Meritorious Foundation Veterans, Fishing & Cigars Launch Party with Speaker Lt. Gov. Jay Collins

VETERANS, FISHING & CIGARS LAUNCH EVENT AT TEAM HOUSE TAMPA!

The event is free to attend and features open bar, catered buffet dinner, cigars, and a celebratory atmosphere honoring the 250th anniversary! Special thanks to our Venue Sponsor, Team House Tampa!

We are grateful for the support of our Registration Sponsor, Valence Vector Labs!

WHAT:

Known for hosting the nationwide Veterans, Guns & Cigars series, Meritorious Foundation is now launching Veterans, Fishing & Cigars, a new mentorship program pairing three active-duty or transitioning service members with three local executives on all-expense-paid fishing charters throughout the Tampa Bay area. The program supports mentorship, career development, entrepreneurship, and long-term community connection for the military community.

Join us June 25th for the official launch party for Veterans, Fishing & Cigars as we kick off the season with 20 fishing charters scheduled between now and year-end. Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins will deliver remarks during the event, which brings together veterans, business leaders, defense executives, government contractors, nonprofit organizations, and military community stakeholders from across the Tampa Bay region.

VENUE SPONSOR:

Located just outside MacDill Air Force Base, Team House Tampa is a veteran-founded community hub dedicated to supporting service members, veterans, and their families. Established by members of the Special Forces community, Team House serves as both a premier event venue for weddings, corporate functions, and special events, and a gathering place that fosters connection, mentorship, and outreach throughout the Tampa Bay veteran community.

GET INVOLVED

1. Become a Mentor | Join as an industry leader supporting veteran mentorship and career development.
2. Join as a Mentee | Active-duty service members and veterans can apply to be paired with industry executives for mentorship and networking.
3. Volunteer Your Boat | Donate your vessel and time to support on-the-water fishing charter experiences.
4. Sponsor Fuel and Charter Costs | Help cover fuel and operational expenses that make each fishing charter possible.

[ Complete Form to Get Involved ]

ABOUT MERITORIOUS FOUNDATION:

The Meritorious Foundation combines the power of the outdoors with industry access, bringing military veterans together with industry leaders, employers, customers, and investors through well-executed in-person and virtual events that deliver real outcomes at no cost to participants. View our one-pager here.

WHEN:

Thursday, June 25, 2026
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM  |  Open Bar
6:00 PM  |  Dinner Buffet
6:30PM  |  Presentation

WHERE:

Team House Tampa
6207 S Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL 33611