On June 18, Plymouth Harbor hosted the eighth annual Stars and Stripers Veterans Fishing Event, offering military veterans a day of fishing and camaraderie aimed at supporting their mental well-being. Organized by Rifles to Rods, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit run by volunteer veterans and boat captains, the event provides free charter fishing excursions targeting striped bass in Cape Cod Bay.
Veterans of various conflicts participated, ranging in age from 80 to 96, including Korean War veteran Dick Shattuck and Vietnam veteran Jack O’Hearn. The nonprofit’s mission is to connect veterans with the fishing community, allowing them to develop skills, interact with peers who share similar experiences, and enhance their overall health.
Brett Barros, a Desert Storm veteran and Carver native now residing in Plymouth, described the event as “pretty special.” This was his second year participating, and he credited the trip aboard the 40-foot lobster boat Fire Escape, captained by retired firefighter and Navy veteran Mark Petitt, with providing a much-needed reprieve. Barros, 54, served eight months in Iraq with the Army military police in 1991 and said the gathering offered a familiar and comforting environment where veterans could discuss life and coping strategies.
The day began with a breakfast near the boat ramp, followed by a flag-raising ceremony where participants stood with hands over their hearts as the national anthem played. An American flag measuring roughly one-third the size of a football field was hoisted above fire engines painted bright red, creating a striking backdrop.
During the fishing excursion, participants collected live bait and spent the morning casting lines for striped bass in the harbor. Barros described the experience as peaceful, noting the good weather, strong sense of camaraderie, and the thrill of catching a fish approximately two miles off the coast. After fishing, the crews returned ashore to share a meal featuring steak tips, pasta, vegetables, and salad.
Rifles to Rods also offers fly fishing trips for veterans in Western Massachusetts, further expanding opportunities for veterans to engage with nature and community through sport fishing.
Barros said he plans to return for next year’s Stars and Stripers event, underscoring the importance of these gatherings for veterans seeking connection and respite.