A Success Despite the Weather

Just when it looked like all would be lost, the Good Lord smiles upon Warrior’s Weekend once again on May 22nd, the skies cleared up and our heroes went fishing. That was some of the worst weather we have experienced in a long time. It was still blowing and raining the early morning of the 22nd and it looked grim for fishing. I was already in the process of making plans to bus them to Victoria to play bingo. Imagine that. But our dock guys, Kelly Parks and Russell Hofer said to hold on, it looked like it would start to clear and we can load them on the boats about 9am. It did and we did. All 215 of them. They had a great day.

We could not do this without the sponsors and volunteers including the local folks, led by Pastor Erny from Fisherman’s Chapel who prepared the great breakfast the morning of. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Russell Hofer and his great crew for the great fish fry on Friday night and the breakfast again on Sunday morning. Russell and Kelly did a great job of loading the heroes on the boats along some of our other volunteers. They are amazing.

A big “shout out” must go to our boat captains who showed up in force with apologies to those of you who did not get a hero on your boat. You will have the chance once again on August 7th as we host up to 100 Purple Heart recipients for their own tournament. This will be hosted @ the fabulous 5D Steakhouse and sets up perfectly for us hosting a smaller size event. I cannot tell you how gracious Brianne and her whole staff have been to Warrior’s Weekend. So, boat captains, thank you again and please sign up to take a Purple Heart hero fishing on the 7th of August, National Purple Heart Day.

Ron Kocian, President
Warrior’s Weekend
www.warriorsweekend.org