VETERANS,
FISHING & CIGARS
MENTORSHIP ON THE OPEN SEAS
VETERANS,
FISHING & CIGARS
MENTORSHIP ON THE OPEN SEAS
A MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE POWERED
BY THE MERITORIOUS FOUNDATION
A MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE POWERED BY THE MERITORIOUS FOUNDATION
Veterans, Fishing & Cigars matches transitioning service members and active-duty personnel with company executives on all-expenses-paid fishing charters in Tampa and South Florida.
REDEFINING VETERAN NETWORKING
Traditional networking can feel forced and formal. This program breaks that mold with an immersive experience where veterans can open up, share stories, and build the trust that drives real opportunities, from jobs and business ventures to long-term support networks that ripple through entire communities.
REDEFINING VETERAN NETWORKING
Traditional networking can feel forced and formal. This program breaks that mold with an immersive experience where veterans can open up, share stories, and build the trust that drives real opportunities, from jobs and business ventures to long-term support networks that ripple through entire communities.
SCALING MISSION IMPACT
Your donations make a direct impact. Every contribution helps cover essential costs like supplies, fuel, and logistics—ensuring we can continue providing meaningful experiences for veterans at no cost to them. Together, we can reach more heroes and keep our mission moving forward.
SCALING MISSION IMPACT
Your donations make a direct impact. Every contribution helps cover essential costs like supplies, fuel, and logistics—ensuring we can continue providing meaningful experiences for veterans at no cost to them. Together, we can reach more heroes and keep our mission moving forward.
ANCHOR YOUR SUPPORT: JOIN OUR 2026 MISSISSIPPI TO LEJEUNE TRANSITION TOUR
WHAT IS VETERANS, FISHING & CIGARS
WHAT IS VETERANS, FISHING & CIGARS
Veterans, Fishing & Cigars pairs transitioning service members and active-duty personnel with company executives on all-expenses-paid fishing charters in Tampa and South Florida. These small-group trips foster mentorship, networking, and career guidance, with participants staying connected through the Meritorious networking app for ongoing access to mentor matching, career coaches, entrepreneurship resources, professional networking events, and more.
Meritorious is now partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor TAP program on 40+ military installations worldwide.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- Small-group fishing charters (4-5 participants per trip).
- Fully funded events covering lunch, charter, fuel, and equipment.
- Transitioning veterans are paired with executive mentors in relevant industries.
- Connections are sustained post-event through the Meritorious app to include on-demand mentor, career, and small business resources.
Trusted by top outdoor and sports brands, we sponsored 300+ veterans and military spouses through our successful Veterans, Guns & Cigars series in 8 states. The new Veterans, Fishing & Cigars event expands this mission, fostering mentorship on the open waters.
WHO WE SERVE
WHO WE SERVE
- 85% of participants are transitioning service members; 15% are active-duty exploring civilian opportunities.
- Typical age range: 25-45 years old.
- Florida focus, with access to a nationwide military audience through Meritorious app, and TAP offices.
- Participants (mentees and executives) include retirees with pensions and purchasing power, making them potential buyers of outdoor gear, boats, and yachts.
- Participants include entrepreneurs starting fishing-related businesses, such as becoming certified captains or launching outdoor products.
Trusted by top outdoor and sports brands, we sponsored 300+ veterans and military spouses through our successful Veterans, Guns & Cigars series in 8 states. The new Veterans, Fishing & Cigars event expands this mission, fostering mentorship on the open waters.
ABOUT MERITORIOUS
ABOUT
MERITORIOUS
We’re Solving a Critical Problem Through Tech
Meritorious addresses the need for a centralized, data-driven platform tailored to the unique needs of military veterans, spouses, and their networks. Its modular design supports users at every stage, from transitioning to scaling businesses or advancing careers.
The app integrates military-specific filters, mentor matching, small business resources, and career coaches, with tools for nonprofits and corporations to showcase services, hiring opportunities, events, and community outreach. Geolocation technology allows members to connect in real-time ensuring seamless access and support.
Mentor Connect
A standout feature of Meritorious is “Mentor Connect,” enabling users to match with experienced mentors and participate in virtual mentorship events and industry-focused networking sessions. “Transition Circles” offer smaller workshops leveraging 300+ military-connected hiring managers, nonprofit professionals, and SMEs in the Meritorious network. Our larger virtual Mentor Connect events consistently engage over 100 veterans and 20+ companies each session.
CONNECT WITH A HIGHLY ENGAGED, MISSION DRIVEN AUDIENCE
The Meritorious network reaches 20,000+ veterans, transitioning service members, and industry professionals nationwide.
CONNECT WITH A HIGHLY ENGAGED, MISSION DRIVEN AUDIENCE
The Meritorious network reaches 20,000+ veterans, transitioning service members, and industry professionals nationwide.
BE PART OF A COMMUNITY THAT’S CONNECTING VETERANS EVERYWHERE
BE PART OF A COMMUNITY THAT’S CONNECTING VETERANS EVERYWHERE
CONTACT US
Katherine Kostreva
Katherine@Meritorious.us
727-492-6421
206 17th Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
CONTACT
Katherine Kostreva
Katherine@Meritorious.us
727-492-6421
206 17th Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701