Fishing For Our Warriors

On the 11th day of November, every year in the United States, our men and women of the military past and present are honored. Even though this day comes and passes, we must remember to honor our service people everyday. Their service is not easy, both physically and mentally. Our Veterans have made great sacrifices for us, wouldn't it be nice to be able to give something back?

Enter my friend and fellow bass angler Joe Kowalski, and his program The Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program Inc. (www.fishingoutreachprogram.com) Major Steven Roy Andrews, the programs namesake, had been a lifelong friend and fishing partner of Joe. As youths growing up in Connecticut they would fish our small local bodies of water. After being separated while serving (Joe in the Marines and Andrews in the Air Force) they managed to stay in contact. In the late 90's they got together for a week of trophy bass fishing in Mexico. Joe and Steve had a great time, caught some large fish, and had planned to do it again soon. Unfortunately Major Andrews passed away in January of 2000, before the friends were able to go on their second trip.
The program, established in 2008, focuses on giving back to Veterans and at risk youth. One of the many aspects of the program is take people out on the water for a day of fishing, relaxation and education. Secondly, and equally important, is the part where fishing gear is generously donated by program sponsors so that each individual can continue their fishing. Finally, they are also linked up with others in the area so they may enjoy getting back out on the water or possibly joining a bass club.
Here is one testimonial taken from Joe's site. “One young man I took out was Cpl. Carlos Lopes a young Marine from Rhode Island. He was in Iraq when his Humvee was hit by an IED. Carlos was hit in 2004 and spent the next 3 years and had 22 operations in Bethesda Naval Hospital. He had just recently got home when he found out about the Program. We spent the day together fishing and talking about things only veterans understand. After most of the day going by we managed to hook into a 4.5 largemouth. The expression on Carlos face was priceless. After we finally had to call it a day he told me he couldn’t believe that some one would do this for him, I said that’s just the way it is in the Marine Corps we take care of our own. We gave each other a big sloppy hug and I told him welcome home little brother and we both shed a tear. I wanted to share that story with you because for every vet I take out it’s more that just a fishing trip it’s a way of saying thanks and welcome home.”
The Fishing Outreach Program owes a great deal of thanks to their sponsors who continually support it and provide gear to people participating in the fishing trips. These companies include: Blackwater Rods, US Reels, Plano, Gary Yamamoto, Strike King, Mega Strike, Bay State Lures, Navionics, Humminbird and Naked Bait Co. Joe Kowalski can be reached at his website (www.fishingoutreachprogram.com) or his email usmctinker@aol.com

About the Author: Jon “Tumbleweed” Stanco is proudly sponsored by and represents: Power Tackle, Poor Boys Baits & Lurecraft, Bassaholics, Naked Bait Co & Honey Hole Hooks, Colours Wheelchairs.