony Senella and Deck Hand Sivory Castellanos. The team has gelled into an exceptionally cohesive unit that has put them in the top tier of private yachts fishing the offshore scene. “The entire Bull Pen crew was ecstatic as we watched our veterans head to the podium,” says David. “This isn’t so much about winning, but the entire experience that the Tournament delivers. The veterans learn so much—from catching fish to learning how the scoring works, to catching the different fish on the chart. It’s something you have to experience, being on the water with people who have never had the opportunity to do anything like this before.”

“WE’VE BEEN DOING THIS OUR ENTIRE LIVES—FOR EACH OF THEM, THIS IS A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME ADVENTURE.” 26

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One thing he’ll always remember is the photo taken of the veterans holding their trophies. “They were all jazzed,” he remembers. “They still talk about it—we were on the boat and we did it. It felt so good seeing their proud smiles, celebrating their accomplishment.” “While we all enjoy our bragging rights when it comes to fishing, during this Tournament it’s all about giving our veterans the best experience possible. “The veterans who participate are amazing—showing their appreciation that you’re taking them fishing—it’s so big—it’ll change your life. You don’t come back the same person.” David describes one of the veterans “a big guy with a blond beard” that they joyfully nicknamed “Big Dorado” during the 2019 Tournament. Resolute in his desire to catch a fish on his own, he recalls Big Dorado telling him, “I know you guys know how to fish, you can help me—I don’t want that—I want to put the bait on the hook myself. If I don’t get one – that’s ok – you showed me how.”

“He caught that fish—a big Dorado weighing in at 25 pounds! He was soaked in sweat and so worn out from bringing that fish in. His sense of achievement that he did it on his own was very meaningful.” David remains deeply touched by how the veterans also showed their gratitude. He explained that he and his crew didn’t want anything in return from the vets and that giving to them was a gift in itself. “One veteran gave me a patch from the unit he served in—others gave me a brass medallion—they just wanted to give it to me as a gift in appreciation,” he says. “Their gratitude is overwhelming – their appreciation is probably the most meaningful thing that happened to me.” “What all of these veterans have done for us is something that stays with you for a very long time,” says David, “Nothing in our lives compares to what they’ve gone through. We can only hope to give them time and joy, and memories that we hope will stay with them for many years to come.”

David is excited about the 2021 WHOW Tournament and looks forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new veterans.

As David and his team prepare for WHOW 2021, he finds it difficult to put the entire Tournament experience into words.

“Whenever there’s a Tournament there’s so much anticipation and preparation—there’s a lot involved in getting ready,” he says. “But when those guys show up it’s game on. I can’t wait to see the veterans again and hear their stories. They get on your boat and they all get together and they connect right away—‘Where’d you serve? How long you were there? What unit?’ Then they ask us how long we’ve had the boat. And then they ask about fishing. The camaraderie is almost immediate.”

“It’s hard to explain this to people sometimes. It’s an emotion that you experience–you have to experience for yourself. Just go do it and you’ll know. Like riding a Harley and trying to explain it to someone. You won’t be disappointed; you won’t come back regretting it. The fact that Anthony has been able to assemble this many boat owners and crew members year over year—and make it bigger than it has ever been—that tells you something.”

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AT A GLANCE

BULL PEN MODEL OWNER CAPTAIN LENGTH

Pacifica David DuBois Seth DuBois 50

2018 WHOW AWARDS

Anglers Scoring Most Points in Each Species Steven V., Rockfish

2019 WHOW AWARDS

Boat Total Point Winner First Place Ron Ashimine Award Kaleb W. Angler Weight Points Kaleb W. Jose B. Michael G. Species Winner Kaleb W., Bluefin

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WHOW 2021: ASSEMBLING THE FLEET To date, our line-up features 33 outstanding top boat contenders and an elegant host boat

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The SoCal fishing community prides itself on its hospitality—and its fishing prowess, so when it comes Tournament time, the WHOW fleet delivers. Across these pages, you’ll find the best of the best—or should we say—the best of the West—in yachts, custom sportfishing equipment, owners, captains and crews. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to highlight new additions to our 2021 WHOW Fleet. Check out our amazing line-up to date...

