About Robert

Robert ‘Nico’ Gil – Founder, Fin Chaser Warriors Outdoor 

I’m a proud combat veteran who served with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division in Iraq. During my deployment, I was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation for Valor, and Bronze Star for Valor after stopping a suicide bomber attack that saved my team’s lives—but left me with serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

That TBI led to PTSD, chronic pain, memory issues, and depression—a dark period that almost cost me my life. Like too many of our brothers and sisters in arms, I was nearly one of the 22 veterans lost to suicide each day. 

Everything changed when I was invited to fish in The Manhattan Cup. I had never really fished growing up in Brooklyn, but that day on the water gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time—peace, purpose, and a path forward. I discovered that fishing wasn’t just a hobby—it was healing. 

That experience sparked a new mission. Today, I’m the founder of Fin Chaser Warriors Outdoor, a nonprofit dedicated to helping fellow veterans heal through fishing, the outdoors, and community. I’ve been honored to win several fishing tournaments and serve as Regional Coordinator for Project Healing Waters NY, as well as a panelist on the NYS Veterans Outdoor Recreational Therapy Alliance. But more than the titles, what matters most to me is giving back—helping veterans reconnect, recover, and reclaim their sense of purpose. 

I created Fin Chaser Warriors because I know firsthand that the battle doesn’t end when we come home. Nature, camaraderie, and shared experience can be powerful tools for healing. If you’re a veteran seeking connection, peace, or just a moment to breathe—you’ve found the right place.