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On
Sunday, September 27, 2009, volunteers from several regional bass fishing clubs
conducted the Wounded Warrior Bass Fishing Experience on the Chickahominy River.
This
event was held for a very special group of military service men and women
assigned to the Army Wounded Warrior Program at Fort Eustis. This program
specializes in assisting the severely wounded, injured and ill Soldiers who are
recovering from an injury or illness resulting from their service in the Global
War on Terrorism.
Each
participant was treated to a day on the river guided by a seasoned Region 8,
Virginia Bass Chapter Federation Angler and was followed by a picnic and social
at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Although the day started in a driving
rain, spirits were not the least bit dampened. By mid-morning with the
weather clearing the fishing improved and several Warriors boated their first
largemouth bass. The days fishing activity ended with a bass fishing
tournament style weigh-in for each Warriors largest fish of the day.
Sergeant Keith Beatty, hometown – Beaver Falls PA, joyfully received the
Big Fish Award for his 3.78 pound largemouth bass.
Virginia
Bass Chapter Federation members and local bass fishing club volunteers provide
thousands of hours of their time each year to host youth, handicap and
conservation activities throughout the state. This event was made possible
through the efforts of volunteers from the 5-Rivers Bass Masters, Eastern
Virginia Bass Anglers, NASA-Langley Bassmasters, Nottoway River Bass Masters,
Peninsula Bass Anglers, Tidewater Bass Anglers and the following sponsors that
provided either goods or services in support of this event: The Wright
Bait Company, James City County Parks and Recreation, Target, The Bass
Federation, FLW Outdoors, Hooker Bait and Tackle, Strike King Lures, Bass Pro
Shop, The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Pepsi, Green Top Sporting
Goods, and Trophy World Inc. of Newport News.
As
Americans, we all greatly appreciate the service and sacrifices of our military
service personnel. It was our pleasure to serve those who serve us so
well.
