Group helps address PTSD and veteran suicide through fishing trips

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – A veteran-based organization is expanding and bringing its first South Carolina chapter to Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas with the help of recently retired Horry County Police Chief Joe Hill.

The group, Fishing for the mission 22takes veterans fishing in an effort to combat veteran suicide, PTSD and depression. Twenty-two may sound like just a number, but to many it is symbolic of how many veterans take their lives every day.

The group started with one veteran, president and founder Harold Skelton, but has expanded to four states and builds relationships among veterans through something as simple as fishing.

“A lot of these veterans that we take on these trips give out their phone numbers or send a group message, and they stay fishing after these trips, and that’s the whole point,” Skelton said. .

After battling PTSD and depression during his own service, Skelton started Fishing for the Mission 22 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, almost three years ago. In addition to taking veterans fishing, the group helps them become captains and build a community after service.

Skelton said many veterans come back from war and they are not the same as they try to overcome the challenges of life outside the military.

“We see it every day,” Skelton said. “I get the messages and say, ‘Why would you do this for us?’ A lot of veterans think people might not understand them, and they feel like they’re being swept under the rug.”

Between Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and now South Carolina, the group has been able to get 500 veterans fishing.

Hill, who served many years in the military and law enforcement and is now a board member of the organization, said a life of service doesn’t just pass away.

“My whole purpose in life now is, how can I give back?” said Hill. “This country has been so great to me, and I just want to be able to help other people, and who better to help than our veterans?”

Hill said he is working to get the organization off the ground in South Carolina.

He said the Grand Strand has many veteran-based organizations and services. Their mission is to connect veterans, and he hopes just a few hours of fishing can change someone’s mind.

“Let’s get out on the water where it’s serene and peaceful and we can talk through these situations and develop a bond and relationship so they know they can reach out and get the help they need,” Hill said .

Hill and Skelton plan to reach out to the veteran community along the Grand Strand, hosting fundraisers and future events. Hill said they are still looking for more volunteers, including charter captains, to help with the cause.

You can find these volunteer opportunities, here.