We're three weeks out from our next trip. From November 6 to 8, 2026, The Calm Seas Project hosts eight military veterans in Jacksonville, Florida, for fishing, camaraderie, and a real break from the noise. Here's how we get ready—and why the prep is part of the mission.
The weekend in plain terms
Every Calm Seas Project trip is all-expenses-paid for our guests. We handle lodging, boats, guides, food, and the schedule so veterans can show up and be present. It's not a conference. It's time on the water with people who get it.
What we're locking down now
- Boats and water time. Weather windows, tide windows, and backup plans if the wind kicks up. Jacksonville gives us marsh, river, and nearshore options, and we use all three when we can.
- Gear and food. Rods, tackle, safety gear, coolers, and enough food that nobody's thinking about the next meal. The van runs a lot of miles in the weeks before a trip.
- The guest list. Eight is intentional. Small groups mean real conversations. We want every veteran on the trip to feel seen, not herded.
Why the logistics matter
In the Marine Corps, you learn that the mission fails in the details you skip. Same here. If a guest is worrying about gas money, a ride, or whether there's a plan when the weather turns, they can't relax. Our job is to carry that load so they don't have to.
How you can help
If you want to support the Jacksonville weekend—or point a veteran our way—start at calmseasproject.org. Donations put guests on the water. Shares put the word in front of someone who needs it. I'll post again as we get closer to November 6.
Sources: The Calm Seas Project · Upcoming Jacksonville event
