Supporting Our Wounded Heroes Together

The Gulf Coast Wounded Warrior organization began with support from The Wounded Warrior Project.

It was founded by retired US Army SGM Eric Bowers and professional bass angler Mr. Alan Hults in 2019 during a fishing trip on the Pascagoula River. Eric, not well-versed in bass fishing, would observe Alan catching fish after fish. Alan later invited Eric to fishing tournaments, where Eric learned more about the sport.

 

Eric found that fishing helped him manage his anxiety and depression and fulfilled his need for a team environment. Half-jokingly, Eric suggested to Alan that they could organize a fishing tournament for a few service members he was counseling at the VA. To his surprise, Alan agreed. Eric contacted the Wounded Warrior Project's fundraising team and proposed a fundraiser fishing tournament to support the Gulf Coast's Wounded Warriors. Many Wounded Warriors were unable to attend the Project's events due to injuries, transportation issues, and financial constraints.

 

The Wounded Warrior Project immediately supported the idea. The inaugural fishing tournament took place in October 2019, attended by a handful of Wounded Warriors and local bass anglers, and hosted by the owner of Indian Point RV & Resort.

Eric and Alan, with the help of Walt Roberts, Justin Sward from American Bait Works, Captain Greg Baker, and his deckhand Josh McGowan, sponsored the event. Food was prepared by the crew, donated by a local silent sponsor. The event caught the attention of the city and Mayor Casey Vaughan, who requested that it become an annual event to support local Wounded Warriors with community support, job placement, mental health services, and housing on the Gulf Coast.

With the City of Gautier's endorsement, the event has raised over $50,000 in support of The Wounded Warrior Project's mission. Several Wounded Warriors have benefitted from the event, and it continues to grow each year.   

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