Who We Are
Rods Reels & Heroes is a nonprofit organization 501 (c)(3), founded in 2023 by U.S. Army Specialist (Ret.) Joey Paulk and U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Vance Krusheski.
After meeting each other, Vance believed that Joey’s injuries shouldn’t stop him from trying to do new things that Joey just didn’t think was possible anymore. After losing both of his hands from a triple stacked Anti-Tank IED in Afghanistan and suffering multiple burns and other injuries, Joey spent years recovering from his injuries. After his recovery, Joey and Vance both found themselves missing the brotherhood they experienced in the military.
With support from an amazing group of friends and family in San Diego, they had the idea to create a nonprofit organization to bring other injured veterans and first responders together through the sport of fishing. They now organize trips to Catalina Island and other offshore locations around San Diego, California to introduce other veterans and first responders to their love of ocean fishing. It’s this experience of brotherhood and support that helps heal each other, and one that only our Heroes can understand.
200,000
Each Year
According to the DOD, more than 200,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen transition from military to civilian life annually.
700,000
Veterans
More than 700,000 U.S. veterans suffer from some form of PTSD related to their active military service.
50%
Veterans and First Responders
Only 50% of first responders and veterans seek help from mental health professionals for their PTSD or other injuries.
Mission
Rods Reels & Heroes Foundation is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of our active, retired, and disabled military warriors and first responders by providing a shared offshore fishing experience and associated activities, to include education and other outings at no cost. We will continue our endeavor through engagement with community organizations, and the help of volunteers and the countless Americans who help our vision through their selfless donations.
01
Promote Our Mission
Utilize various media platforms to share compelling stories of veterans who have been aided by our charity.
02
Community Engagement
Forge partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to expand our reach.
03
Volunteer Opportunities
Promote hands-on involvement through volunteer opportunities tailored to different skills and interests.
04
Social Media Engagement
Utilize social media to build an online community of supporters and engage with a broader audience.
05
Fundraising Awareness Events
Organize fundraising events and campaigns that are engaging and offer value to participants.
06
Feedback and Impact Reporting
Keep supporters informed about the charity’s activities, achievements, and impact. Use feedback to improve.
Our Amazing Team
Joey and Vance are the engine that powers this machine, but we can’t do it without your help, and the help of thousands of other patriotic Americans who provide support to our veterans.
Co-Founder and Vice President
Joey Paulk
Joey Paulk spent 4 years in the Army with the 546th Military police. While deployed to Afghanistan, his vehicle was struck by a triple stacked, anti-tank mine while on quick reaction force duties. Due to his injuries, he was awarded the purple heart.
Co-Founder and CEO
Vance Krusheski
Vance Krusheski is a 20-year Army veteran who served in the 75th Army Rangers, 82nd Airborne Division. After several deployments overseas, and sustaining many bodily injuries. He understands personally the stresses of transitioning back into civilian life.
Volunteer Team
Volunteer Staff
With the help of friends and volunteers, our foundation aims to serve those in the community who are seeking the brotherhood of fellow veterans. We are constantly looking for others who are ready to help veterans with their civilian transition.