Aloha!

My name is Tad and I will be completing the 3rd Annual Mission 50: Paddling for a Cause on 3 May 2025 as part of TF Hydro, a 501c3 non-profit organization. TF Hydro's Mission 50 is a 50-mile ocean outrigger paddle that seeks to bring awareness to service-related challenges that our veterans and first responders face daily. TF Hydro introduces water-based activities - such as outrigger paddling, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, and surfboard shaping - as a way for veterans and first responders to reduce stress, maintain mental clarity, and enhance resilience efforts being used to deal with the challenges of service-related mental and physical health challenges.

The founder of TF Hydro, Rick, and I have been friends for over ten years. Our relationship began as teammates in special operations and our friendship was fostered in the ocean while stand up paddle boarding and surfing. Just like Rick, the ocean has always been a place to recover, recenter, and reduce stress through ocean activities. I will be paddling on Rick's crew on 3 May 2025 and thank you in advance for your consideration and gracious contribution in supporting TF Hydro's many opportunities for our veterans and first responders.

Mahalo!

Tad

///Message from Rick, Founder of TF Hydro and Mission 50///

Mission 50: Paddling for a Cause

Aloha, Supporters of Our Nation’s Heroes!

We are thrilled to announce the Mission 50: Paddling for a Cause, a five-month fundraising campaign culminating in the 3rd Annual 50-Mile Ocean Paddle on Saturday, May 3rd. This initiative is more than just a fundraising effort—it’s a movement to raise awareness for the mental health and service-related illnesses affecting Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

Over the next five months, paddlers, supporters, and communities across the nation will unite to make waves of change. Together, we’ll amplify our message that #WaterSavesLives, while directly impacting the lives of those who’ve served and sacrificed for our nation.

How You Can Help

Paddlers will pay $250 of their own money towards the event but are challenged to raise awareness and fund raise to fund programs that support healing and recovery for Veterans, First Responders, and their families. The Team and Individual who raises the most will receive recognition and a prize.

Funds Raised Will Support TFH1 Lines of Effort :

Surfing Programs

Outrigger Paddling Sessions

Surfboard Shaping Workshops

Mental Health Initiatives

These programs empower our heroes to reconnect with nature, build resilience, and find solace through water-based activities.

** A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hunter Seven Foundation, a nonprofit supporting Veterans battling illnesses caused by toxic exposure.

Why This Matters, Sobering Realities

Veterans: Each day, 17 Veterans lose their lives to suicide—a stark reminder of the urgent need for mental health support.

First Responders: 1 in 4 first responders faces mental health struggles, and many succumb to suicide rather than risks faced in the line of duty.

Service-Related Illnesses: Veterans exposed to toxic environments during service face a higher risk of cancers and chronic illnesses. Organizations like the Hunter Seven Foundation highlight the critical need for resources and support.

Healing Through Water

Research shows that water-based activities like paddling reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and foster resilience. For many, including our founder, Ricky Van Rickley, paddling has been a lifeline during personal battles, proving that the healing power of water can transform lives.

Every stroke, every dollar, and every word of encouragement helps us honor our heroes and give them the support they deserve. Together, we can make a profound difference.

Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much),

Ricky Van Rickley

Executive Director / Founder