By Jennifer Chesak
Photos by Mike Calabro
For wounded U.S. Army soldiers, fishing is just what the doctor ordered. The Warrior’s Weekend, held annually in Port O’Connor, Texas, pairs soldiers with volunteer anglers and boaters for a day out on the water. Held May 22, 2010, the event brought scores of volunteers in more than 100 boats to aid the soldiers. “The camaraderie, the outpouring from the public,” says Sergeant Ronnie Gullion, “it’s all part of the healing process. You get to share your story with somebody.”
Some soldiers who attend Warrior’s Weekend are in wheelchairs, while others are recovering from brain injuries, severe burns, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “The event helped introduce me to being around a lot of people at once again,” says Jason Elman, who caught a speckled trout. Ed Bailey adds, “The minute we stepped on the boat, they treated us like family.”
If you’d like to volunteer to take wounded soldiers hunting or fishing, visit www.wwiaf.org or www.friendsofamericanheroes.org. The following soldiers who attended the Warrior’s Weekend give their thoughts on perseverance and what fishing means to them.
Photo Gallery Comments (15)
This is awsome I want to thank each and everyone of them for serving and thank everyone else who has served this fine country my hat goes off to each and everyone of you. THANK YOU.
idduckhntr, Thanks for the comment. It's really nice to know that there are people like you out there who appreciate what us VET's and the guys and gals are doing over seas and here at home. Hats off to you.
We cannot thank these soldiers enough.... Great article and these photographs are amazing... This dude Calabro should be the highest paid wedding photographer on the planet... $25 - $50k a wedding... stop wasting money on your dress and cake... you need quality shots for your facebook page.....
Slabs, you are welcome I have several freinds that served in Nam one did 3 tours and 2 freinds that went to Afghanatan and one is still there. Plus my grandfather was in Korea and my wifes gradfather lost his left arm in Korea and came home to a sherrif in Ashton. Again Thank you all.
Great story and photos.
Outstanding. I'm glad to see these Service members have been given an opportunity to relax and heal.
I'm glad to see the hard work and dedication put into such programs for our wounded warriors.
Im glad to know someone cares about the veterans and the wounded warriors from past and present wars, i recently just got medically retired from the army after doing 3 tours , 14 mo afganistan 26 mo Iraq, and again 16 mo in iraq and the 3rd one i got hurt pretty bad i was a machine gunner and sniper,,, does anyone know how to sign up for the disabled vet hunting or fishing trips it would be very nice to reconet with other vets going through the same hardships of getting hurt in war and coming home and trying to adjust to being a civilian???
I wish i could thank you guys enough for serving are country. That truly is an incredible program serving incredible men/women.
Great story and photos. Thanks to every single one of the soldiers
Im hoping to join the Army in October my little brother is already in he says he loves it.
i was in iraq for a total of 26 months... bad place.. i am glad that there are so many people that support the service members that come home with wounds... i pray they heal fast and make a full recovery.
ncie catch man!
I'm a active duty Marine and to see this type of support from hunters/fishermen is truly amazing. I thank everyone who does this type of service to our wounded Warriors.
Stop killing those animals man, really.
Great to see these Heros smiling. We need more programs for our vets. God Bless them.
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This is awsome I want to thank each and everyone of them for serving and thank everyone else who has served this fine country my hat goes off to each and everyone of you. THANK YOU.
idduckhntr, Thanks for the comment. It's really nice to know that there are people like you out there who appreciate what us VET's and the guys and gals are doing over seas and here at home. Hats off to you.
We cannot thank these soldiers enough.... Great article and these photographs are amazing... This dude Calabro should be the highest paid wedding photographer on the planet... $25 - $50k a wedding... stop wasting money on your dress and cake... you need quality shots for your facebook page.....
Outstanding. I'm glad to see these Service members have been given an opportunity to relax and heal.
I'm glad to see the hard work and dedication put into such programs for our wounded warriors.
Great to see these Heros smiling. We need more programs for our vets. God Bless them.
Slabs, you are welcome I have several freinds that served in Nam one did 3 tours and 2 freinds that went to Afghanatan and one is still there. Plus my grandfather was in Korea and my wifes gradfather lost his left arm in Korea and came home to a sherrif in Ashton. Again Thank you all.
Great story and photos.
Im glad to know someone cares about the veterans and the wounded warriors from past and present wars, i recently just got medically retired from the army after doing 3 tours , 14 mo afganistan 26 mo Iraq, and again 16 mo in iraq and the 3rd one i got hurt pretty bad i was a machine gunner and sniper,,, does anyone know how to sign up for the disabled vet hunting or fishing trips it would be very nice to reconet with other vets going through the same hardships of getting hurt in war and coming home and trying to adjust to being a civilian???
I wish i could thank you guys enough for serving are country. That truly is an incredible program serving incredible men/women.
Great story and photos. Thanks to every single one of the soldiers
Im hoping to join the Army in October my little brother is already in he says he loves it.
i was in iraq for a total of 26 months... bad place.. i am glad that there are so many people that support the service members that come home with wounds... i pray they heal fast and make a full recovery.
ncie catch man!
I'm a active duty Marine and to see this type of support from hunters/fishermen is truly amazing. I thank everyone who does this type of service to our wounded Warriors.
Stop killing those animals man, really.
Post a Comment