National Geographic’s “Wicked Tuna” Teams Up With Wounded Warrior Project for Special Episode on May 30th

National Geographic has shared new details about an upcoming episode of Wicked Tuna which will feature veterans who are part of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The special episode airs May 30th on National Geographic.

What’s Happening: 

  • A special episode of Wicked Tuna, will air Sunday, May 30th, at 9/8c on National Geographic, following the captains as they team up with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
  • Captain Dave Marciano of the Hard Merchandise has been a longtime supporter of WWP, regularly donating charter trips. He’s witnessed how powerful the simple act of fishing is for these men and women.
  • With the world still coping with the effects of COVID-19, Marciano invites his fellow captains to come together and become part of a powerful and life-changing experience.
  • The captains invite wounded warriors from across New England to join them as they work to bring in bluefin, with the approximation of the proceeds of one fish per boat donated back to the organization.
  • In addition to the generosity from the captains in donating their time, National Geographic has donated $30,000 in support of the Wounded Warrior Project and its mission.

What They’re Saying:

  • Captain Dave Marciano: “I’ve been involved with Wounded Warrior Project for years, and every summer, I take a large group out for a charter fishing trip. But this year, I’m excited to get the other captains involved. This is something that has always been important to me, so I can’t thank my fellow captains enough for coming together and making this happen.”
  • Jen Silva, Wounded Warrior Project chief program officer: “Connecting veterans together with their community is an important part of recovery. We are grateful to Captain Dave Marciano and all the captains ofWicked Tuna for their support of our mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors.”

Meet the Warriors:

  • When Jeffrey Nunez got the opportunity to sign on with Captain Dave Marciano, he jumped at the chance. After more than five years in the Marine Corps, Jeff began to transition out of the military when he realized healing his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would be an ongoing process. He views being on the water with Marciano as part of his recovery.
  • Tim Byrne also lives with the symptoms of PTSD after returning from Afghanistan. Over the course of 100 combat missions, Tim was lucky to have never been seriously physically injured, but witnessing the deaths of countless others took a toll. Tim had a hard time reintegrating into society until he got involved with WWP and is excited for this unique opportunity to head out on the water with Captain T.J. Ott aboard the Hot Tuna.
  • Chloe Enderton spent most of her time in the military with the infantry. During her first deployment, she was in a vehicle that struck an IED, leaving her physically wounded and with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  • Timothy Aponte was in the military for almost 10 years. Just 53 days before he was scheduled to return home, he suffered a TBI, as well as injuries from a rocket-propelled grenade. After hearing of the sacrifices Tim gave to his country, Fat Tuna’s captain, Bob Cook, is determined to help Tim bring in a “fat tuna” of his own during Tim’s first time fishing for bluefin.
  • Jeremy and Nicole Lyon met in Afghanistan, where they both sustained TBIs in the same attack while on an outing for coffee. The explosion left them wounded and suffering from PTSD, but there was a silver lining from that day—the two “battle buddies” married and have been together for more than four years. Now, the two will be competing against one another alongside Captain Paul Hebert on the Wicked Pissah and Captain Dave Carraro on the FV-Tuna.com to see who can bring in a bluefin first.

About Wounded Warrior Project

  • Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit that supports veterans and active duty service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness or wound while serving our country.
  • Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition.