New Jersey based Veteran advocacy nonprofit organization, Operation Hook It functions to raise awareness of the tragic suicide epidemic among U.S. service veterans, with a goal to reduce the number of suicides. The organization hopes to meet its goals by getting veterans on boats up and down the Jersey Shore.
“We kick off our 4th year this coming June 1 and would love to put some local Veterans on the water near you,” said Eric A Chamberlain, the Operation Hook It lead scheduler and retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant. “Our inaugural year we had 38 veterans fishing, 2021 we increased this number to 251 veterans and increased it again in 2022 to 392,” Chamberlin said, adding “we have a goal of 1000 veterans this year.”
On Saturday, May 20, Chamberlin and Operation Hook It will be working with Robert Finnegan and Fins For Freedom out of Atlantic Highlands. Chamberlin said boat owners and captains interested in donating their time and vessel for this incredible cause can contact him directly at [email protected].
“We will be coordinating with Robert and Fins For Freedom to make this an incredible day for all involved,” Chamberlin added. For additional information you can also contact Robert Finnagen at [email protected].
For more details about Operation Hook It and the Toms River based 501c3 called Ma Deuce Deuce go to www.ma22.org.
