On the 20th of May, approximately 400 combat wounded heroes will descend on Port O’Connor for a weekend of fishing and a celebration of their service and sacrifice to America. This is indeed our 16th year and has grown from about 55 heroes and some family members in 2007, maxed out at around 900 in 2016 and 2017 and now a much more doable number of around 400. You will see the big tent going up at the POC Community Center around May 11th and a beehive of activity will begin. We will once again be placing a flag in what we call our Tribute Field, one flag for every life lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. We plan to place those on Saturday, the 14th of May.
Many folks think the “war” is over, but for these heroes it never is. They must live with their wounds, seen and unseen, forever. I have said it many times, if they keep wanting to come, we will be there for them. And they do. Although we lost over 7,000 in the War on Terror, over 30,000 of these heroes have committed suicide since the war started. That is one reason why what we do is so important. And now, with what is going on in the Ukraine, who knows what lies before us. About 3 years ago I had a Command Sergeant Major friend tell me he was being deployed to middle Europe. I asked what the hell for? He said in case Russia starts anything. Our leaders have known this was coming for years or at least of the possibility of it.
What can you do to help? Well, for starters, come help us put our over 7,000 flags on May 14th. We will begin around 8:00 a.m. We need boat captains to take these heroes out on May 21st. You do not have to be a licensed boat captain, just a Patriot with a boat. Please go to www.warriorsweekend.org and click on Boat Captain sign up. If you do register, come to our fish fry on Friday night the 20th at the big tent starting around 6:00 p.m. You must also register at Froggies either Friday beginning around 3:00 p.m. or Saturday morning around 5:00 a.m. You will be given instructions and guidelines then. You may also download the Warrior’s Weekend app and register on your phone. You may also email us at warriorswknd@yahoo.com with any questions.
We do need you. The heroes need you. Let’s continue to show them that somebody gives a damn and has not forgotten their service and sacrifice. -Ron Kocian
