On Sunday, September 27, 2009, volunteers from several regional bass fishing clubs conducted the Wounded Warrior Bass Fishing Experience on the Chickahominy River.
Warrior Sgt E5 Thomas Johnson w/ Chip McDonough (Rgn 8)
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 TBF 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 3.75 pound largemouth bass. Virginia Bass TBF 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.
Warrior- Sgt E5 Keith Beatty receives Big Fish Award from Rgn 8 event coordinator John Flicek
This event was made possible through the efforts of volunteers from the 5-Rivers BassMasters, 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(TBF), 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.