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OUR GROWING WHOW FLEET Our WHOW fleet features an exceptional combination of returning yachts and first-time participants. We look forward to seeing everyone on the water, showing our veterans what makes SoCal fishing so spectacular.

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YACHT NAMES

* YEARS PARTICIPATING

YACHT NAMES

BAD COMPANY 144

MOTIVATOR

BAD COMPANY 75

PACIFIC PIONEER

BULL PEN

PATRON

CLICKER!

PLAY-N HOOKEY

DETERMINED

RAMBLE ON ROSE

DIALED INN

REEL TIME

EL CAZADOR

RICKDICULOUS

EL GATO DOS

SEA HORSE

FAN TAIL

SEACLUSION

FUSION

SHANNON ROSE

GAD ZUKES

SHOWTIME

HOPELESS ASSET

SLEEPER

HOT RAIL

SURLY MERMAID

INCOGNITO

TANGLER

ISLAND FOX

TENACIOUS

JOINT VENTURE

VINTAGE

KEA KAI

Tournament Participation Count Including 2021

Participation in WHOW’s Inaugural Event

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HOST BOAT

BAD COMPANY 144 MODEL

144 Trinity

LENGTH

144

OWNER

Anthony Hsieh

CAPTAIN --LEGACY Yes One of the largest sportfishers in the world, the Bad Company 144 will serve as Tournament flagship, and will host VIP guests. In our inaugural event, the 144 served as Tournament host, with all on water Tournament events being held on board. Owner Anthony Hsieh, the founder of WHOW, conceptualized the event while hosting a group of Veterans and enjoying breakfast on her lanai deck in Costa Rica in winter, 2018.

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BAD COMPANY 75 MODEL

Delta

LENGTH

OWNER

Anthony Hsieh

CAPTAIN Steve Lassley LEGACY Yes

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Bad Company 75 is one of the finest semi-custom sport fishers in the west. A classic 75 Delta, the 75 is led by WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh and his team, including IGFA Hall of Fame Captain Steve Lassley. Bad Company is universally regarded as the top sportfishing team in the west, and beyond. They took top honors at WHOW 2018, and they remain a strong contender every year. Vets on board will be sure to enjoy a weekend filled with amazing fishing and remarkable sportfishing insights.

BULL PEN MODEL

Pacifica

LENGTH

OWNER

David DuBois

Success in sportfishing, like so many things in life, boils down to great teamwork. Bull Pen Owner David DuBois credits his crew for their exceptional success over the past several seasons, with their unique camaraderie putting them in the top tier of private yachts fishing the offshore team. Says Dave about the upcoming Tournament, “Our goal is to show our veterans a great time and ensure that they have amazing stories to take back to their family and friends.”

CAPTAIN Seth DuBois LEGACY Yes

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DETERMINED MODEL

Hatteras

LENGTH

OWNER

Dan Gorman, Zac Cullen

CAPTAIN TBD LEGACY Yes

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Determined has been with the WHOW Fleet since 2018. A beautiful 60 Hatteras owned by Dan Gorman and Zac Cullen, veterans who are on this boat are sure to enjoy an exceptional experience. Dan has been fishing and boating locally for most of his life, and created his own charity fishing Tournament, Saltwater Cowboy, which ran for several years out of Dana Point. His boat partner, Zac, is known for his passion and living life to its fullest. Everyone aboard Determined is determined to provide our vets with great fishing and outstanding memories.

DIALED INN MODEL

Viking

LENGTH

OWNER

Randy Pennington

CAPTAIN Mike Arujo

Dialed Inn pretty much sums up this tricked-out 61 Viking sportfisher. Owner Randy Pennington has been a regular on the fishing grounds for quite some time, and this latest edition of Dialed Inn has been turning heads and raising fish on a regular basis. Captain Mike Arujo is one of the most well-rounded captains on the coast. From Northern California to Southern Baja, Captain Arujo has put his owners and guests on some great bites on all kinds of fish. Vets aboard Dialed Inn can look forward to some great fishing on a fantastic yacht with a friendly owner and crew.

