Suzuki DF225 4-stroke outboard, helping him enjoy his own fishing adventures and even more importantly, pass along his passion for the ocean and fishing to veterans, first responders and other heroes.
Paulk has gone through many challenges, first on the battlefield and then as a returning veteran fighting to heal and adjust to life with traumatic physical and emotional injuries. While serving with the Army in Afghanistan, his vehicle was struck by a triple-stack anti-tank mine. His team leader lost his life in the attack, and Paulk was left with major injuries after being engulfed in flames. He suffered significant burns to his body and face, paralysis of his vocal cords and complete amputation of all 10 fingers. He was honored with a Purple Heart, one of our nation’s highest military honors.
While doctors saved his life — a miracle in itself — Paulk had to endure countless follow-up surgeries and the lengthy, agonizing process of re-learning to walk, talk, swallow and adjust to life without use of his hands. To help himself cope, he focused on helping others, using his platform to raise money for Operation Mend, throwing himself into fundraising and public speaking on behalf of wounded veterans and other heroes.
“I really wasn’t into fishing before my injuries, but I’ve always had an adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors,” Paulk said. “I felt like fishing was something that I could do. With the help of some specially adapted equipment — some of which I designed myself — I got into fishing and loved it. Getting out on the water and enjoying nature was life-changing for me.”
His ticket to saltwater adventure came about five years ago when he bought his 2010 Striper, rigged at the time with a 2017 Evinrude E-Tec 250hp outboard. The boat was an ongoing project, starting with special modifications to accommodate Paulk’s physical challenges.
Paulk was supported in his efforts by the father and son team of Derrick and Nick Pregler at Cal Kona Marine, a popular boat/motor dealership in Oceanside, California. Constant repairs were needed to keep the boat running, so they approached Suzuki Marine and the company agreed to donate a Suzuki DF225 4-stroke outboard to help get Paulk back on the water in style. Cal Kona donated the controls and all the rigging work and even refitted the boat with new bottom paint, batteries, lights, custom cup holders and macerators.
A big part of the plans for The Struggle is Reel is serving as a platform for the Rods, Reels & Heroes Foundation, a newly formed 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders. Together with his fishing partner and co-founder Vance “Krush” Krusheski, they will use this revamped boat to take veterans and first responders out on the water.
“We’re proud to support Joey and his foundation,” said Brandon Cerka, Suzuki Marine General Manager Sales and Marketing. “It gives us a great feeling to know this boat will be used to help other deserving heroes.”
