Captain Neal Stark

Capt. Neal Stark / Founder of Fishing with America's Finest. 

Since 2008, Neal has been a business owner, Guide, Fishing educator, Pro staff member at Bass Pro Shops Dania Beach, Cabela’s, Livingston Lures, Wiley X, and field writer for Coastal Angler Magazine.

He is a cosmetologist, specializing in color correction, hair coloring, chemistry, precision hair cutting. In addition, he has worked in the same salon for 32 years, as well as consulted for worked for NBC.

I was born in South Florida I’ve spent over 40 years fishing in Saltwater & freshwater as an experienced captain I loved exploring the seas and all the way into backwaters and bays of the Florida Everglades, Flamingo, 10,000 islands into freshwater swamps. No matter what was going on in my life this would totally put me at ease.

In 2008, I read that we were losing 22 veterans a day to PTSD and reentry issues here on American soil. I found this to be unacceptable!!! My Idea was to introduce Veterans to all that I had witnessed in fishing this untouched wilderness of beautiful nature in Fl Everglades. I wanted to take the highest level of fishing and share with America's Finest to help veterans find them sleeves, thoughts, and find their way home.

To also help enhance the lives of our veterans help them break down some of those walls and barriers while bass fishing.

I use the capabilities and the skills I acquired along the way. I teach U.S Veterans and local youth the art of bass fishing. We call it fishing 101. I’ve used the success I’ve had on and off the water to promote and give back to our community. Especially the veteran community.

I want to help develop their skills and capabilities so they can be successful all the time while fishing and working out any issues. I want to influence others in the community to focus on positive activities. I want to show that there are positive options available other than drugs, both prescribed, alcohol.

Bass Pro Shops (Dania Store), Wiley X, Gambler Baits, Please Release Me, Bass Angler Magazine, Rapala, Hawgtech, Livingston Lures, Yamaha Motors, Coastal Angler Magazine.

It has been an honor to stand and fish alongside all of you.

Thank you for the opportunity to be able to give back to you, Americas Finest.

May God bless you all!

Judy Lusskin has resided in the Town of Golden Beach for 23 years. She has served on the Town Council for the past 14 years and currently serving her fourth term as a councilmember.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and speech at Long Island University in New York.  Councilmember Lusskin was the Program Director at The Jewish Community Center (JCC) for 15 years where she supervised over 100 staff members and initiated an extensive employment orientation program.

Previously, Ms Lusskin also served as the Education Director for Beth Moshe Congregation and has also served as the Chairperson of the Notables, a group of individuals dedicated to growing and improving the Miami Jewish Health Systems care for the elderly.

Ms Lusskin has been extremely active in the Town of Golden Beach. She founded the Golden Beach Youth Leadership Group (GBYLG), chaired the town’s 75th anniversary celebration committee, and is the previous chair of the Town’s recreation committee. She currently serves on the Town’s Beach Committee, as well as the Security & Public Safety Committee. Annually, Judy Lusskin directs and leads the Town’s Veterans Day and Memorial Day Programs.  She has served as the Town’s liaison to The Miami Dade county League of cities, and has also served on the Vice Provost Council of Florida International University.  In addition, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care.

Councilmember Lusskin has her Private Pilots certificate and when not busy with political obligations…she can be found navigating the sunny skies of Florida.

Michael Santos, was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. By the time Michael moved to Miami at the age of 5, he had already lived in Guatemala, Los Angeles and Houston. Miami is what Michael learned to call home. Michael started fishing with friends at about the age of 12, fishing the local canals throughout Miami.   

Military Service

In 2005, Michael joined the United States Army. He attended basic training at Fort Benning GA. After, graduating Infantry School and Airborne School at Fort Benning. Michael was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He deployed twice to Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), in 2007 and again in 2009.

Military Awards

Combat Infantry Badge, 3 - Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal w/ 2campaign Stars, Meritorious Unit, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, 2 - Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Irish Parachute Wings.

After Service

After leaving the Military Michael, then moved to a town outside of Charlotte named Fort Mill. He became a police officer for a town named Rock Hill, where he serviced the community. After about 10 years of being away from “Home”, Michael decided to move back to Miami and attend Florida International University. Michael graduated from FIU with a Bachelors in Science of Information Technology.

Michael was introduced to Fishing with America's Finest by Harold Valenzuela at a event at Bass Pro for Veterans. Since then Captain Neil Stark, have taken Michael on several trips to the Everglades to fish. This is when Michael realized the importance of Fishing with America's Finest and wanted to help other Veterans the way Captain Neil Stark helped him.

