2nd Annual Port Protection Alaska Fishing

July 17-25

Port Protection, Alaska

Two Purple Heart Heroes traveled to remote Port Protection, Alaska for the 2nd Port Protection Alaska Fishing event and an incredible week of world-class fishing and fellowship. Heroes Dustin and Douglas joined Host Todd Raible of Underdog Sport Fishing, WWIA Guide Jason Gaudette, and an outstanding group of captains, volunteers, and supporters for this unforgettable Alaskan adventure. After meeting in Seattle, the group traveled together to Ketchikan before boarding a floatplane the following morning for a spectacular flight into Port Protection. Upon arriving at the lodge, everyone settled into their accommodations before wasting little time getting out on the water for their first afternoon of fishing.

The Heroes quickly discovered just how exceptional the fishing around Port Protection could be. Over the following several days, the group headed onto the water early each morning aboard both guided and self-guided boats, enjoying beautiful weather and tremendous fishing. Limits were consistently reached as the Heroes caught an impressive variety of trophy-class fish, including several weighing more than 100 pounds and three exceeding 200 pounds. Even when the seas became rougher later in the week, everyone continued to make the most of their time together on the water.

The experience extended well beyond the outstanding fishing. Each evening, the Heroes, captains, volunteers, and supporters returned to camp for delicious home-cooked meals prepared by Chef Alisha Pagan. Gathering around the table provided an opportunity to decompress from the day’s adventures, share stories, laugh, and strengthen the friendships that had developed throughout the week. By the end of the trip, the group had landed more than 3,000 pounds of fish, providing an incredible testament to the extraordinary fishing opportunities Port Protection had delivered.

After several full days on the water, the Heroes enjoyed a well-earned day of relaxation around camp. Douglas decided to head back out with Captain Roger for a few hours of catch-and-release fishing, simply enjoying the opportunity to be on the water one final time. The following morning, everyone boarded the floatplane back to Ketchikan before beginning their journeys home, with each Hero returning with three boxes of fresh Alaskan fish and countless memories from an extraordinary week.

The 2nd Port Protection Alaska Fishing provided our Heroes with the experience of a lifetime, but the trophy fish were only part of what made the week so meaningful. The generosity, fellowship, and time spent together in one of America’s most spectacular settings created new friendships and bonds that will extend far beyond their time in Alaska.

Special recognition and sincere thanks to Host Todd Raible of Underdog Sport Fishing and James Thomas for their extraordinary hospitality and dedication to our Purple Heart Heroes, and to event supporter Carl Patchin Jr. for helping make this incredible experience possible. Additional gratitude and appreciation to WWIA Guide Jason Gaudette, Boat Captains Dr. Shawn Thomas, Billy Berg, Roger Lemler, and Joshua Parr, and Camp Staff Alisha Pagan, Mikey Vogel, Krystal Hennessy, and Jeremy Brendible for their outstanding care, generosity, and support throughout the event.

“This trip has been an experience of a lifetime. Absolutely everything about it was amazing. Being able to catch trophy class fish was an experience I will always cherish, but it is the new bonds and friends that I am most thankful to God for. Everyone was so giving with their time, talent, and treasure. Thank you to everyone that put this on and made it happen.”

– Douglas H., USMC
Purple Heart Recipient