LEGACY Yes

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EL CAZADOR MODEL

Bertram

LENGTH

OWNER

Rian Grenke

CAPTAIN Kevin Bohanan LEGACY No

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A perfect combination of tradition and elegance, the El Cazador is a true showstopper. Once a fully loaded Bertram Factory Show boat, today she is a rare find, featuring West Coast fishing modifications that make her a hardcore sportfisher as well as a high-end entertainer. Her Tournament-designed cockpit offers 147 square feet of fish fighting territory, and she is equipped with a bait center, live well, freezer and transom fish box. Under the skillful eyes of Owner Rian Grenke and Captain Kevin Bohanan, vets on board the El Cazador are in for the trip of a lifetime.

EL GATO DOS MODEL

Riviera

LENGTH

OWNER

Bryan Zulka

CAPTAIN Bryan Zulka,

If you’re ready for some serious fishing, you’ll want to be aboard the El Gato Dos. Bryan Zulka and Jamie Thinnes are no strangers to getting their guests on fish–and both are excited to participate in this year’s Tournament. Jamie grew up working on local boats out of Daveys Locker and has been educated by some of the best captains in the local fleets. Whether you’re fishing for yellowtail, offshore tuna, calico bass or the elusive white sea bass, the El Gato Dos team takes great pride on fishing hard to make each trip a trip of a lifetime.

Jamie Thinnes

LEGACY No

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FAN TAIL MODEL

Hatteras

LENGTH

OWNER

Richard Fan

CAPTAIN GJ Sacco LEGACY Yes

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Returning for a shot at redemption is Fan Tail, a super tight 77 Hatteras owned by Richard Fan. During the 2019 WHOW event, Captain GJ Sacco and crewman Bill De Priest were able to hook a swordfish late on the second day. After an epic battle lasting several hours and well into the awards dinner, the fish found freedom and the crew and vets all witnessed the raw power of these awesome fish. Back at it in 2021, Fan Tail will be looking to even the score and get her vets on another load of fun and fishing.

FUSION MODEL

Bertram Sportfisher

LENGTH

OWNER

Dan Barnett

CAPTAIN Dan Barnett

Fusion and its crew love to fish! With more than 20 Bluefin tuna (100 lbs+) caught in 2020, flying First Marlin and Tuna flags, and having caught numerous other game fish, the yacht is well-equipped and ready to compete in WHOW 2021. The boat has been beautifully restored and is well-equipped with top-of-the-line technology and gear. Comprised of members of the Tuna Club and the Dana Angling Club, Fusion’s captain and crew are friendly and fishing–and will work tirelessly to ensure that its veterans are comfortable and successful.

LEGACY No

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GAD ZUKES MODEL

Cabo

LENGTH

OWNER

Greg Zucchero

CAPTAIN Greg Zucchero LEGACY Yes

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Gad Zukes is one of the most tricked-out 43 Cabo’s on the coast, with just about every bell and whistle an angler could hope for. Owner Greg Zucchero and family had the boat built and outfitted specifically for West Coast-style fishing and has continued to upgrade areas with each passing season. Gad Zukes spends a good part of its season out on the water, so they are always on the bite and in the zone. One of the top marlin boats in the fleet, Gad Zukes is also a highliner on the big Bluefin and other offshore game fish. This energetic, hard-charging and fun-loving team is ready to make the most of this year’s Tournament for our vets.

HOPELESS ASSET MODEL

Viking

LENGTH

OWNER

Corey Terry

CAPTAIN Kiel Berg

“Hopeless Asset” is one striking Viking–featuring an enclosed bridge and offering a smooth ride and the capability to travel long distances and fish anywhere. Built for offshore adventures, she’s a sportfisher’s delight, ready to welcome her guests for true high seas adventure. Captain Kiel Berg grew up fishing in Southern California and has spent the past 14 years working on charter boats in areas like Cabo San Lucas. Kiel looks forward to showing his veterans a variety of sportfishing techniques, including “run and gun” and kite fishing with a true West Coast style. Look for Owner Corey Terry and Kiel to show their veterans the trip of a lifetime.

