about us
Some battles don’t end when the uniform comes off.
That’s why we created Gulf Coast Veterans Fishing Alliance — a community built to reconnect veterans through trust, purpose, and shared experiences.
For some, it’s about getting back outdoors.
For others, it’s about finding conversation, brotherhood, and a reason to show up again.
GCVFA is about veterans supporting veterans — creating a place where nobody has to navigate life after service alone.
Meet our vets
Spencer cantu
Spencer Cantu is the Founder and Executive Director of Gulf Coast Veterans Fishing Alliance. A U.S. Army Special Forces veteran (Green Beret), he understands firsthand the lasting bonds forged through service and the importance of maintaining connection beyond the uniform.
Raised in South Texas, he grew up fishing the Gulf Coast, where time on the water became more than recreation — it became a place of discipline, reflection, and camaraderie. After his military career, he recognized the powerful role that peer connection plays in strengthening resilience among veterans.
Drawing on both his service in the Army Special Forces and his lifelong passion for fishing, he established Gulf Coast Veterans Fishing Alliance to bring veterans together in a trusted, veteran-led environment built on shared experience. Through organized fishing programs led by veteran captains, he is committed to strengthening connection, resilience, and purpose across the Gulf Coast.
jaysson harkness
Jaysson Harkness has 17 years of military service, where he has dedicated his career to leadership, mentorship, and service to others. Fourteen of those years have been spent within the Special Operations community as a Green Beret, where he developed extensive experience leading in high-pressure environments, building resilient teams, and supporting missions that demanded discipline, adaptability, and integrity.
Throughout his career, he has remained committed to helping others grow personally and professionally, especially within the military community. His experiences has reinforced the importance of purpose, connection, and support during and after service. Through Gulf Coast Veterans Fishing Alliance, He aims to continue serving those who serve by creating opportunities, fostering community, and helping military personnel navigate the next chapter of their lives with confidence and dignity.
eric segalini
Eric W. Segalini is a business development and operations leader with a background spanning defense technology, strategic growth, and U.S. Army Special Forces operations.
Eric has helped drive multimillion-dollar growth opportunities by aligning complex technical solutions with mission-critical customer requirements across government and industry stakeholders. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University.
Prior to entering the private sector, Eric served more than 11 years in the United States Army, including leadership assignments within the Special Forces community as a Green Beret and Ranger-qualified officer. Throughout his military career, he led cross-functional teams in high-pressure operational environments across global missions involving strategic planning, resource management, international partnerships, and organizational leadership. His experience managing complex programs, building collaborative relationships, and leading mission-focused teams continues to shape his approach to leadership, service, and community engagement. Eric is passionate about supporting organizations that create meaningful impact through mentorship, leadership development, and service-oriented initiatives.
Eric is married to Kelsey, and they have three children together. Harper Grace, Emersyn Hope, and John Caleb
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