Harold Valenzuela, is an on-air talent/producer on iHeartMedia’s “Tu Manaña con Enrique Santos” nationally syndicated morning show in 17 cities via Premiere Networks.  The morning show is based out of Miramar, FL on its flagship radio station (WZTU) TU 94.9fm that serves both Miami-Dade and Broward County.

Born in Santo Domingo D.R. he was mainly raised in Manhattan, New York City and Miami Florida.  Graduating Class of 2000 in the top ten percent of his class with a pilot’s license he was a student of Hialeah High School (Miami, FL).  He served in the U.S. Marines for 5 years (2000-2005) achieving the rank of Sergeant as a 6112 helicopter mechanic on the Sea Knight CH-46 stationed in San Diego, California with HMM-364 “Purple Foxes”.  Deployed for 9 months in Iraq (Jan-Oct) in 2003 he became the shop supervisor/inspector of 37 marines to maintain 12 helicopters fully functional during and after Operation Iraqi Freedom.  During his time in the Marines he was decorated with Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deploy Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation – Navy, Letter of Appreciation.  After his time in service he moved back to Miami to start a new life working for Seger Aero Corp. as lead mechanic for 3 years.  Where he did overhauls, repairs, inspections and testing of Rolls Royce T56 and Allison 501 turbo prop aircraft engines which are normally used in aircrafts like C-130’s, P3’s, CV-580 and Electra’s.  While working at Seger Aero he also worked at Miami International Airport for a year and a half maintaining CV-580 for a cargo transport company by the name of Air Tahoma that delivered packages for Fedex to and from South and Central America. 

Harold is a proud boat owner of a 330 Express Grady White and enjoys fishing. He is passionate about helping others especially when it comes to helping other veterans.  After participating in a recreational therapy fishing event recommended by the Veterans Affairs, Harold stated, “This is a program I needs do be a part of”.  He was so impressed on what the program does to help veterans that suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression and other conditions that he has joined the team and is offering his boat to start a saltwater chapter for Fishing with America’s Finest. It has become an exciting part of his life because he gets to help fellow veterans and go fishing at the same time.  Those that have not experienced a fishing trip will never understand how the mind and body feel when out in the ocean.  It brings fellow veterans together and creates an atmosphere that is relaxing and therapeutic and this is the type of therapy veterans need.

 Ronald Green Retired from the US Air Force with 20 years of Active Duty. Ronald was born in Baltimore, Md. In April 1958 Ronald joined the U.S Air Force and made a career  and retiring in February 1997 after 20 years of honorable service. During his tenure as an Airman, Ronald served in many roles, assignment and duties.  He was stationed around the globe; his most memorable assignments were with the U.S. Presidential Honor Guard, flying onboard the Airborne Command, Communications and Control platform and time spent in Key West, Florida with Joint Task Force East. After his retirement Ronald was hired by US Customs Service where he began his second federal career first as a Customs Inspector and retiring as a Senior Intelligence Specialist and Special Security Representative.  He retired after 20 years of service. Ronald’s love for fishing began many years ago as a young child where he would spend quality time with his father fishing, his father would always stress the importance of having God in your life (FAITH), the value of FAMILY and the joy of FISHING.  One thing that Ronald took with him everywhere he was stationed or served temporary duty, was fishing.  He would always find somewhere to cast a line  and relax. Ronald first participated with Fishing with America’s Finest in 2013, after being referred by the Miami Vet Center since then, Ronald has taken on more of management role, assisting with membership, fundraising and assisting with events.   He has also taken on the role as the unofficial title of Reverend Ronald where he post a daily prayer on the organization’s website as well as sharing his love for Christ with other fishing groups and organizations.   Fishing has been a therapy for him for many years from spending time with his father to today, spending time with his brothers in arms.  As we call them “America’s most valuable resource, THE VETERAN”. 

I am Florida Everglades Largemouth Bass Fishing and Peacock Bass Fishing guide, Captain Shane Procell. I have held a U.S.C.G. 6 pack operators license for the last 16 years. I have been told that I run one of the most exciting bass and peacock fishing charters in South Florida by thousands of angling clients. I have been fortunate to have been featured on numerous TV fishing shows including; ESPN2 “Beat Charlie Moore”, NBC Sports “Bass2Billfish”, SUNSports Florida “REEL TIME”, Animal Planet & Discovery Channel “Off The Hook: Extreme Catches”, NBC Sports “Charlie Moore-No Offense”, SUNSPORTS “Captains Tales”. 