LEGACY No

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HOT RAIL MODEL

Cabo

LENGTH

OWNER

Ryan Schramm

CAPTAIN Ryan Schramm LEGACY No

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Ryan Schramm, together with his family and friends have been involved in the local sportfishing scene for quite a while. Every year they have been stepping up their game, and recently made a big move with the acquisition of a super-rigged 40 Cabo Hot Rail. This big step up will give them all the capability they need to continue to score on all the inshore and offshore opportunities, plus travel south to Mexico if they want. These guys quietly put in the hard work and dedication required to consistently catch. The boat is in top condition, and the crew super friendly and eager to host vets in 2021 WHOW. Welcome aboard!

INCOGNITO MODEL

Bertram

LENGTH

OWNER

Kevin Reardon

CAPTAIN Brady Cherry

There is no hiding the fact that Owner Kevin Reardon and Captain Brady Cherry are huge supporters of WHOW and our vets. Incognito will be participating in WHOW for the third consecutive year, and the vets who have had the pleasure of fishing with them all echo the same feelings–a great boat and better crew, catching lots of fish and enjoying every moment on the water with them. This beautiful 54 Bertram is well equipped for fishing and comfort, and with her good looks has a hard time flying under the radar on the fishing grounds or when she pulls into port. Thanks to team Incognito for your continued participation in WHOW!

LEGACY Yes

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ISLAND FOX MODEL

Elliott

LENGTH

OWNER

Calen Offield

CAPTAIN Calen Offield LEGACY No

WHOW MAGAZINE

Designed by Ed Monk and custom-built by Ted Elliott, the Island Fox (formally known as ‘Legend,’ ‘Super Bird’ and ‘Erin Marie’, has been a notable Tournament presence over the course of her competitive career. Owner Calen Offield and the Island Fox are well known on Catalina Island and throughout the SoCal waters for their impressive sportfishing capabilities, and they are ready to out-fox their WHOW fleet competitors for this Tournament. Veterans on board Island Fox should be ready for a memorable experience and some great fishing action.

JOINT VENTURE MODEL

Pacifica

LENGTH

OWNER

Colby Durnin

CAPTAIN TBD LEGACY Yes

Colby Durnin and his yacht, Joint Venture, have emerged on the Southern California sportfishing scene with a big splash. Colby is a strong supporter of War Heroes on Water, not just by offering his boat, but also by being very engaged in assisting in every way possible in the operations and promotions aspects. Colby is no stranger to fishing Tournaments or to the thrill of offshore fishing. He was working on a commercial swordfish boat by the time he was 16 years old. He also became one of the youngest members to join the Avalon Tuna Club and served as the club’s president in 2012. Colby is an expert fisherman in the waters surrounding SoCal and Mexico and is close friends with many of the local captains and fishermen. In 2020, Joint Venture and its vets were on the podium multiple times, taking the yellowfin division with two yellowfin including a 61.2 lb tuna (Brent W.); first place for qualifying points (Brent W.); second place for weight points, (Brent W.); second place for Top Boat; and second place for Top Angler, (Brent W.).

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KEA KAI MODEL

Pacifica

LENGTH

OWNER

Jock Albright

CAPTAIN Charlie Albright LEGACY No

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When WHOW organizers made the decision to open up to two-vet teams and slightly smaller yachts, teams like Kea Kai were the reason. This classic 44 Pacifica is the epitome of a SoCal sportfisher, and she has been putting up impressive scores for decades. Owner Jock Albright, a Navy vet himself, has spent a lifetime on the water, both in sport and commercial fishing. His son, Charlie, also is well known in the sportfishing community, being involved in the tackle industry and other fishing enterprises. Charlie was aboard Motivator for the 2019 and 2020 WHOW Tournaments and knows first-hand how important this event is to the vets and crews. WHOW is lucky to have Kea Kai and this father-son team at the helm.

