Salty Grunt Sportfishing's
Warrior on the Water
An all inclusive, therapeutic experience to get Veterans out on the water with no worries other than reeling in new memories!
~501(c)(3) Organization~
Why we do it and who we are...
My name is Ryan Berk and I am the Founder and Captain of Salty Grunt Sportfishing’s Warrior on the Water excursions. I started the journey of creating Warrior on the Water after almost a decade of service. First as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army, where I received a Purple Heart during my deployment to Afghanistan and more recently as a Municipal Police Officer and Swat Team Operator. Upon leaving the Military in 2012 and transitioning back to civilian life, I found it difficult to get back into the state of normalcy that we are all so fortunate to have here at home. After searching for a sense of purpose after my time in the Army, I took to my passion of fishing & found it was the most therapeutic activity I could do to get back to where I wanted to be in life. After seeing the benefits to a day out on the water, I decided I wanted to share my therapeutic experiences with other combat veterans and first responders. After obtaining a USCG Captain’s license, Salty Grunt Sportfishing's Warrior on the Water was founded as a 501C3 organization to make trips possible for fellow Veterans, First Responders, and families of fallen service members both in the military and first responder communities. The Objective for each trip is to host a "Warrior on the Water” where we will be providing our guests with an all expenses paid, weekend fishing trip on our boat, The Salty Grunt. To make for a more personal experience, we do not send our guests on other boats. All excursions will be tailored to that particular guests and their needs, captained and overseen by our own board members. As a smaller organization, we feel it is imperative we have the opportunity to connect with each guest and provide the like minded mentality in a way that may not be achievable if they are sent with a different captain or crew. In addition, we limit each excursion to only one guest, along with their family if they so choose. This allows us to ensure each experience is personal, unique and that we can give our undivided attention to the hero on board making their experience unforgettable and the most beneficial. In addition to the fishing trip, lodging, service tributes, commemoration’s as well as gifts to continue fishing after the trip will be provided to the guest on board. Everything is included at no cost to the hero on board. They just need to show up. All Veterans deserve the opportunities I've been blessed with on the water and we want to make that happen for them.
How we are different..
Unlike other Fishing, Non-Profit Organizations that are focused on helping veterans, Warrior on the Water does not send veterans on other boats with different captains. These other groups are fantastic in their mission and help several veterans at a time, however we operate a little differently. Warrior on the Water is a smaller organization focused on helping one veteran at a time to make it a more personal experience. As the owner and Captain of Salty Grunt Sportfishing, and being a combat veteran myself, it affords me the opportunity to connect with each veteran and provide the like minded mentality in a way that may not be achievable if they are sent with a different captain. I also like to limit each excursion to only one veteran per trip. This allows us to ensure each experience is personal, and that I can give my undivided attention to the hero on board making their experience unforgettable and the most beneficial.
Where will your donations go?
As a 501c3 Non-profit organization, any donation in support of the "Warrior on the Water" Excursion, whether it be financial or equipment provided, will go directly to a veteran's day on the water. Food, drinks, gear, and gifts, and much more will all be provided at no cost to the veteran or their families. See our donation tiers below to see how each donation is spent. Any business or corporation that helps support the cause in our Donor brackets will be mentioned on all Salty Grunt platforms and featured as an exclusive Tier Donor. We will also provide updates and pictures from the veteran's experience. Aside from helping financially, we will occasionally be looking for new volunteers to help out with all aspects of the Warrior on the Water excursions including but not limited too; Photography/Videography, catering, DJ operations and transportation. Warrior on the Water is operated by volunteers only; there are no paid employees. Inquire below how your donation may be tax deductible. The Salty Grunt crew as well as America's Finest thank you for your generosity and support!
Have a Veteran in Mind?
Salty Grunt Sportfishing is always looking for another hero to take out on the water. If you or someone you know is a combat veteran who could use a day on the water, please send an email providing some details of the veteran's story, experience, and proof of service. All applications are reviewed thoroughly for verification and so the Hero in need the most will be selected. Once the veteran is selected, I will contact them directly to set up a date for their excursion! We also strongly encourage Gold Star Families as well as Families of Fallen Police Officers to reach out as we greatly appreciate their sacrifices as well. All information regarding a Veteran in need can be sent in the email box located at the bottom of the page.
