Who We Are & What We Do
CEO & President
Capt. Paul Gage
Paul Gage Served 22 years in the Marine Corps. His Marine Corps Journey started in Parris Island SC, After bootcamp Paul was stationed in California where he met Danielle in 1994. They were then transferred to Huntsville Alabama for a short period before being stationed at Cherry Point NC. Paul Deployed numerous times from Cherry Point prior to being transferred to Okinawa Japan. After Okinawa Japan the Gage family was transferred to Camp Pendleton CA. Paul Deployed many times out of CA before being transferred to Quantico VA. Where they finished up their Marine Corps Career.
Treasurer
Danielle Gage
Danielle grew up in San Diego CA. Danielle Married Paul in 1995 and traveled the world as a Marine Wife. Paul deployed Numerous times around the world and Danielle stayed home and held down the Fort. Danielle is a big part of Reeling Freedom and one of the original founders.
Secretary
Shelbi Gage
Shelbi is a Marine Corps Military Brat. Shelbi was born in San Diego and has traveled the world with her family since birth. Shelbi is a RN and the Manager of Awsom Apparel.
First Responder Lead
Capt Rich Doherty
Capt Rich is a New England Native that grew up with a fishing rod in his hands. Capt Rich Served 25 Years as a full-time public servant as a Firefighter, Paramedic, & Rescue Diver. Capt Rich Retired to Florida and is a big part of the Reeling Freedom Foundation. Capt Rich's Focus is on the First Responder Community. Capt Rich is a USCG Certified Captain and the Founder of FishResponders Fishing Charters.
Vice President
Capt. Gene Hammond
Capt Gene Hammond served in the United States Army and donates every minute of free time in support of this foundation. Capt Gene served on multiple deployments to the desert after 9-11. Capt Gene Hammond is also the tournament director for the Warrior Shootout and is just as committed to our men and women in uniform as anyone.
Director
Capt Mike Stevens
Capt Mike is a Marine Veteran.
Director
Capt. Scott Bacon
Scott served in the Air Force for 8 years as part of the 438 Airlift Control Element (ALCE) which later became the 438 Airlift Control Squadron (ALCS). During his time, he was deployed in support of the Bicesse Accords, Arusha Accords, UNAMIR II, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Silver Anvil, Operation Provide Promise, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Uphold Democracy, Operation Vigilant Warrior, Operation Vigilant Sentinel, Operation Joint Guard and many other Humanitarian supported deployments. Scott was also a trained as a combat medic, airbase ground defense instructor and a satellite communications specialist. As a civilian, Scott progressed his career in the Technology field while still helping the community. Scott became a volunteer firefighter holding an officer position for 10 out of his 20 years of service. He has helped in many volunteer organizations and today is helping to support the Reeling Freedom Foundation.
Director
Chad DeRigo
In his professional life, Chad is a seasoned IT consultant, advising many Fortune 500 companies and State governments for the past 22 years. As an Advisory Board member, Chad’s professional and other non-profit experiences helps our foundation to stay organized and efficient as we scale to serve more of our communities. Chad shares our passion for serving our country’s veterans and first responders as well as our love for fishing.