MOTIVATOR MODEL

Pacifica

LENGTH

OWNER

Mark Mitchell

CAPTAIN Tom “Shano” Shanahan

LEGACY Yes

Motivator has been with the Tournament since 2018, when she served as Tournament Control, hosting Tournament staff and following the Tournament fleet throughout the event’s on-water activity. Motivator is one special yacht, having been completely refitted to be one of the most custom sportfishers on the West Coast. She is an extremely capable fishing platform, and the creature comforts designed into her layout ensure that the vets assigned to her will fish in comfort and style. Mark Mitchell, Motivator’s owner, has been an early and regular supporter of War Heroes on Water. Like so many of our fleet’s owners, Mark grew up fishing our coast with his family. Captain Tom “Shano” Shanahan is well-respected among the professional captains in the West and has tons of experience from California to Cabo and beyond, both inshore and offshore.

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PACIFIC PIONEER MODEL

Bertram

LENGTH

OWNER

Mike Blower

CAPTAIN Kyle Dickerson LEGACY Yes

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Captain Kyle Dickerson of Pacific Pioneer is synonymous with the yacht Pacific Pioneer, owned by Mike Blower and the Blower family. Kyle follows in his father’s footsteps, as Kenny Dickerson was captain of the El Tigre, one of the west coast’s top boats in the ’70s and ’80s. What is exceptional about Kyle is his dedication to family and country. Kyle was among the first to reach out and request to be included in the War Heroes on Water event and has been a vocal supporter at every opportunity. When asked why he was so passionate about this cause, his response was simple and immediate–“My son was in the army and did three Tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. The things they went through I couldn’t imagine. So with that I wanted to give back what I could, so I have for the last eight years. This Tournament is the ultimate give back.”

PATRON MODEL

Pacifica Sportfisher

LENGTH

OWNER

Donny Orr

CAPTAIN --LEGACY No

Owner Donny Orr is excited to share his love of the ocean, and of fishing, with our WHOW veterans. Orr grew up on his adopted dad, Doc Mike Thomas’ 44 Pacifica Popeye, where he had the honor of fishing with such distinguished anglers and Tuna Club legends as Doug Daniels, Punky Langston, Ed Cleland and Larry Tungst. Orr purchased the Patron nearly 20 years ago with his uncle and two other partners, whom he has since bought out. Fun Fact: the Patron was once the “Reel Salty,” owned by Harvey Hunnicutt, who ran the Zane Grey Invitational and Catalina Classic, local striped marlin Tournaments. Veterans onboard the Patron will enjoy great stories, great accommodations and exceptional fishing with Donny and the Patron crew!

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PLAY-N HOOKEY MODEL

Mikelson

LENGTH

OWNER

Bill Larkin

CAPTAIN Louis Palermo LEGACY Yes

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When the War Heroes on Water Tournament was first announced in 2018, Bill Larkin, owner of Play-N Hookey, was the first person to reach out. From that initial conversation, Bill has been a true team player, doing whatever he can to support our Tournament and our veterans. He and his captain, Louis Palermo, are always game to make the event a fun- and fish-filled adventure for his veterans. Play-N Hookey offers a super comfortable platform for exactly that.

RAMBLE ON ROSE MODEL

Little Hoquiam

LENGTH

OWNER

Frank Myers

CAPTAIN Jimmy Kingsmill

This magnificent 65 Little Hoquiam is a perfect example of a purpose-built pilot house sportfisher designed to fish in comfort and style up and down the West Coast. Its new owner, Frank Myers, is completely stoked to have the opportunity to participate in WHOW, having followed the tournament and its cause for years. Manning the helm this year will be WHOW regular captain Jimmy Kingsmill, who has previously run Chaser and Joint Venture in WHOW events. Look for Ramble On Rose to contend for top spot and for their vets to have one super time with this great group.

