Don't be fooled into thinking these anywhere near resemble a "Tournament". I have seen them run a couple of different ways and it is strictly for the benefit of the troops. You might get someone who can fish, you might get someone who has never held a pole. Sometimes it is any species, sometimes it is just bass. Even though there is a weigh in, there should be gifts for all involved. The event I participate in on the Potomac usually ends up being a Catfish rodeo!!:lol: They are super plentiful and fun to catch. The Lake Anna event was bass only. Remember, it is your job to give these guys and gals a fun day on the water no matter what. Don't go into tournament powerfishing mode. If they want to spend all day running up and down the lake so be it. Don't ask about their time out of country. If they volunteer ok....be supportive. Make a quick assesment about their injury and what you can and can't do. You'll see a lot of single and double amps as well as other injuries. Help as much as they want to be helped. Some are very independent and some realize they need assistance. Load crutches, help them up to the rear chair etc. I had a soldier one year who had a brain injury so I was not gonna take him out and bounce him around on the Potomac on a windy day. We stayed in the harbour (well, all except for a couple of runs, he was a mechanic and wanted to see what my boat could do
). This year on the Potomac I had a warrior who's chest was superglued shut from open heart surgery
. Ask about home and family find out what they like to do. Most events limit media exposure for fear of nosy reporters trying to get gory war stories. If they need casting help, cast the rod. Hell, reel it for them if you have to. Make sure you have every level of fishing equipment. You may need some push button reels!! Stay with them/near them even after you get back in. You are their buddy for the day. This is all about them...period. They got injured fighting for you, show them how much you appreciate it. Make sure you have a lot of water/drinks/snacks on board. Most of the time they are avaliable at the dock before you blast off.
Most of all, whoop it up!! Have Fun!! Be the class clown (I never have a problem with that:lol: ). Make the day memorable because Lord knows these soldiers have been through a lot of crap and you have a chance to help them forget about it for a day. Once you participate in one of these events you will need to do more, it becomes a part of who you are. I always have said I get as much out of the events as the soldiers. So will you. I have never felt as uplifted as I do after one of these events.
Report back (with pictures if possible) how it went.
TOXIC
