Setting the Record
Freedom Alliance’s Offshore Experience program recently invited five combat veterans who had fought in the early years of the war in Iraq. Among them were two Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technicians, Brian C. and Eric S.
Brian is a Marine “mustang”—meaning he was initially enlisted and later launched through the officer pipeline—who served 30 years. He completed seven deployments, including Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
Eric served six years in the Air Force, during which he completed two non-combat deployments. He then went on to become a contractor, deploying to Iraq, where he was hit by an explosively-formed penetrating IED. This resulted in a five-year recovery with approximately 60 surgeries. He continues to work in the bomb disposal field, training Navy and Army units.
The other three members of our group served in the Army. Staff Sergeant Venasio S. served 10 years as a heavy equipment operator. He was wounded by a vehicle-borne IED in Iraq that resulted in burns to 45 percent of his body and blindness in his left eye.
First Sergeant Philip T. served 21 years as a Cavalry Scout and was injured in a rollover that fractured his back. Sergeant First Class Kevin M. served 11 years in Motor Transportation and completed two deployments to Iraq before being medically retired.
The troops arrived on a Monday at Los Sueños Resort on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The resort is home to many patriotic Americans who, through in-kind gifts to our program, donate their condos and fishing days on their yachts. Among these fine folks are Gerald and Virginia Lindholm, who donated two of their condos for this group to enjoy during their stay.
They were outfitted with shirts from Anetik and Tunaskin for their fishing days along with a new pair of Hook Optics sunglasses - of which all the vendors work with Freedom Alliance to keep our costs low, including original artwork by the talented Steve Goione.
Gato Gordo Golf Carts and Rentals donated two golf carts for our veterans to maneuver around the sprawling resort—which they do for all of our groups.
The morning of their first full day in Costa Rica didn’t disappoint. We took the men on a roadtrip about an hour south of the resort to Rainmaker Conservation Park. The park consists of a self-guided hiking trail that covers several miles of jungle, featuring suspension bridges in the canopy and waterfalls with wading pools. It was a great first taste of the beauty of Costa Rica.
The rest of the day was spent diving into the curriculum of the Offshore Experience, which was designed with the help of psychotherapist and author Dr. Ed Tick. The teachings explore historical warrior cultures and glean the wisdom we take for granted nowadays. The men would go through a workbook each night, studying the ways warriors returned to their societies after war. This is the important impact aspect of our program—we combine small groups, high-adventure activities in a beautiful yet peaceful setting, and structured group discussions.
The next day, the troops walked down the docks of the Los Sueños marina to be welcomed by Captain Austin Robins on board Max Bet, a 66-foot custom Spencer sport fishing yacht. The day was donated by owners Matt and Kelly Weber, who wouldn’t arrive until the following day but graciously donated their boat to the Offshore Experience.
The men had no clue that this would end up a record-setting day for our program, catching the most fish in a single day! We reached the fishing grounds around 8:30 a.m., and by 9:30, Captain Austin had found the schools with a quad catch—four anglers pumping together to bring a sailfish safely to the boat. All this was happening while Captain Austin maneuvered the yacht so as not to entangle the jumping fish. There never seemed to be a dull moment that day as the troops caught fish after fish, including another quad of mahimahi.
An exciting highlight was when a marlin came aggressively into the spread and took the bait. Brian was next up, and he got the fish to the boat. However, the marlin didn’t jump, and Pepper, the Freedom Alliance program officer, asked the mates to let him continue the fight until the fish jumped for a photo. And so the struggle ensued another 15 minutes before the marlin made its photographic leap. (Sorry, Brian, for the extra workout!)
The day concluded with 22 sailfish, one blue marlin, and seven mahi…and perhaps ruining future offshore fishing for these men who had never caught a billfish before. Returning to the docks, Brian presented Captain Austin with a fine gift—a Kabar knife, the same used by all Marines since World War II.
The next morning, we once again walked down the docks at Los Sueños to be welcomed aboard by Mike Winget onto the 74-foot brand-new Hatteras Karie Marie. Mike has been a solid supporter of the program since purchasing a condo at Los Sueños years ago.
As soon as we put lines in the water, before the teasers and dredges went out, we had hooked our first fish. Venasio was the first to respond and started reeling; however, we didn’t see the fish jump. By the time he got it to the boat, we realized it wasn’t a fish at all but a sea turtle! It was safely released back into the water after the mates pulled out the hook, and Venasio had to endure the ribbing from everyone the rest of the week.
Hearing the fishing reports on the radio, we knew it would be much slower than the previous day. However, the troops still enjoyed another fine accomplishment, catching four sailfish, eight large mahi, and of course, a turtle!
The next day was a gift from Jim Kitchell, owner of Costa Cat Isla Tortuga Tours. Jim donates to every Freedom Alliance group, allowing them to enjoy the white sands, blue water, and shady palms of Isla Tortuga. The tour includes transportation to the island on his catamaran as well as service throughout the day. The men took the opportunity to snorkel and hike the pristine island—all part of Jim’s Costa Cat Tour.
Throughout the week, many residents at Los Sueños offered to treat our troops to a meal. The resort gives us a deep discount on meals for the entirety of the veterans’ visits, but we love it when our supporters can sit down and break bread with them.
John McLean joined us for our first meal, welcoming the group and reminiscing of previous groups he’s dined with. Andy Shapiro invited us to a local restaurant in town and gave his customary toast: “To you, who have given so much and received so little, and us, who have given little but receive so much.” He then went on to deliver his heartfelt gratitude for our warriors. Bob Schwegler, who has donated his condo in the past, joined us for another meal. And on their final night, Stan, a Special Forces veteran who attended a Freedom Alliance Heroes Vacation years ago and now visits Costa Rica throughout the year, treated the troops to a meal at the beach, paying it forward.
The men left Costa Rica with hearts full of new memories and strategies to better carry the burdens of war.
Brian wrote on Greatnonprofits.org: “Words cannot begin to describe my gratitude to Freedom Alliance for the opportunity to participate in their Offshore Experience trip at Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica. It was unlike any other veteran’s trip I’ve had the opportunity to experience. The environment instantly puts you in a state of nirvana. This coupled with the outpouring of support for the combat veteran community set the stage for the most therapeutic work group I’ve experienced in over 12 years. All of this would not be possible if not for the vision and efforts of Pepper Ailor. His ability to bring together the various donors to make this event come to fruition set the standard for all non-profits to aspire to. He immediately set the tone for a very effective workshop to reignite the warrior spirit in myself as well as the other participants. It didn’t take long to appreciate the level of love and devotion Pepper has for the veteran community. Fishing the waters off the coast of Costa Rica with the other Combat Veterans, Boat Captains and Crews have created bonds and memories that I will have for the rest of my life and I can’t thank them enough. For those searching for a worthy cause to donate to, you need not look any further. Freedom Alliance is at the top of the list of organizations devoted to healing the warrior spirit.”
Matt wrote: “This may not come as a surprise to you, but Max Bet is very proud to hold that new ‘Offshore Experience’ record. Love it! Keep doing what you’re doing. We’re always here to help.”
Kelly wrote: “You are doing God’s work. Amazing photos to capture these amazing memories for incredible people.”
The next week, Matt and Kelly competed in Leg One of the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown Tournament and won first place.