LEGACY No

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REEL TIME MODEL

Hatteras

LENGTH

OWNER

David King

CAPTAIN Grant Hunner LEGACY Yes

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Reel Time is a beautiful 60 Hatteras that is custom-fitted for west coast-style fishing. A regular on the SoCal Tournament circuit, Reel Time racks up impressive scores year over year. Owner David King grew up fishing with his family on various iterations of “Reel Time,” from a 38 Bertram to a 44 Pacifica to a 58 Cabo and, now, a 60 Hatteras. Dave shares his late father’s enthusiasm for the sport, as well as his commitment to family and love of country. Look for the Reel Time to show her vets a Reel Good Time (and lots of Reel Good Fish).

RICKDICULOUS MODEL

Viking

LENGTH

OWNER

Rick Windbigler

CAPTAIN Rick Windbigler

If you’re looking for a WHOW experience as seen from the perspective of a very adventurous soul, board Rickdiculous and enjoy what Owner and Captain Rick Windbigler have to offer. Not only did Rick follow COVID social distancing guidelines, he made the most of them this past year, documenting his solo trips to Catalina for some lobster fishing and one especially impressive solo adventure that included a 20-mile hike across Catalina (also followed by an evening of lobster fishing). Rick’s amazing fishing skill and knowledge of the local waters are icing on the cake. If you’re a veteran on board Rickdiculous, you’re about to have a Rickdiculous good time!

LEGACY No

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SEA HORSE MODEL

Maritimo

LENGTH

OWNER

Bruce Ferguson

CAPTAIN Jason Greyshock LEGACY Yes

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Sea Horse is a 2008 52 Maritimo owned by Bruce Ferguson, whose company, PVP Advanced EO System, manufactures long-range, laser-guided video surveillance cameras for our military and government agencies. Sea Horse is captained by Jason Greyshock, owner of Fishing Boats Unlimited. Like many of our WHOW fleet captains, Jason is a third-generation fisherman who has a passion for putting his veterans on fish. Raised in Southern California, Jason has been running private yachts for more than 20 years and has participated in a number of local Tournaments. For our veterans on board Sea Horse, you’re in for a treat, both for hospitality and for fishing.

SEACLUSION MODEL

Riviera

LENGTH

OWNER

Bentley Kerr

CAPTAIN Dave Hansen

WHOW welcomes owner Bentley Kerr and his 45 Riviera, Seaclusion. Bentley is a life-long waterman, fisherman and maritime chef; and continues his family tradition of enjoying fishing, diving and quality time with friends and family. For 2021, Bentley has teamed up with Captain Dave Hansen, a well-known WHOW favorite. Vets assigned to Seaclusion will have the pleasure of fishing with one of the top captains on the coast and with one of the friendliest, fun loving owners in the fleet. Welcome to WHOW, team Seaclusion!

LEGACY No

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SHANNON ROSE MODEL

Bertram

LENGTH

OWNER

Shaun Keating

CAPTAIN Calvin Cooper LEGACY Yes

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Based out of Dana Point, the Shannon Rose is a fully upgraded 54 Bertram. Owner Shaun Keating is a great supporter of our veterans and excels at creating a fun-filled experience for any guest aboard the Shannon Rose. When provided with the opportunity to join the WHOW fleet in 2020, Shaun was quick to offer up his proven tournament winner to our WHOW veterans. Captain Calvin Cooper has been at the helm for several years, and his sportfishing experience and friendly demeanor will ensure that the veterans hosted aboard the Shannon Rose will have a great time and put plenty of fish across the deck.

SHOWTIME MODEL

Hatteras

LENGTH

OWNER

Mike Saad

Owner Mike Saad knows the SoCal waters well and is focused on ensuring that his veterans enjoy the best fishing he can deliver. As he puts it, “We’ve been fishing the waters of Southern California and Mexico for more than 20 years, and we look forward to sharing our love for the ocean, and for sportfishing, with our nation’s heroes.”

