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War Heroes on Water Presented by loanDepot Brings Together Southern California’s Sportfishing Community and 130 Combat-Wounded Veterans for Ninth Annual Event

LDI
  • The ninth annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) Presented by loanDepot takes place September 25-29 in Southern California, featuring 130 combat-wounded veterans & over 60 donated sportfishing vessels.
  • The five-day event includes three days of fishing to promote healing & connection, building on more than $8 million raised previously, with 2026 on track to be the largest fundraising year in WHOW history.
  • A new WHOW Cars & Coffee fundraiser occurs September 26 in Irvine from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. PT, featuring over $100 million in vehicles with a $25 admission fee.
  • The tournament officially begins September 26 at 5:00 p.m. with an opening ceremony & boat parade in Newport Basin, featuring a National Anthem performance by country artist Clay Hollis & the Orange County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard.
  • Fishing concludes September 28 with closing ceremonies outside Avalon Harbor, including a vintage WWII aircraft flyover by the Tiger Squadron, followed by a weigh-in & celebration at Catalina Island's Green Pier.
  • A private awards ceremony is scheduled for September 29, where veterans reunite with crews to celebrate accomplishments alongside yacht owners & sponsors.
  • A silent auction featuring collectibles, sporting events, & luxury getaways is currently live & closes September 26 at 6:00 p.m. PT.
  • WHOW was founded in 2018 by Anthony Hsieh & has directly served 675 veterans on the water while raising funds to support thousands more through Freedom Alliance's year-round programs.
  • Freedom Alliance, the beneficiary organization, has awarded over $33 million in college scholarships & provided various support services including therapy trips, homes, & vehicles to military families.
  • loanDepot serves as the title sponsor & continues its commitment to supporting veterans through philanthropic efforts & corporate sponsorship of the event.