When Army Landmine Specialist stepped on an IED in Afghanistan he had no idea what the future would hold for him.
Mark Lacovara and I got to know Tyler back in May, when we took him fishing aboard Mark's fabulous 39 Sea Vee the “Sweat Equity” as part of Florida Sportsman's “Fishing for Warriors” program. We knew he had a good time. The tuna and mahi did their part. As I always do, I made sure Tyler had my number with specific instructions to call me if he ever needed anything.
It kind of made me nervous when Tyler and I reconnected today. He says he's doing well. His back is manageable, and he once again spoke of his incredible gratitude for his trip. He said it actually “scared the crap” out of him when he saw Mark's 4 Mercury 300's on the “Sweat Equity”' transom. Keep in mind that he had never met any of us, and believe it or not he said he kept wondering what our agenda was. “For private citizens to make me feel like a king for a day, was indescribable. You guys took a day out of your lives and dedicated it, and ALL THAT MONEY to taking a guy like me on the trip of a lifetime. I'll never forget it. I'm afraid I've gotten hooked on something I may never get to do again.”
Tyler's life has changed forever. He will spend the rest of it focusing on pain management from his injuries. It shook me up when he said “There is something I need to talk with you about Capt. Rick. I do have a problem…….I'm out of mahi!” I'll bet we can fix that!
Rick Ryals
Florida Sportsman Fishing for Warriors
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