Veteran Outdoors

This past weekend we took time to reflect on the events of 9/11 and take a couple deserving veterans on a very uniquely southern adventure. Big thanks to our sponsors Colinas Foods Tejas Meat Supply Kuy Creek Enterprises Kermode Outdoors for the delicious food, hospitality and cool clothing.

Our Pacific Northwest Outreach team just wrapped up Operation Salmon in the state of Washington. 14 veterans reunited for 3 days of fishing after a visit to their former battalion area. Veterans fished for hatchery Coho Salmon on day 1 in the Columbia River Estuary where the Mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Limits of Dungeness Crab made for a nice bonus at the end of a long day of fishing. On day two and three the veterans fished further up river out of Washougal Washington. This location is known as the gateway to the Columbia river gorge, and with the views of the landscape can easily be considered “God’s Country.” This band of brothers were joined by two young soldiers currently serving in the old unit, both soldiers have been recognized as soldier of the month. There was a lot of laughter, some emotional moments and a lot of “1st salmon moments!”

Thank you to the boat captains that donated their time, equipment, and gave up many hours of sleep to drag their boats across the state to make this event successful!

Yesterday 10 female veterans competed in the annual Lipstick Salmon Slayers Women’s Fishing Derby. The entry fees were sponsored by Veteran Outdoors. The derby is held in Astoria, Or. where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Although none of our ladies had a fish that placed in the derby eight out of ten of our ladies caught some amazing salmon the biggest tipped the scales at just over 20 pounds. These ladies fished hard, and worked together as a team! All three teams came together at the awards dinner and there was no doubt that everyone had a great day on the water! A big thank you to Brian Loveland and Darwin Templet for running a boat for the even!! Veteran brake down by
boat:

Rob Macready

USA veteran Nga Thi Mai “Q”
USMC veteran KM Altair
USA veteran Grace Liberty
USAF veteran Charlotte Shultz

John Kaiser

USAF Jacque Kyriss
USA Karen Isley
USMC veteran Michelle Eimon
USAR (still serving) SSG Sarah Fontyn

Darwin Templet and Brian Loveland

USA veteran Heather Blough
USA veteran Maryanne Yates