Our Impact
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The Stories of the Men and Women that have benefited from Fishing Therapy
Military Veterans Fishing Charter has strived to help as many military veterans as possible. Our impact has been huge for the veterans suffering from PTSD that have joined us on our Alaskan Deep Sea Fishing Excursions.
Please read a few of the stories that were shared with us about their journey to recovery.
Help a Veteran Cope with PTSD
Your donation matters. Every donation goes toward giving back to our Military Veterans by helping them cope with their PTSD.
Making Memories
MVFC is proud to make joyful memories with our Military veterans to replace traumatic sources of PTSD.
Stories & Testimonials
These Brave men and women have fought for our countries, experienced unbelievable trauma, and are constantly fighting an internal battle. Read how we can help
Greg Williams
US Army Veteran
Greg's Story
After retiring from the Army in 2015, I sought an outlet to help with my PTSD. I always wanted to fish in Alaska but didn’t know how to start. So, I booked a trip and flew to Anchorage, Alaska by myself in Aug 2018. While I was waiting on my connecting flight in Anchorage, I met a guy named George, and he told me his magical life story. When I arrived in Homer, Alaska, George’s sister Nina Faust was waiting on him, and they offered me a ride to my lodging. What I thought was going to be a drop-off turned out to be lifetime friends. Nina and George gave me a tour of Homer, Alaska also brought me to their home, which overlooks the whole city of Homer. The view from Nina’s residence was peaceful and relaxing.
After arriving back in Ga, I promised myself I would return every year long as I could manage it. After I returned home, it dawned on me that the outdoor activities I participated in help me to cope with my PTSD, and it could do the same for veterans. Deep sea fishing in Alaska sold me because the water has been known to have healing properties and is hugely beneficial to those suffering from PTSD. So, I went again by myself in 2019 and 2020. I experienced the same tranquility as before, being on the water was so peaceful, and the scenery was spectacular. I wanted to share this adventure with other Veterans battling PTSD.
In 2021, three veterans accompany me to enjoy Alaska. In 2022, nine veterans came along. I shared my experience with my wife, on how this has helped so many vets already who are repeat travelers. We then decided on taking other veterans on this great outdoors adventures, but as a company. We organized and planned on how to accomplish this task and this is how the birth of Military Veterans Fishing Charter Inc., (MVFC) became a company. June
2-7, 2023, we will have some new faces in the group, which will be a polit test to get
feedback on how successful was this trip for them coping with PTSD. It’s an inspiration seeing veterans who has never been to Alaska watching them experience the scenery, landscape, animals and great fishing that’s in store for them.
Marva Courtney
US Army Veteran
Marva's Story
I learned to fish three years ago, which quickly became my favorite outdoor activity. I find it a relaxing and challenging venture. That feeling was compounded during my first deep-sea fishing trip with several other vets, with Greg Williams spearheading the adventure.; Homer, AK, is known as “The Halibut Capital of the World.” This was my first trip to our 49th state, and the scenery, wildlife, and vastness of the Kenai Peninsula proved utterly incredible. This trip was a nostalgic, camaraderie-building and mainly an eventful endeavor as we all bonded over fishing and our shared military paths. This trip garnered newfound friendships we shared and will forever relive through pictures, stories, and memories. Some key firsts I looked forward to included my first trip to Alaska; traversing the Kachemak Bay; catching my first Halibut; and seeing nature’s wonders; including bears, moose, and eagles. They are all genuinely majestic and admittedly startling to see in person. At the end of each day, I was utterly worn out. But it was fun, and I was tired from a wonderfully exhilarating experience. The best part of this whole venture was enjoying my new fishing buddies!
US Army Veteran
This trip was a nostalgic, camaraderie-building and mainly an eventful endeavor as we all bonded over fishing and our shared military paths. This trip garnered newfound friendships we shared and will forever relive through pictures, stories, and memories.
US Army/Air Force Veteran
I often felt irritated, stressed, lonely, paranoid, and untrustworthy, and my list was long. At least, that was until I had an opportunity to experience an Alaskan fishing excursion with Greg Williams and other vets. This fishing group has helped me to reconnect with my family and friends with a better perspective.
Disabled Veteran
It was just more than a fishing trip. It was a refuge to fellowship with comrades and escape the everyday horrors of serving this country during War and Peace times. Nothing has helped me more to overcome my silence and isolation than that fishing trip to Alaska. I have gained my confidence back, and now I am ready to travel to other places I always want to visit.
US Army Veteran
Greg took me and my son along on the fishing trip in Ninilchik, AK May 2021. That break from the hustle and bustle of life was much needed. The area was so serene, and the landscape was breathtaking. Attending the trip allowed us to rest, reset, and recharge. This is a must attend trip. We look forward to attending again in the future.
How Can We Help?
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
Gregory Williams
- South Metro Atlanta
- (404) 759-1479
- gwill@militaryveteransfishingcharter.org
- Everyday 9am - 6pm
Clarence BoldenUS Army, Capt. JAG Corps