HOMOSSASSA, Fla. — In the words of JFK, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
A new nonprofit Sheroes Warriors on Water, Inc. in Citrus County took 23-year Navy veteran Jeanetta Mundis on a fishing trip.
It was the first in what the Sheroes organization hopes to be many charters to honor and pay tribute to female veterans.
The moment came quick for Jeanetta to reel in a big catch. It took her 10 seconds from the moment she dropped her line to the moment she hooked a grouper.
The struggle to bring one of Florida’s favorite fish was real but short-lived, as Jeanetta, also known as Jane, brought in the grouper in 30 seconds.
It had to go back in the water as it is currently offseason for grouper fishing.
How Jane even got to today’s catch is a feel-good story of its own.
Clear blue skies and lots of fish usually await Captain Katie Jo Davis as she navigates daily the waters off of Citrus County.
On that day of fishing, Capt. Julie Meconnahey, a Coast Guard accredited Captain and founder of the Sheroes organization, took in those clear blue skies and calm waters.
Both fishing captains were doing what they normally do in their charter fishing businesses.
This time, they were honoring Vietnam-Era veteran Mundis.
She told us what it is like to be a veteran in the sunshine state.
“The comradery is great and the people are so friendly, you know,” Jane said. “As soon as they see you’re a veteran, they automatically say thank you for your service and we appreciate that.”
Mundis enlisted in the Navy straight out of high school. Then, she dedicated 23 years to her country.
Jane said she did it as payback for what her country did for her.
She was in foster care from the age of three until she enlisted. She said she owed the government for taking care of her.
“I felt the need to support my country, and I was a foster child,” she said.
Capt. Katie Jo has a shared experience with Jane. The fishing captain is also a veteran herself, serving in the Army.
She wanted to share what makes her feel good every day.
“This is my therapy, whether you’re seeing the dolphins, you hear the whistling of the winds from the fishing lines, you’re reeling in the biggest fish you’ve ever caught,” said Captain Katie Jo. “Everything about being out here is very therapeutic.”
She along with Capt. Julie and the help of many donors in Citrus launched the Sheroes charity.
Sheroes started after the captains won a fishing tournament last year and, with their winnings, wanted to give back.
“We needed to do something with it,” Julie said. “And we get so much peace from the fishing that we do.”
“And it’s not just about the fishing,” said Katie Jo. “What we want to focus on is getting female veterans out on the water.”
During the trip, Jane also reeled in a 20-inch redfish which became the day’s trophy.
She said she is proud to be the first veteran honored by this new non-profit.
“It’s a first step for these ladies to showcase their desire to help the veterans,” said Jane. “It’s a great thing.”
The efforts are all in line with the theme of paying it forward.
Jane is still very involved with veterans’ organizations.
She is part of the Female Veterans Network in Inverness, the local American Legion, and served as the first national chaplain of the Fleet Reserve Association, which she is still a part of now more than 30 years.
The Sheroes group is now planning to take six lady veterans for a sunset cruise.
Roy De Jesus
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