THE WOUNDED WATERS STORY

In 2017,  Kevin Klepac took a Soldier out fishing, just to get away from work and have some fun. They didn’t catch anything worth bragging about, but they had some good laughs and talked about life. At the end of the trip, the young Soldier thanked him and Kevin thought he was just being kind. But the Soldier persisted, saying “No really, thank you”. Kevin didn’t quite understand so he asked the Soldier why it mattered so much. Then the Soldier explained that he had planned to commit suicide that very evening, but being out on the water fishing and talking with a friend that day gave him a new outlook on life. Now he understood that even in the darkest hours he wasn't really alone, and he had someone to talk to and reach out a helping hand to carry him out of that dark place.

Kevin knew this young Soldier's story all too well, he has struggled to deal with his own demons from years of Combat deployment. But he always finds an outlet through fishing. He'll tell you that a week long fishing and lobstering trip to the Florida Keys with his father and friends literally saved his life once. So he can relate with other Veterans that are struggling. Kevin sat and talked with the Soldier for some time after that and realized that his fishing trips could make a difference for others too. He knew he needed to keep helping  others just as he did that young Solider. And so, Wounded Waters was born.

WHAT WE DO AT WOUNDED WATERS

GETTING VETERANS OUT ON THE WATER

Kevin and the Wounded Waters Team are just starting out on this adventure to build an organization and make a real difference. The goal of Wounded Waters is to get Veterans and Military Members out fishing so they stop worrying about all the stressors of daily life and know they are not alone. Kevin has already taken  numerous Vets, Military personnel and First Responders fishing and had great success. Visit our News section to see highlights from past trips, and learn from our Veterans what WW means to them.

PROVIDING COMMUNITY & SUPPORT

Kevin and the Wounded Waters Team are just starting out on this adventure to build an organization and make a real difference. The goal of Wounded Waters is to get Veterans and Military Members out fishing so they stop worrying about all the stressors of daily life and know they are not alone. Kevin has already taken  numerous Vets, Military personnel and First Responders fishing and had great success. Visit our News section to see highlights from past trips, and learn from our Veterans what WW means to them.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Kevin and the Wounded Waters Team are just starting out on this adventure to build an organization and make a real difference. The goal of Wounded Waters is to get Veterans and Military Members out fishing so they stop worrying about all the stressors of daily life and know they are not alone. Kevin has already taken  numerous Vets, Military personnel and First Responders fishing and had great success. Visit our News section to see highlights from past trips, and learn from our Veterans what WW means to them.

MEET OUR TEAM

OUR AWESOME BOARD MEMBERS

KEVIN KLEPAC

FOUNDER / PRESIDENT / CODE NAME: DEMON-7

Kevin founded Wounded Waters in 2017 after serving in the Army for over 20 years and retiring as a 1SG. He has been stationed all over the world and done numerous combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Kevin is originally from Vero Beach, FL where he learned his love for fishing and the outdoors from his father, family, and friends. Fishing has always been an emotional experience for Kevin, it's been a long-term love affair! He feels it's a great way to let loose and forget about all your troubles and learn new ways to cope with things that might be going on in your life.  Kevin is dedicated to helping our Heroes through fishing and outdoor recreation and runs most of our trips himself. WW wouldn't be possible without Kevin's passion and drive for helping his Brothers in Arms through Saltwater Therapy.

STEPANIE KLEPAC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / SECRETARY / CODE NAME: COPY2

I was born and raised in Vero Beach, FL. I grew up fishing
and air boating with my dad in the Florida Everglades and that’s where I fell in love with the outdoors. I was an Ophthalmic technician for many years until I became the founding President and now the Executive Director for Wounded Waters. I married Kevin Klepac in 2006 which has been a fun and crazy ride. I have lived all over the U.S. being an Army wife, where I have learned all about the hardships and what our Veterans and their family deal with day in and day out. I am passionate about Wounded Waters, and I know the power that our programs have on our Veterans lives. Kevin and I have two amazing kids Kelsey and Blake, they are following in our footsteps learning about the outdoors and
they both love to fish, dive and just be kids. Our entire crew is amazing here at Wounded Waters and I hope to keep the vision moving in the right direction.

