Veronica Rector (The Boerne Star / Boerne Radio) interviews Joey Hummel, co-founder of Reel Warriors — a non-profit that builds community for veterans through fishing, hunting, camping, and blacksmithing. Joey shares the mission behind Reel Warriors, how it started with a simple fishing trip and a roommate, and how it's grown into a multi-state organization collaborating with veterans' groups nationwide. The conversation covers the loss of military camaraderie after service, the importance of collaboration between nonprofits, the upcoming Tides of Gratitude Gala (Nov 7th in Bulverde), and how veterans can get involved locally through First Friday breakfasts at The Dinger and monthly socials at Free Roam.

0:00     Intro — Veronica Rector welcomes guest Joey Hummel from Reel Warriors

0:20     Mission of Reel Warriors: organic veteran community building through fishing trips

1:18     The military bond — why veterans lose camaraderie in civilian life and how isolation leads to depression

2:33     Friday breakfast networking: DD214 Club at The Dinger (8 AM, first Friday of every month)

3:10     Life after the military: finding social circles again

3:42     Joey's background: Marine Corps 1999–2004, Iraq tour, father was a 22-year Marine

4:15     Expanding Reel Warriors — California team, Texas growth, Whiskey & Warrior fundraiser

4:30     Collaborating with Final Salute (homeless women veterans) and other nonprofits

5:00     The importance of nonprofit collaboration vs. ego in the nonprofit world

5:44     Partnership with Off Duty (first responders), Higher Ground (Idaho), Marine Recon Foundation, Semper Fi Fund

6:14     Expanding to Montana — MVP (Montana Vet Program) and Exterra Health

6:52     Tides of Gratitude Gala — Nov 7th at Park31 in Bulverde: silent auction, guest speaker, tickets at tidesofgratitude.com

8:12     How to get involved: Instagram/Facebook (RWF Community), reelwarriorsfoundation.org

8:32     Reel Warriors = REEL (fishing reel) — also does hunting, camping, blacksmithing

9:06     VFW and American Legion — declining participation, political advocacy for veterans

10:50  Vietnam vets' homecoming and the legacy of looking out for the next generation

11:06  Origin story: Joey working at a brain treatment center for PTSD vets, near homelessness, divorce

12:07  Meeting co-founder Nicholas Piscitelli — bourbon, brainstorming, and fishing

13:05  The first charter: 25 veterans on the ocean; "Let's start a nonprofit"

13:55  Founded Feb 25, 2019 — surviving COVID in California with smaller boat trips

15:25  Jason Lilly (Generation Kill / HBO) joins the board; slow, mission-first growth

16:12  "For the average Joe" — not just special forces; all-female charters; expanding to Louisiana

16:45  No combat-veteran requirement: if you served and have a DD214, you're in

17:24  Military humor — supply Marines, the crayon meme, Space Force

19:00  First Friday breakfast recap & next dates; monthly Free Roam socials (last Thursday, 5 PM)

20:30  Guitars for Heroes — teaching veterans to play guitar

20:34  Show wrap-up & where to find replays 

Original Air Date:  October 3, 2026, as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM

https://www.boernestar.com/