Hooks of Hope Casts Lifelines to Local Veterans

As John Lesnik strained to reel in the redfish hooked on the end of his line, the combat-wounded Marine veteran standing next to him leaned over to help. From that moment on, the thrashing 40-incher didn’t stand a chance.

Lesnik grins while recalling the feeling of euphoria the two men, who had met only two days before, shared as he talks about Hooks of Hope, a Christian-based nonprofit that provides saltwater fishing retreats for veterans struggling with transition and adjustment issues, PTSD, traumatic stress, brain injuries, and physical disabilities.

“At Hooks of Hope, we don’t just take veterans fishing; we bring in experts like Dr. Brett Haake and clinical counselors like Dr. Chris Ostrander and Adrian Marquez, who discuss brain health, hormonal changes, chronic pain, and other challenges the men may be facing,” Lesnik explains.

“We talk a lot about identity, who the Bible says we are as godly men, and our purpose. We give veterans the tools, mentorship, faith, and specialized resources to continue the battle long after the boat ride ends.”

For some, the battle is never won. According to the Hooks of Hope website, as many as 22 veterans commit suicide every day. In addition, 47 percent of those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11 who suffer from PTSD or depression never seek the professional help they need.

“A lot of these guys have done some incredible things while they were in the military, and then, after having been shoulder to shoulder in combat over and over again, they get out and everything’s so different; they lose their sense of purpose; they become isolated,” says Lesnik. “We get them together for a long weekend and there’s a strong sense of community.”

Prior to cofounding Hooks of Hope, Lesnik, an entrepreneur and cancer survivor, experienced a period of depression, so he knows how important it is to recognize the initial signs and take a proactive approach before thoughts of suicide begin to take hold.

An avid fisherman, Lesnik knew that spending time out on the water with rod and reel in hand raised his spirits and gave him hope. He also credits his faith, knowing that God was in control.

Dr. Brett Haake, a U.S. Navy veteran who specializes in functional medicine and also happens to be Lesnik’s neighbor, was aware of what was going on next door and wanted to do something that would help.

As Haake explains, “During my time in Okinawa, I did a three-week stint in Taiwan, where I met a Marine Raider named Fred Galvin. When he told me he had never lost a man to suicide while they were in his company, but he lost six afterward, I decided to put him in touch with John, thinking maybe together we could start something that would help struggling veterans.”

Galvin, who served 27 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, had joined the military right out of high school, rising from the enlisted ranks to become a senior officer. He had wanted to serve his country ever since he visited Valley Forge while in elementary school.

“That’s when American history really came alive for me. I was shocked that people camped out in such severe winter weather and gave their lives to fight for our country. I felt that calling. I wanted to be among the toughest, the best, the U.S. Marines in Force Recon,” says Galvin, who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Following his retirement, Galvin became a business entrepreneur, a nonprofit executive director aiding families of service members killed in action, and a consultant to the Marine Corps. “I was perplexed when I saw the increasing number of veteran suicides and wanted to do something. That’s when Brett contacted me and I met John.”

Their meeting and that “something” led to the creation of Hooks of Hope. Building on Lesnik’s considerable marketing skills and Galvin’s knowledge of the military and of service members’ invisible wounds, the two men framed the nonprofit’s mission to support, encourage, heal, and restore veterans by addressing mind, body, and spirit.

“Fishing is the doorway into what we do. Like it says in Matthew 4:19, we become fishers of men,” says Lesnik. “For veterans fighting a large offshore fish, it means mind and body have to work together. In other words, they aren’t thinking about what’s going wrong in their life, they’re fully engaged and remember what it feels like to fight for something again. Cheered on by those around them, they experience a sense of joy.”

They also catch lots of fish: mahi-mahi, amberjack, snapper, snook, and more fill boat coolers to overflowing, thanks to the four captains Lesnik says “know the Treasure Coast waters like the back of their hands.”

Mike Maher is one of them. “When John, who’s really the engine behind all this, asked me if I would get involved, I said I wouldn’t like anything better,” says Maher, who for over 50 years has been operating fishing charters along the Treasure Coast and loving every minute.

“The vets arrive here at the marina fully prepared about what to expect,” says Maher. “They’re excited and can’t wait to get out on the water. They leave with big smiles on their faces, and after several hours of fishing come back with even greater smiles and a suntan.”

Indian River Shores Public Safety officer, firefighter, and military veteran Jimmy Zaremba knows what it’s like. “I became involved when a neighbor I respect asked if I would be interested in being part of a faith-based organization called Hooks of Hope,” he explains. “Through him I met John Lesnik and did the program. A lot of guys struggle when they get out of the military; knowing there’s an organization like Hooks of Hope out there that can help is invaluable.”

To date, 316 veterans have participated in the program built by Hooks of Hope and its partners. By 2030, Lesnik and Galvin expect those numbers to increase to 1,000 or more.

“We interview everyone individually beforehand, tell them what to expect, and we cover all their expenses—travel, airfare, lodging, food, fishing, clinical counseling, everything,” says Galvin.

“They all show up at the airport, where we have vans waiting to take them to a resort, where we hang out sitting around a fire with a view of the Indian River Lagoon. Everyone gets to know each other and there’s an instant camaraderie. It’s so uplifting. This is something I’m meant to do.”

Lesnik feels the same way as he continues describing what takes place over the long weekend.

“On day one we take everyone on a boat tour of the area and go over basic fishing information. Day two is a full day of fishing, and afterwards the men open up, talk about their struggles, how to overcome them, and share testimonies. On the morning of day three, we have a church service here on-site, and afterwards we focus on identity: who we think we are, who the Bible says we are, and our purpose. Then, on day four, it’s time to pack up and head back to the airport.”

The final goodbyes, hugs, and waves don’t signal the end of the connections made and information shared over the past four days. As Lesnik notes, “We’ve had guys who have had a lot of problems, and our commitment to long-term healing goes beyond the fishing trips. We continue to stay in touch with weekly prayer meetings and connect them with resources to help their continued growth and recovery.” Hooks of Hope provides participants 12 counseling sessions free of charge, working with more than 100 counselors specializing in combat trauma.

“The system works,” Lesnik says; “there’s teeth in what we do.”

Participating veterans couldn’t agree more. As one wrote, “It was truly an experience that genuinely changed the direction of my life. This wasn’t just a fishing trip. It was a lifeline.”

Hooks of Hope also offers a youth and community program designed to inspire young people and adults facing challenges such as health issues, bullying, or home and family problems. Participants are able to experience the thrill of fishing, both inshore and offshore, with trips that build confidence, foster encouragement, and strengthen faith.