PAUL FISICARO

VICE PRESIDENT / CODE NAME: RAVEN-7

My name is Capt. Paul Fisicaro was born and raised in the Bronx New York where my passion for fishing first started at age 4.  I grew up fishing for stripers and bluefish off the jetties of the L.I. Sound or fishing off a 14 ft. skiff in the bay for flounder or fluke with my father. 

I have been a Florida Keys fishing guide, specifically in Marathon, Florida for over 25 years. I have always been a huge supporter of our Veterans, past and present. I happily donate all my free time for this very important cause. I currently handle all of Wounded Waters marketing material, web design, graphic design and everything in between.  

CHUCK GERRALD

BOARD MEMBER 
CODE NAME: WITCH-DOCTOR-6

Retired. Chuck spent 3 years in the Army as a combat medic attached to an artillery battalion. His career was cut short with a hardship discharge. Upon leaving the service he attended Georgia State University on his GI Bill. He graduated with a degree in marketing and a minor in management. He then spent 45 years in the insurance and investment industry. He worked in sales, marketing, management, adjusting and compliance. After 45 years in the corporate arena he retired to Vero Beach with his wife. He is the father of 3 daughters.       

Chuck grew up hunting and fishing. He truly loves the outdoors. Fishing is where he learned the wisdom of his grandfather. That wisdom molded the person that he became. Chuck loves riding motorcycles. Any kind whether dirt bike or cruiser. His favorite is adventure touring. His favorite way to see the world is on two wheels. His true passion  however, is the military and the veterans. Over the past 5 years he has developed and put into place a veteran peer support group. 

ANGELA GUZENSKI

BOARD MEMBER 
CODE NAME: UNDECIDED-7

Angela Guzenski has been working in the mental health field for over twenty years, and currently is the Chief Operating Officer at Mental Health Association in Indian River County. Through the years, Angela’s dedication to promoting and securing mental health services and gaps in the community has led her to leadership roles. She  obtained her MBA from Liberty University in 2022.  She has a passion for mental health disparities and is passionate about a “no barrier’’ approach in getting help for those in need.

Angela is the proud mother of two wonderful children and is excited to be part of Wounded Waters. As the daughter of a Navy Veteran, her personal and professional experiences have driven her to help make positive changes in Veterans’ lives. “I am thrilled to be a part of Wounded Waters and see the impact that they have on local veterans who are enriched by the amazing work they do to promote well-being and support to those who need it the most”.

MIKE RUSSANO

BOARD MEMBER 
CODE NAME: SNAKEBITE-6

Mike served 16 years in the United States Air Force in combat communications squadrons and joint operations around the world. After serving numerous combat deployments he decided to move back home to Vero Beach where he resides with his wife, USMC veteran, Melissa and their 6 children. His love for the outdoors started at an early age. This is what drives him and his wife to always volunteer to assist on the water. Knowing first hand what effects PTSD has, as well as other issues veterans endure, is what drives him to be a constant in the battle against it. 

We grew up with Kevin and Stephanie here in Vero Beach so coming back together 20 years later and helping heroes as much as possible is an awesome feeling we never would have thought back then.

MATT  ARNIOTIS 

DIVE COORDINATOR
CODE NAME: SCUBA PUBB-7

Matthew Arniotis was born and raised in Manhattan/ Queens, New York. He joined The U.S. Navy at the age of 18 in September 2000, Matt has traveled all around the world in Support of Military Operations and retired with 20 years of Active Service as a Culinary Specialist First Class.

Matt has been diving since he moved to Jacksonville, FL in 2017 where he fell in love with the Ocean and everything it has to offer. Matt decided to take his love for his new hobby further and became a Scuba Diving instructor after he retired. This is where he learned the benefits of Scuba Diving and the impact it has on veterans with disabilities.

Matt and Kevin soon met after they both retired from the military, Matt was Kevin’s Scuba Instructor, and this is where they grew to become brothers. Matt learned what Kevin was doing with Wounded Waters and he wanted to be a part of the organization. Matt and Kevin developed the Dive Program to help reach and impact more Veterans with

their struggles from PTSD and Physical Disabilities. Matt has dedicated a lot of his time helping his sailors while on Active Duty and now he continues that passion by combining his love of the Ocean and caring for his fellow Veterans. 

CONTACT WOUNDED WATERS