A Father’s Day on the Water – The Spence Family’s Trip 

When we work with past or present service members, there’s always this full-circle feeling of appreciation. Every trip is different, but they all remind me of the sacrifices not only made by the person who serves but also by the entire family. Civilians sometimes lose sight of that. When you sign up for the military, you sign up for a lifestyle, and ownership—deployments, moving every few years, the brotherhood, and the toll it takes on your body. But the spouses and kids? They didn’t exactly sign up, yet they live it too. 

I’ve heard children of service members ask heartbreaking questions like, “When do we come first, Daddy, and not the Army?” Its not about a parents love for their family—it’s the reality of service. The time that military families spend apart is why their time together is so precious, so we always know as a foundation we need to make the time spent together meaningful and memorable.   

Greg has been a Green Beret in the Army for 20 years. His wife, Daphne (who is a hoot, when she gets going!), and their two kids—five-year-old Grant and eight-year-old Charlotte—were introduced to me by David Winther with the Black Dagger Foundation. They drove down from Tampa, stopped at my office to grab some Spanish Fly swag before settling into their temporary home on Big Torch. From the moment I met them, I could see what a beautiful family they were—not just on the outside, but at their core. 

This was one of the first Father’s Days Greg was able to spend with his kids, and we wanted to make it unforgettable. Thanks to Captain JT, it absolutely was. Greg isn’t a hardcore angler, but when he landed a monster tarpon (something many people chase for years without success), you should’ve seen his face! Greg is now forever spoiled!  The whole family took turns cranking in a big nurse shark—basically like reeling in a waterlogged tree trunk—and topped it all off with mangrove snapper. With the wind blowing, JT kept them tucked close to shore, which was perfect for having little ones on board. 

The next day, we headed to the Dolphin Research Center. The kids swam with Summer, a rescue spotted dolphin who calls DRC home, along with her playful sidekick Morada. Charlotte’s giggle when she got a dorsal pull from Summer is a sound I’ll never forget.   

That evening we gathered at the Square Grouper (one of my dad Jose’s favorite spots) for sweet happy deliciousness as Jose would say, laughter, and stories. I brought my boys, and the next day we all ventured to the Contents sandbar, another one of Jose’s and my most cherished places. It’s not easy to get to, so it’s usually only locals or those who know the waters well. There, the kids dug for crabs, buried each other in the sand, and explored like they’d known each other forever. While JT whipped up ceviche, the adults sat back and opened up about life, marriage, struggles, and healing. 

That’s when I really got to know Greg and Daphne. Their marriage is the kind of partnership you admire—two people who balance each other, back each other in public, and handle the real talks in private. Their kids are loved, happy, and thriving. Even in the heavy moments—like when I shared about losing my husband—nature seemed to soften it. A cuda busting bait across the flats. A flock of roseate spoonbills flying overhead. Each time, Greg and Daphne would look around and say, “This place is stunning. I can’t believe we’re here—and that we have to leave tomorrow.” 

My dad, Jose, always believed that being in nature and on the ocean brings people together in a way that’s like bonding on steroids. Watching the Spences connect—laughing, opening up, and just being present with one another—was proof of that. 

To the Spence family, thank you for the relationship goals, the laughter, and for trusting us with such a meaningful Father’s Day. To JT, thank you for your generosity on the water. And to every donor and supporter of the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation—you made this happen. Every tarpon jumped, every dolphin swim, every giggle in the sandbar—that’s Jose’s legacy living on. 

And to Daphne—girl, you are a riot. If we didn’t live seven hours apart, I’m pretty sure we’d be the good kind of trouble together. Until next time, thank you for letting us be part of your story. 

Words from Daphne Spence 

“Our family is incredibly grateful to the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation for giving us the opportunity of a lifetime — an all-expense-paid, multi-day fishing trip in the beautiful Florida Keys. As a military family, it can be hard to step away from daily stresses and spend meaningful time together, but this trip gave us exactly that. 

From start to finish, Krissy made sure everything was thoughtfully planned and provided for, allowing us to simply enjoy the water, the fishing, and, most importantly, each other. The experience created memories we will carry forever, and it was more than just a trip — it was a gift of connection, laughter, and peace. 

We are also deeply touched by the heart behind the organization. Knowing that this mission continues in honor of Jose Wejebe, a true fishing legend, makes it even more special. His legacy lives on in the joy this nonprofit brings to foster children, veterans, disabled individuals, and families like ours. 

Thank you, Krissy, and the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation, from the bottom of our hearts for this incredible experience. We are honored to have been part of something so meaningful.”