Fight Oar Die

Our rowing team, Fight Oar Die, experienced a devastating loss while participating in the 2022 Atlantic Challenge. The boat, affectionately named The Woobie, capsized and could not be recovered. Despite the difficulties faced, the four-man team was rescued after 22 hours in the water but the boat could not be recovered. We have found a replacement vessel to continue our mission, a Rannoch, pending we can raise the funds. This boat is known for its superior quality and design, and we're confident it will enable us to inspire others and continue our journey.

As a quick background, our team, Fight Oar Die, includes former Rangers from 75th Ranger Regiment who are continuing the fight for Veterans. Craig Foreman, Dave Figgins, Joe Leach, and Guy Phillips make up our Team Ranger and embody our commitment to this mission. We are grateful to have such dedicated and skilled individuals on this year's team, and we believe that their experience and passion make us stronger. With your support, we can continue to make a difference and honor the sacrifices of our Veterans.

As you can imagine, purchasing a new boat is a significant investment and we are turning to our community for support. We have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to purchase the new boat and keep our mission moving forward. We believe that with your support, we can overcome any obstacle and continue to make a difference.

Our team is passionate about what we do, and we are determined to keep pushing forward no matter what comes our way. We appreciate any support you can offer, and we look forward to sharing our journey with you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Hi, I'm Laurie Knight, and I'm launching this campaign to support the recovery of Woobie after she drifted in the Atlantic Ocean for just under three years following a harrowing capsize after a storm.

In short: In Woobie's third crossing, the 2022 team suffered a strong storm that inverted the vessel and she failed to self right so the team abandoned her and was miraculously rescued after Woobie was set adrift. On December 11, 2025, just 17 days short of three years, she was recovered in France where she waits. Now, efforts are underway to bring her back to Mobile.

In review: She safely delivered the 2018 first ever all Veteran team of four across the Atlantic, then did the same in 2019, carefully ensuring passage of four more Veterans--two combat wounded--to Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua.

With no boat, our following team, the Rangers of 2023 had to buy a new one, Resilience, who safely delivered them in the fastest-ever time for a Fight Oar Die team, but the organization didn't have the needed momentum to keep going, so we decided to pause.

Fight Oar Die was once a remarkable organization dedicated to increasing awareness and support for the cognitive, behavioral, and physical health of our US Veteran personnel. We taught Mental Health First Aid to 350 individuals, gave $16,000 in grant moneys, got 16 Veterans to the starting line in La Gomera, and inspired people everywhere to row their own oceans.

In 2024, we voted to cease sending teams across.

Your donation will go directly to the recovery efforts of Woobie.