On May 2-3, 2019, the Atlanta Falcons hosted wounded military veterans on a deep sea fishing excursion in Savannah, GA. Angie Blank, LB Duke Riley, LB Foye Oluokun, OL Wes Schweitzer, K Giorgio Tavecchio and six Falcons Legends met 18 wounded Veterans from local non-profits, Warrior Alliance and Team Red, White and Blue, for a two-day trip.
"Words cannot express my gratitude towards the Atlanta Falcons for hosting my brothers and sisters in arms. It was a pleasure and my first ever experience to see that magnitude of a 'thanks for your service.' Sitting at my table with Bobby (Butler), Duke (Riley), Foyesade (Oluokun), I couldn't of witnessed the most excellent example of humbleness. We talked like we knew each other for years. They made me feel so welcomed." - Veteran Jorge Ramirez
The group competed in a Fishing tournament off of Tybee Island where they split into two teams between the boats. Over 150 fish were caught throughout the tournament, including two sharks.
"It was an honor and a privilege to have dinner and get to know the veterans because those are the real heroes. I used to fish when I was younger, but had never been deep sea fishing so we were able to enjoy good company and make memories out on the water." - K Giorgio Tavecchio
"This was my first trip and I had an absolute blast! I want to say that everyone that I met, made a lasting impression on me. If I had one, single fishing trip have such an impact on me, just imagine the effect that it could have on other veterans. There are many more vets that have more debilitating issues than I, due to combat; suicidal ideation being my main concern. I truly believe that if each of those vets were able to experience the love and compassion of these American icons, it could help save lives." - Veteran Jeramia (Miles) Jackson
After five hours of deep sea fishing, the boats returned back to shore and prizes were awarded to individuals for the most fish, the biggest fish, the smallest fish and the most seasick. Everyone enjoyed a meal and a final laughs at Coco's Sunset Grille before departing for Atlanta.
"Hanging with the veterans and hearing their stories gives you a great appreciation for what they do out there. I just loved it, the whole experience. It was my first time fishing and they were trying to teach me the ropes and I didn't get a little seasick, I got very seasick, but just being with them was a great time." - LB Foye Oloukun
"It can be lonely dealing with some of the issues that we as Veterans have to deal and cope with, but these professional football players get it, they really appreciate the men and women that pledged their allegiance to their country and they genuinely wanted to do something for those men and women." - Veteran LiDell R. Polk