Three years ago a couple of guys who liked to fish had an idea, a way to show a little thanks to our fighting soldiers. More specifically ones who had been wounded. So with a small gathering of volunteers they took a few guys from BAMC fishing for the day. There was a little press coverage and plenty of support.
Then the year after that I’d always notice the 5 gallon water jug at Froggie’s gathering donations for the next years event. Last year the event grew to include guys from Walter Reed who stayed the weekend at local lodging and a few more buses from BAMC. There was more media coverage and paratroopers and a write up on an Army website. I also met Andrew last year, he was on our boat and caught some serious fish.
Then this year the event blew me out of the water. Soldiers from Walter Reed, Fort Campbell, BAMC and more came for a full weekend of fun and fishing. This year there were EIGHT chartered buses (the first year there were two I think) and so many people out to support our warriors parking and standing space were in high demand. There were hundreds of people at the dock and the soldiers getting off the buses had to weave their way through the crowds of cheering supporters. The Z Man turned to me at one point with his flag in his and was crying. I thought he was upset that he couldn’t see, turns out he wasn’t sad or mad but happy. He told me that he “was so joyful it made him cry and he didn’t know why”. Tears of pride welled in my eyes, especially to the fact that he had an understanding of the sacrafice these men and women make for us. He’s such a grown up in a little boys body (okay, well not that little). The warriors were loaded with all sorts of goodies and fresh fillets of their catch to take back with them, not to mention some great fishing stories by the time they leave Port O’Connor.
My attempt to pano from the top of the camper.
This year we had two guys from Fort Campbell, Kentucky on our boat (by our boat I mean my dad’s buddy Randy and I, Big C helps my dad as his deckhand) who were members of the Screaming Eagles, 101st Airborne Division. We caught a few nice trout and a lot of skip jacks, which are fun to catch but not so good to eat. Kevin had been in the Navy for 6 years before joining the Army, Leonel was a career military man, next year he’ll retire after 20 years. He couldn’t have quite been 40 yet – two guys who completely dedicated their lives to their country. They had a great time and gave us both a cap and a dog tag to thank us. I smiled but had to let them know we are the ones who are thanking them for their selfless sacrifices. One of the coolest things was hearing that Andrew was here and was looking for us, I found him later that day and he WALKED up to me big smiles and all and gave me a hug. No scooter, no cane!!
We absolutely look forward to volunteering at this even every year. It continues to grow and reach more and more wounded soldiers who are in need of a weekend of respite. You can find a few more photos of the tributes down in Port O’Connor on my flickr page. With Memorial Day coming take a moment to be thankful for every young man and woman who has stood high to defend our rights we use every day without thought.
Three years ago a couple of guys who liked to fish had an idea, a way to show a little thanks to our fighting soldiers. More specifically ones who had been wounded. So with a small gathering of volunteers they took a few guys from BAMC fishing for the day. There was a little press coverage and plenty of support.
Then the year after that I’d always notice the 5 gallon water jug at Froggie’s gathering donations for the next years event. Last year the event grew to include guys from Walter Reed who stayed the weekend at local lodging and a few more buses from BAMC. There was more media coverage and paratroopers and a write up on an Army website. I also met Andrew last year, he was on our boat and caught some serious fish.
Then this year the event blew me out of the water. Soldiers from Walter Reed, Fort Campbell, BAMC and more came for a full weekend of fun and fishing. This year there were EIGHT chartered buses (the first year there were two I think) and so many people out to support our warriors parking and standing space were in high demand. There were hundreds of people at the dock and the soldiers getting off the buses had to weave their way through the crowds of cheering supporters. The Z Man turned to me at one point with his flag in his and was crying. I thought he was upset that he couldn’t see, turns out he wasn’t sad or mad but happy. He told me that he “was so joyful it made him cry and he didn’t know why”. Tears of pride welled in my eyes, especially to the fact that he had an understanding of the sacrafice these men and women make for us. He’s such a grown up in a little boys body (okay, well not that little). The warriors were loaded with all sorts of goodies and fresh fillets of their catch to take back with them, not to mention some great fishing stories by the time they leave Port O’Connor.
My attempt to pano from the top of the camper.
This year we had two guys from Fort Campbell, Kentucky on our boat (by our boat I mean my dad’s buddy Randy and I, Big C helps my dad as his deckhand) who were members of the Screaming Eagles, 101st Airborne Division. We caught a few nice trout and a lot of skip jacks, which are fun to catch but not so good to eat. Kevin had been in the Navy for 6 years before joining the Army, Leonel was a career military man, next year he’ll retire after 20 years. He couldn’t have quite been 40 yet – two guys who completely dedicated their lives to their country. They had a great time and gave us both a cap and a dog tag to thank us. I smiled but had to let them know we are the ones who are thanking them for their selfless sacrifices. One of the coolest things was hearing that Andrew was here and was looking for us, I found him later that day and he WALKED up to me big smiles and all and gave me a hug. No scooter, no cane!!
We absolutely look forward to volunteering at this even every year. It continues to grow and reach more and more wounded soldiers who are in need of a weekend of respite. You can find a few more photos of the tributes down in Port O’Connor on my flickr page. With Memorial Day coming take a moment to be thankful for every young man and woman who has stood high to defend our rights we use every day without thought.
