Saturday was the take a soldier fishing day for Fort Campbell soldiers. The history of the 101st is very deep and rich; each time this unit is called to perform they accomplish their mission with speed, power, grace and honor! In order to have such a great history it takes men and women to pull the mission off with fortitude. I had the honor of meeting a hundred or so men and women. I specifically was able to share a little of my time with two exceptionally fine young men; Joe (no last name; he was hoytmans parter) and Specialist John Watson. All I can say is I understand now the reason the 101st is always called to duty to perform critical missions. "War Eagle"
A little about the event. The American Bass Anglers did an excellent job in putting together this event. A little constructive critisism; I would recommend that more publicity is done in the surrounding communities to draw more boaters and soldiers. However we had eight more boaters than soldiers!!!! I was glad to see that play out so well. Everyone had to meet Friday night and fish on Saturday with events all day long.
Friday night consisted of registration, BBQ dinner, a little entertainment from former Miss Alabama's, prizes for soldiers, safety, launch flights and pairings of boaters and soldiers. Whew that was a lot of information.
I finally got home around 9:00PM with things to do before leaving the next morning. I met Specialist Watson and Chris Proctor (Hoytman) at Jack in the Box at 4:00AM. Then we were supposed to launch at 5:30AM at Paris Landing State Park which is about 45 minutes to an hour.
Launch at the ramp was real easy. As Chris said I felt like I was in the Bassmaster Classic. Someone backed you down the ramp and parked your vehicle for you. You were in and out in 45sec or so.Then time to spend talking and learning about how special your fishing buddy was that day before safe light.
Leaving for the fishing trip was a beautiful sight; all the boats the early morning sun. It was the perfect day to a special event. The Sergeant Major sending you off while staning on the front deck of a fantastic wrapped boat with special graphics of the 101St.Then freezing my partner because I had to make a 18 mile run up the lake to get into familiar water that hasn't been kind to me lately.
We threw everything that I could think off; which came up short. Not one fish on our line that day but I still had a great time getting to know a hero!! We weren't the only ones....i guess about forty or fifty boats blanked on a keeper fish that day. However I did not hear one complaint. Actually it was a lot of joking and cutting up; with lots of laughter going on waiting to get the boats out of the water.
John is a 22 year old man that is from Ohio. He has just returned from Iraq in August. He is getting out in May and looking forward to attending Kent State in Ohio. He wants to obtain a career in Forensic science upon graduation. He is an exceptional man who will do well in what ever he puts his mind too.
John we will definately go out fishing again before you leave. Once again you are more than welcome to join my family at Thanksgiving. You have my cell just give me a call.
Tim Fowler: the Public Affairs Officer Heath is the person covering the event. Hopefully he will be able to provide you with pictures and information.
Chris Proctor has some pictures of the event. I was too sleepy to remember my camera.
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