CAPTAIN --LEGACY No

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SURLY MERMAID MODEL

Tiara Convertible

LENGTH

OWNER

Ali Palmer Johnson

CAPTAIN Ali Palmer Johnson LEGACY No

WHOW MAGAZINE

WHOW’s first-ever all-female crew will be on board the Surly Mermaid. Ali Palmer Johnson, Owner/Operator, has been looking forward to the adventure and is excited to show her veterans the fun and adventure she enjoys on the water. “We take it for granted sometimes, but you have to realize what a wonderful experience it is we enjoy when we’re all out on the water,” adds Ali. “I think it’s important to support War Heroes on water because it’s such a wonderful way to share our passion for fishing with these exceptional Americans who have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom.” Veterans, be ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, because the Surly Mermaid team is ready for action.

TANGLER MODEL

Knight and Carver Yacht Fisher

LENGTH

OWNER

Mark Hazen

Two things to know about Tangler: First, she likes to fish—and has the photos of impressive tuna, halibut, swordfish and lobster to prove it. And second, she enjoys being a beautiful, accommodating and considerate host, ensuring that everyone is feeling good and having a wonderful time on the water. If you find yourself on Tangler, be prepared for tight lines and a relaxing, happy-go-lucky Tangler time.

CAPTAIN Mark Hazen LEGACY No

WHOW MAGAZINE

TENACIOUS MODEL

Monterey Sportfisher

LENGTH

OWNER

Les Walker, Sr.

CAPTAIN Les Walker, Jr. LEGACY No

WHOW MAGAZINE

Tenacious is an impressive Monterey custom, and is considered one of the finest sportfishers ever launched. Originally conceived and constructed for worldrenowned golfer and yachtsman Greg Norman, she comes equipped with the finest in craftsmanship and sportfishing appointments—ensuring that those onboard get on fish and leave with exceptional memories. If you’re tenacious about fishing success, Tenacious is your boat.

VINTAGE MODEL

Custom Sportfisher

LENGTH

OWNER

Michael Fowlkes

CAPTAIN Michael Fowlkes LEGACY No

You know the old saying, “They don’t make ’em like they used to,” and when it comes to Vintage, truer words could not be spoken. Vintage was launched the year of the first Super Bowl—1966. Crafted of composite fiberglass over wooden boat, she was designed by Larry Drake and built in the Oxnard shipyard. Documented at 60 feet with just under a 20-foot beam, she was recently repowered with a new 485 HP Cat C12S, and rumor has it that if you let go of the helm when you leave the jetty, she knows her way to the cape. Originally designed for extended long-range fishing, Vintage has seen it all—she’s been through the Panama Canal twice, ranging from Nova Scotia to Alaska and back. She’s also earned the BYC Angler’s coveted First Swordfish Flag in 2019 and 2020, and she’s been used to film dozens of episodes of award-winning Inside Sportfishing television series. Look for Vintage to show off her stuff in this year’s Tournament!

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VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: KALEB WEAKLEY

WHOW 2021: OUR TURN TO BE THERE FOR THEM “WHOW shows veterans that others outside of our community care about their service and sacrifice.” — Kaleb Weakley For veteran Kaleb Weakley, the War Heroes on Water Tournament experience is nothing short of amazing. Especially for someone, as he puts it, who is “not a seasoned fisherman” and had just learned to fish in the 2018 Tournament. “Being around professional sportfishermen and learning the art of what they do—it’s such an eye-opening experience,” Kaleb explains. “In addition to being a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the WHOW Tournament also teaches you a life-long skill that can help with everything from your career to your family—and it’s something you can carry through future generations.” Kaleb was especially honored to receive the Ron Ashimine award in 2019 as the top angler aboard the winning boat, Bull Pen. “Being able to win the Captain Ron Award to commission his memory was such an honor to me,” Kaleb says. “The prior year, (during the Inaugural 2018 WHOW Tournament) I spent the entire Tournament on board with Ron, and I learned so much from him. To return and fish in his honor and his memory was a humbling, amazing experience for me. I think about Captain Ron and what an impression he made on me in that short time,” he adds. 68