I have spent the last 30 years fishing Florida’s lakes and rivers and swamps. The last 20 years i have spent most of my fishing time in the Florida Everglades and the urban canals for Largemouth, Snakehead, Clownknife and Peacock bass.

My bass fishing guide service routinely produces triple digit stringers of Florida Largemouth bass in the most remote and untouched areas of the Florida Everglades. My specialty is fishing little known and hard to access areas of the South Florida Everglades. I specialize in light tackle fishing bass fishing in areas that get very little, if any fishing pressure. As a charter guide I love to share my experience and knowledge of the local habitat, wildlife and fishery with clients. By the end of the day you will be well versed on the local fishery and habitat.

On my Florida Everglades Bass Fishing Adventure charter you will experience the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades, like it was 100 years ago. You are going to catch a lot of nice fish and you will see plenty of alligators. At days end I want you to have had the best Largemouth bass, Snakehead, Clownknife and Peacock bass fishing adventure of your life, a real "Dream trip"! That's my goal. 

Thank you

Capt Shane

Captain Drew Rodriguez. Born and raised in Miami FL, Professional freshwater fishing guide.

I'm a freshwater fishing guide in Miami FL for both Largemouth & Peacock Bass. I've been fishing South Fl for over 25 years.

I'm blessed with a huge clientele base and I know it's by the grace of God. I'm fully aware that if I don't give back to my community and country, there's really no point.

Captain Neal Stark is like a big brother to me. I've know him on a personal level for a lot of years now and I know he puts his heart & soul into FWAF. There's no other program in the world that I'd rather be a part of.

I enjoy the fact that we take out Veterans of all eras and we leave no one behind. I also love the fact that everyone is a volunteer and 95% of all donations goes right back through the program. This only leaves space for people who have it in their heart to do the right thing.

I feel that God puts people that he knows are going to give back to those in need, in a position of success for a reason. I enjoy helping others and being a mentor.

In order to be a Piscatorial Therapist, you need to do a lot of learning on how people behave & think. I do a lot of reading on this subject because I'd like to help as many Veterans and people in general as I can.

There's not a more peaceful place in this earth than the Fl Everglades. We are truly blessed down here to take Veterans to such remote locations where it's just us, the fish & the good Lord.

I look forward to fishing with y'all and showing you what I do on a daily basis. Not everyone's therapist is a professional fisherman. You're going to enjoy this experience and it will heal your mind, body & Soul.

God Bless you,

-Captain Drew

Harold Burgos is a Retired US Marine with 21 years of Active Duty.

Harold was born in Cali, Colombia and came to the United States at 18 years old in November 1982. In June 1985 Harold joined the US Marines and made a career retiring in Jun 2006 after 21 years of faithful and honorable service.

During his tenure as a Marine Harold served as a Tank crew member in the M1A1 Abrams Tank where he went from tank commander to Platoon Sergeant, Company Tank Leader and Company First Sergeant.

Harold deployed to Iraq in 2003 for 6 months as a Tank Platoon Sergeant with 2nd Tank Battalion out of Camp Lejeune, NC and then again in Sep 2004 until Mar 2005 as a Company Tank Leader.

Harold’s Military awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, many Certificates of Commendation and Letters of Appreciation.

After his retirement Harold joined the US Office Of Personnel Management where he worked as a Federal Investigator until Feb 2016 at the Miami Field Office.

Harold first participated with Fishing with America’s Finest in April 2013, since then Harold has grown as fisherman, loving and enjoying the beauty and peacefulness the Florida Everglades offers. There’s no other way to connect with Mother Nature and being able to express Gratitude for the blessings received.

No other program brings Veterans together to enjoy great moments, making memories, friendships and helping each other with our daily struggles due to our combat and service experiences.

Fishing has become the best Therapy, helping to reduce the intake of prescription medication given by the VA medical providers.

 Robert “Rob” Barretti- Born in Queens, NY.

Owner/ General Contractor- “From the Floor Up” by trade and Fisherman at heart…

I moved to Miami, FL in 2002, and took up fishing.    I’ve been hooked ever since no pun intended!

Fishing with America’s Finest has allowed me to enjoy two thing’s I love- support others and fish. It’s been a gratifying experience as well as a peace that I can identify with. I’ve never had something in my life that has been so relaxing and meaningful. Helping Veterans by fishing is a way to draw attention to their struggles and provide the tools for fishing therapy. My father was wounded in Vietnam and is a Disabled Veteran, which is also a reason this cause is dear to my heart.

Thank you for letting me be part of this meaningful journey,

Rob