Reel Hero's Outdoors is a nonprofit organization that takes veterans and disabled children on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor excursions at no cost to the participants. Inspired by a personal revelation and the healing power of nature, the organization was founded to share the peace and joy of the outdoors with those who are struggling. 

For veteran George Hankins, a career felt hollow. After a long day of work, he knelt to pray, asking God for guidance and a new path to help others. The answer arrived not as a clear direction but as a specific Bible verse: "When Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch'" (Luke 5:4). The meaning wasn't immediately clear, but the message was. He was being called to go fishing—and to bring others with him.

This divine spark lit the fuse for what would become Reel Hero's Outdoors (RHO), a non-profit organization dedicated to taking veterans, disabled children, and their families hunting and fishing. George found a sense of peace on the water that no longer existed in his day job, and he felt a powerful need to share that tranquility with others who were struggling. For him, the moment his boat hit the water, the worries of the world seemed to fade away.

The initial fishing trips were small, involving the founder and a few veteran friends. Observing the joy these trips brought inspired a larger vision. Soon, the mission expanded to include children, especially those who had never been on a boat. George understood that sharing this experience with a child and their parent would create a lasting family memory. "For me, the best time on the water is when I take out my daughters. I don't even care if I catch a fish, I just want them to feel the line tighten up when a fish bites their bait." 

As the dream grew, so did the practical challenges. Each trip required funds for fuel, boat launch fees, snacks, and equipment. The founder considered this a small price for the peace and quiet the trips provided. To reach more people and continue expansion, establishing an official non-profit was the clear path forward.

Reel Hero's Outdoors' ultimate goal is to provide each participant with a fishing pole, hoping to ignite a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

To turn the dream into a lasting reality, the founder enlisted the help of close friends, creating a strong organizational foundation.

Jarod Pitassi, Vice President: A long-time Oakdale resident and avid outdoorsman, Jarod met George at a mutual friend's gathering. Sharing a deep love for hunting and fishing, Jarod has been involved since the beginning. He is leading a new initiative to expand RHO's offerings to include hunting experiences.

Ashley Hankins, CFO: George's wife, Ashley, is considered the "backbone" of the organization. They met in basic training in 2009 and, after two years and one deployment together, they finally went on a date. Today, they are happily married with three children. Ashley's perspective as a female veteran is crucial. She advocates for other women, helping to create a welcoming environment for female veterans in the male-dominated world of hunting and fishing.

Eithan Lang, Secretary: Eithan, the founder's SAW gunner in Iraq, has been assisting with logistics from his home in Kansas. A "business guru," Eithan caught the founder's attention years ago, while in combat, with stories of fishing and hunting to help pass the time. Now, he's helping RHO expand its network into the Midwest, with a long-term goal of establishing a volunteer outreach network across all 50 states.

Brad Wilkerson (Lead Volunteer): A disabled Army veteran and great friends with George, Jarod, and Ashley, Brad is a lead volunteer with extensive knowledge of waterfowl hunting, especially on public land. He has also introduced the idea of incorporating golfing into the organization's activities. 

RHO aims to get veterans and disabled children outdoors, whether for fishing, hunting, or hiking. The activity is less important than the camaraderie and peace found in gods country. To achieve its mission, RHO utilizes several specialized boats, including a bass boat with a wheelchair ramp and two duck hunting boats suitable for individuals with mobility impairments. Looking ahead, RHO has ambitious goals. Their five-year plan includes purchasing a new bass boat with a state-of-the-art, hydraulic wheelchair lift, enabling seamless fishing from chairs. Their 10-year goal is to acquire property for a dedicated retreat, where veterans and disabled children can bond over outdoor activities.

This mission depends on donor generosity. Reel Hero's Outdoors demonstrates how a moment of guidance, combined with passion and a dedicated team's support, can create a powerful force for good.

Donations to Reel Hero's Outdoors can be made 

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