CELEBRATING LIONS (and other Volunteers)

FEATURE: http://www.disabledfishing.tours/

“FROM THE BRINK FISHING”

SSG Army (Ret.) Michael Montange was our first speaker of the 2017-18 Lions Year. Michael shared with us his “From The Brink Fishing” (is) a 501c3 charity.  

This charity was started by SSG (Ret.) Michael Montange to enable veterans and the disabled to go fishing. As a group activity it gets you outdoors, it lets you meet new people and come to terms with your disabilities as well as bond with other people.

The number one cause of suicide in returning vets and the disabled is due to them building a "wall" and not believing there is anything left for them out there. This charity aims to improve that. A quote from a recent vet that went out with us "I was at a low point before I joined the local veteran fishing club. I was close to ending it. I got out on the water and started seeing what others were going through and that all changed".

It was a wonderful and most stimulating presentation, a real "eye-opener."  Many people are not as aware as they might be about the challenges the returning "Vet" goes through, some much more than others.  

The Cape Coral Lions Club thanks, SSG (Ret.) Michael Montange for sharing his experiences, past, and present, with us.  Hopefully, many more people will have the same experience: with "On The Brink Fishing." 

SSG Army (Ret.) Michael Montange

SSG (Ret.) Michael Montange is a three-time Iraq (OIF) veteran. He spent 12 years on active duty before being injured by an IED in northern Bagdad, Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Arcom with "V" device and Purple Heart for his actions that day. His left leg was amputated at the hip and had left him wheelchair-bound. He was distressed by the fact that most boats are not made for wheelchair users. The answer to that? Build one and take people out! You can see this boat on our accessible boat link at the top of this page.

Lion Bill Moulton, PDG