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.