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Show HILLTOP TIMES AIRMAN 1ST CLASS KYLE RUSSELL/U.S. Air Force Gayle Perry (center) enjoys swapping fish stories with a fishing buddy on board the National Guardsman pontoon boat during a veterans event on July 27 held at Strawberry Reservoir. VETERANS From page 1 on hand, and settled in as they - followed their companions on board. Gayle Perry reported his dog watched wildlife closely, signaling interest in swimming after the ducks, as the fishing started a bit slow for his boat and then got hotter. Veterans with fishing poles in hand on his watercraft didn't seem to mind, though. Perry eventually took home some fish, as did many a veteran. The Wasatch National Forest recreation area which connects Soldier Creek water area to the Strawberry Reservoir side meant there was a large fishing area available. Captains could guide their watercraft to their pick of fishing spots as excited veterans began putting their lines in the water once anchors were dropped. A cut-throat trout slot on certain sizes was enforced in order to keep overabundant chub at bay, so those particular catches did have to be caught and released. As small fishing boats spread out across the bay and beyond, some watercraft had "fish on" right away, while others had to work a bit harder to net their catches. The biggest fish all day? Well, that honor went to Senior Airman Nicholas Alder, 2nd Combat Camera combat videographer, who once he had completed his shooting for the day, pulled out a plastic "Barbie Doll" looking fishing pole, nothing special, and hooked a 23 1/4 inch cut-throat trout. The young Airman caught at least two other large fish with that gear and a whole lot of rib- MARY LOU GORNY/Hilltop Times Bradley Gielger, veteran, shows the fish he caught. bing from the other fishermen on board, especially the veterans. Todd Hall, director of the Utah Disabled Veterans Fishing Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, reported a total of 72 veterans and 45 boats in all for the event. "I think there were a lot of fish caught, and it was awesome the amount of support we got here today," Hall said, at the barbecue which followed. "There's a lot of satisfaction in the fact of being able to pro- vide some recognition to these veterans so that they feel recognized and appreciated for the sacrifices that they've made," he said. "It gives them an opportunity that they may not have and that's really where the satisfaction comes from." He hopes that more disabled veterans from the VA hospital take advantage of the opportunity next year. "The volunteers love it, the veterans love it. The Hilltop TIMES Aug. 1, 2013 5 Top, some of the fishing poles donated by some of the sponsors await the veterans early in the morning. Above, donated fishing supplies from Cabela's and Maniac Custom Lures, sit piled in a box, so veterans can use them. folks at the VA hospital tell me the veterans start talking about it in October and November and start asking about it for the next year," Hall added. Emily Potter, Veterans Affairs recreation specialist, said that the event wasn't just about the disabled veteran, but also any caregivers who came out as well — "just enjoying a beautiful day out here." Potter said that events like these help broaden horizons for some of these folks. The VA representative mentioned archery and kayak recreational events that might interest some of them after they had experienced success in this environment. Larry Lewis, and his wife, Linda, volunteered when the Knights of Columbus, a supporting organization, sent out word that volunteer boats were needed. "I thought it was a pretty worthy cause," he said. Staff Sgt. Brad Moulton, Utah National Guard 214th Support Company, accompanied a field kitchen brought up by the Guard with other Guardsmen to help barbecue corn on the cob, burgers and hot dogs, on a huge portable grill cart. Bruce Williams from Provo came up to go fishing with his son, Brent, of Syracuse, and they caught three fish each, and Brent proudly displayed his catch afterward. Richard Kimble, IM Flash employee, came forward when he heard through his employer that they needed volunteers. He seemed to be having as much fun as the veterans as he enthusiastically traded blue crab fish stories with Perry as he waited with his dog, as boats backed up to the ramp. IM Flash, Redmond Minerals Inc., Cabela's, Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, Smith and Edwards, Berkley, Maniac Custom Lures, WalMart, Calibration Solutions and American Land and Leisure were major contributors to the event, in addition to the Knights of Columbus and Hill AFB's volunteers. Additional contributors were Anglers Den, Sportsmen's Warehouse, Dynamic Lures, Utah Bass Nation, First Fidelity Financial Services, Colonial Flag, Utah Elks Association, Packfan, K2muskie, Royal Oak BBQ, Trevor Earl, Fisher Group and Autumn Sound Co. A lot of the "boat captains" were not first-timers. Wayne Baalman missed the opportunity so much last year to captain a boat that for the second time he was out on the water, helping veterans get a chance to fish. He said this helps keep him going. He reports that after being hit by someone driving under the influence, and a resulting disability that he enjoys sharing the recreational sport with others. This fifth year of the annual event went strong despite a bit of spotty weather, a raindrop or two, and a large pontoon boat that had to drop out because of mechanical problems, but there were enough opportunities to go around. After all, as one veteran put it: "The worst day fishing is better than the best day at home," quoted Joe Lindquist as he waited for the fishing to pick up. Clearly, from the broad smile on his face he wasn't just pulling out any old fish story, he was enjoying the water, the day and the opportunity to take home a big one, and some good memories. AIRMAN 1ST CLASS KYLE RUSSSELL/U.S. Air Force AIRMAN 1ST CLASS KYLE RUSSELL/U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Nicholas Alder, 2nd Combat Camera Squadron, combat videographer, catches a fish. Veterans wait in line to get on the National Guard Pontoon Boat at Soldier Creek Marina for a day of fishing. |