World’s Largest Nonprofit Sportfishing Tournament for Veterans, War Heroes on Water Presented by loanDepot, Wraps Ninth Annual Event With Weigh-in and Awards Ceremony

Anthony Hsieh, WHOW Founder; loanDepot Founder and CEO

“Nine years ago, we started with 12 boats and raised a little more than $300,000. And this year’s record fundraising is an extraordinary achievement. But the most important measure of WHOW is the lives we change and the lives we may help save. The relationships veterans build with our yacht owners, captains and crews continue long after the tournament ends. Every additional boat gives us the opportunity to bring more veterans into this experience, make a positive impact and remind them that, no matter how dark things get, they have someone they can call.”

Tom Kilgannon, President of Freedom Alliance

“Caring for those who go to war on our behalf is a service to our nation, and because of what happens at War Heroes on Water, veterans are becoming better and stronger. This year set records for the number of boats, the number of veterans and the extraordinary generosity shown in support of our heroes. That support extends far beyond the tournament, helping Freedom Alliance provide therapeutic retreats, adaptive wheelchairs, vehicles, homes and scholarships to veterans and military families across the country. This is an incredible movement that is changing lives, saving lives and making a meaningful difference.”

Rod Halperin, WHOW Tournament Director

“Every year, seeing the fleet assembled off Avalon Harbor amazes me. But one of my favorite traditions is watching our veterans, captains and crews gather at Catalina’s iconic Green Pier. It’s a special place in Southern California fishing history, and seeing the WHOW family come together there to celebrate the tournament is a reflection of how much this community loves and appreciates our veterans.”

John Moore, Army veteran and returning WHOW participant

“This event is something special to my heart. It gets us out of the headspace we’re in, and we get to enjoy life for a bit and not worry about anything. It’s super special, and I really appreciate everybody who makes this possible.”

Ian Borge, Marine Corps veteran and returning WHOW participant

“This was my second trip to WHOW, and it beat all my expectations. Sometimes we may think people have forgotten because it has been a while since we served. But someone here told me, ‘It doesn’t matter how long ago it was. We still love you for it.’ That was a reminder that we are still appreciated, and that’s what this experience means to us.”