WHOW MAGAZINE

Kaleb also fondly recalls his time with Bull Pen’s Owner David DuBois and the entire crew. “The Bull Pen team was just so amazing,” he recalls. “They’re such great people—they made you feel like you were part of their family from the start.” He also was surprised and impressed by the Bull Pen’s young crew. “The crew on the Bull Pen was younger than me—but I could see that they were dedicated and committed to the art of fishing and thoroughly enjoyed their chosen path,” he explains. “They were so helpful. They not only gave me hope for today’s youth, they were so encouraging, I just immediately wanted to hang out and be around with them.” The bonds he established at the WHOW Tournaments continue to this day. He and Bull Pen Owner David DuBois speak regularly and he also keeps in touch with other WHOW captains and owners. “I know that, at times, we all have a hard time accepting that people outside our family and friend circles want to help us,”

Kaleb continues. “But it’s important to do it. WHOW will literally change your life. You will make life-long friends. Everyone who is involved with this Tournament is here because they love us, and they want to make this experience for us the best it could possibly be.” This, for Kaleb, is one of the most important aspects of the Tournament and one he feels is of immense value to participating veterans. “The Tournament and how it brings everybody together creates a unique camaraderie not just among the veterans, but also with the owners, captains and crews–we get the benefit of this massive support system.” He adds, “During the Tournament, I met a veteran who lived in Virginia, which is where I’m from, and we’re good friends now. Before WHOW, I didn’t know this guy at all. WHOW brings together all walks of our military family, who are always there for us, together. But it also creates this bigger, outside family that’s there for us, too.”

KALEB WEAKLEY HOMETOWN

Rixeyville, VA

BRANCH

Marine Corp.

DEPLOYMENT

Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa – 2009-2010, 2011, 2012

2019 WHOW AWARDS Ron Ashimine Award Angler Weight Points, First Place Species Winner, Bluefin

WHOW MAGAZINE

Kaleb is hopeful that many more veterans will embrace the unique experience that the WHOW Tournaments have to offer, and he offers this advice for those who are considering participating in the WHOW Tournament for the first time: “I know that it can be very hard to try to relax around people you don’t know,” Kaleb explains. “But keep an open mind. The WHOW Tournament will be the best thing that ever happened to you.” Kaleb is looking forward to returning to the WHOW Tournament, this time as a “veteran” veteran—supporting the newer veterans who will be on the boat with him.

“This year’s Tournament is going to be amazing— more veterans, more boats, more crews,” he enthuses. “And I’ll get to be there to help our newest veterans get comfortable. I’m looking forward to this new role.” Most of all, Kaleb is excited to watch many more WHOW transformations. “I am so excited to see how many veterans will be helped through these life-changing Tournaments,” he adds. “The experiences, the connections and the support generated by this Tournament that Anthony Hsieh created is such an amazing thing.”

“KEEP AN OPEN MIND. THE WHOW TOURNAMENT WILL BE THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO YOU.”

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PHILANTHROPY CORNER

HALFWAY TO OUR $1M GOAL

$3 $200 K $100 K

FUNDS RAISED TO DATE

$534,790 74

WHOW MAGAZINE

$1M $900 K

$800 K $700 K $600 K

$500 K $400 K

300 K WHOW 2021 is projected to be the largest WHOW Tournament to date—and it also has the largest fundraising goal: $1M. We are confident that, with the help of our sponsors, the community and our friends and families, we can achieve that goal—all to support our country’s heroes. Thanks to the tremendous support we’ve received so far from our sponsors, we’ve made it to the halfway mark—raising more than $500,000 towards our goal. Now comes the hard part—getting us to the finish line. Please know that EVERY dollar makes a difference. Whether you choose to support WHOW through the purchase

of Official WHOW Merchandise, making a cash donation or participating in any of our upcoming fundraising initiatives—or all of the above—you are personally making an important impact. Please join us in honoring the dedication and sacrifice our veterans have made for us by making a contribution to WHOW today. Your tax-deductible donation supports the WHOW Tournament and also helps provide year-round therapeutic services for our veteran community through our charitable partner, Freedom Alliance.

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