Operation Catching Freedom

08/26/2026

We would like to congratulate everyone at Harrod Outdoors LLC for taking 3rd place in the Nation with the making of our mission video Reel Therapy!

Thank you to everyone involved in the help of making this video and a special thank you to Richy Harrod for everything he continues to do for the organization.

I’m happy to announce that our short film “Reel Therapy” was a third place winner in the Outdoor Writers Association of America, Excellence in Craft Contest. It’s a huge honor to be recognized nationally and it speaks to the importance of the work being done by Operation Catching Freedom. If you haven’t watched the film, you can find it on the Harrod Outdoors YouTube Channel. It’s an amazing story about my good friend Tony Warren and his journey to manage PTSD and help others do the same.

08/25/2026

Update: Spots filled!

* Veteran or Active duty only **
The season is winding down at the Bouy, we have two seats available to salmon fish Astoria Oregon Wednesday September 2nd. If your 100% you can fish this day message Tony Warren ASAP!

Your day of fishing and fishing license will be covered only!

08/23/2026

We've been able to get several veterans out fishing Bouy 10 and the ocean the last few weekends. For most it was their first time catching salmon. Ocean fishing was great and we were able to get our limits. The last 3 days on the other hand were rough fishing the river. 2 fish in 3 days. We spoke with the fish checker and she said that out of 140 boats yesterday, only about 50 salmon were caught.

Now we will start fishing closer to home (Vancouver/Portland area) since the salmon are migrating up river. If you would like to get out with us on a weekday, send me a dm, we can get something planned. Sabrina Turner (OCF Secretary)

08/21/2026

OCF was invited to attend our first Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Serving Those Who Serve two-day conference at the Wenatchee Convention Center this week.

It was a great opportunity to network with different veteran organizations from across Washington all working toward the same goal of serving those who have served our country.

We weren't surprised to learn that OCF was the only organization at the conference offering "REEL Therapy", but we were surprised by how many organizations and veterans didn't know that there are groups across Washington providing free fishing trips for veterans and active-duty service members as a way to find connection, relaxation, and mental relief.

One of the best parts of the conference was meeting so many veterans and discovering just how many of them share our love of fishing. It was a great reminder that sometimes getting out on the water, sharing a few laughs, and spending time with people who understand can make a meaningful difference.

We're grateful for the opportunity to connect, share our mission, and learn from so many organizations across our state. We look forward to continuing to build these relationships and getting more veterans and active-duty service members connected to REEL Therapy.🎣🇺🇸

08/18/2026

Short notice fishing trip for one person out of Hammond, Oregon for some Bouy 10 fishing. Please message Sabrina Turner if you are interested. Have to meet at Hammond Marina Tuesday 18th of August at 530am. We are local to Vancouver, WA leaving at 315 am if you want to carpool. No fishing license is needed.

08/12/2026

Update: Spot is filled

Veteran or active duty only!

We have one available spot to salmon fish out of Astoria, Oregon, September 1st. Your day of fishing and fishing license will be covered.

If you're 100% sure you can attend and would like to fish message Tony Warren ASAP.

08/10/2026

Operation Catching Freedom had the honor of participating in the 2026 Feed The Troops Fairchild AFB event put on by Dave Adams and the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association in Spokane, Washington, on Saturday.

We had staff members helping Doug Canada and the Pork Daddy's BBQ team to help cook dozens of racks of ribs for servicemembers, their families, and the displaced from the devastating Spokane wildfire last Saturday.

Staff members Walt Sweetser and Ken Chapman spent the day talking about the organization and handing out FREE tickets to service members and veterans in attendance for a chance to fish with Levi Rodelo of Ross Outdoor Adventures.
🏆Congratulation to Airman Chris Runnels and Airman Sinan Jackson, the winners of Saturdays raffle.

We would also like to thank Bob and Brendan Schmidt for stopping by to enjoy a little barbecue with us and to talk about how Mack's Lure can help support this event in the future.

Most importantly, we ask everyone to please keep the Schmidt family in your thoughts and prayers. Sadly, Bob and his family were among those impacted by the devastating Spokane Fire last weekend. Our hearts go out to them, and everyone affected by the fire.

We are grateful for the opportunity to serve those who serve our country and to be part of a community that continues to come together when people need it.

08/06/2026

OCF is proud to partner with The 1st BN, 161st Infantry Highlander Association.

The Highlander Ball is a time-honored tradition that strengthens esprit de corps, honors the proud heritage of the Highlanders, and recognizes the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice of our service members.

It is an honor for Operation Catching Freedom to support those who continue to serve our nation, and we look forward to being part of this special evening.

08/03/2026