What’s going on in front of the Port O’Connor Community Center? Sand is piled up; people are forming it into shapes. If you’ve lived around here for a while, you know that’s the first sign of the upcoming Warrior’s Weekend, as master sculptors create their yearly tribute to our wounded soldiers. (And you are most welcome to stop by and help them with the work of creating this giant sand sculpture.)
The sand castle may be the first visible sign, but preparations for the annual Warrior’s Weekend have been going on all year, with organizers working towards an outstanding event that will show just how much we care for and appreciate those who have sacrificed so much.
The final local volunteers’ meeting was held in Port O’Connor on April 30, where 60 willing folks gathered to see what they could do to make the May 18-19 event run smoothly. And, there is plenty to do. This year approximately 425 to 450 wounded warriors will converge on Port O’Connor, expecting to enjoy a day of fishing, fun, and fellowship. They will get more than they expected.
“It’s not just the fishing,” says Ron Kocian, President of Warrior’s Weekend. “We hear from so many who want to return year after year because of the love, respect and honor they receive here.”
“This is the biggest event of its kind in the USA,” Ron said, “with soldiers from military bases all over the country being brought here.” On May 18, they fly in to Houston, where they receive an outstanding welcome. Then six busses, accompanied by many “honor guards” in vehicles and on motorcycles, will take them to Victoria where they will be joined by a bus from Fort Hood to arrive for the Dedication of the Field of Honor.
The Field of Honor, located at the corner of Sam Houston and Mockingbird in Victoria, consists of rows of hundred of flags paying tribute to all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom. The flag posting ceremony will be held on May 12 at 9:00 a.m. The flags will remain in place for public viewing through June 3 and the field is lighted at night.
Even more flags (over 7,000) will be on display in Port O’Connor. Each flag in this Field of Tribute represents a life sacrificed in the Global War on Terror. These flags will be put up on Wednesday, May 16 in the field by the Community Center. This is another area where volunteers are needed. If you would like to assist in this honorable task, just arrive there by 10:00 a.m. and ask where to start. If you’re not able to assist with the flags, you can help with decorating tables or installing booths inside the huge tent which will be set up on the grounds.
On Thursday, May 17, volunteers will meet at the Community Center around 10:00 a.m. to stuff bags for the fishing trip. There are also signs to put up at the dock, and preparations to be made for Friday evening’s night fishing at The Sanctuary. So there are many opportunities for local participation.
Soldiers and their families who arrive in Port O’Connor on Friday evening, May 18, will go straight to their lodgings and afterwards be treated to a fish fry at the Center. (Locals are providing 100 cakes for dessert. If you want to help with this, please call Kathy Yearwood at 983-2611.) They can then spend some time at the Center visiting and playing cards, or they can go fishing off the banks at The Sanctuary. This has proven to be a very popular activity, enjoyable for both those fishing and the folks who assist them.
Saturday morning, May 19, the troops will enjoy a substantial breakfast, courtesy of our local churches. They will then board busses and join the busses arriving from Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio for the short ride to Froggie’s Bait Dock to board boats for their bay fishing trip.
Here’s where you can really join in the excitement! Be at Froggie’s around 9:00-9:30 a.m. and greet our heroes. They are always overwhelmed by the fantastic reception they receive. You can whoop and holler, wave your flag, and even shake hands and personally thank them. It is an experience you won’t forget. You will also be able to purchase Warrior’s Weekend shirts and memorabilia at the “PX” there, which opens at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, the 18th.
The fishing trip, courtesy of donated boats and generous captains/guides, can last until 4:00 p.m. Many soldiers want to fish to the very last minute, but many can’t stay out that long in the hot sun because of their wounds. Volunteers will be at the dock to filet and package each catch. “Each soldier wants his fish,” said Ron. So each package is labeled with the soldier’s name, placed in the appropriate cooler, iced down, and sent back with him. “Port O’Connor fish will end up in just about every state of the Union,” quipped Ron.
While soldiers are out fishing, there will be much going on at the Community Center to entertain and inform both children and adults. Around 6:00-6:30 the barbecue dinner will begin. Our heroes are served first, then the general public. Tickets can be purchased at Froggie’s or at the Community Center for $10 each; children 12 and under, $5. At the dinner Saturday evening, awards will be presented to the soldiers who caught the biggest fish.
The soldiers from Brook Army Medical Center will return after the dinner. Those remaining will again be treated to night fishing, if they so desire – and many do.
On Sunday morning, the Warrior’s Weekend organizers will serve breakfast to the remaining troops. They will then gather at the Field of Tribute for prayer. You are welcome to join them at the Field about 10:30 a.m. They will then return to their bases/hospitals throughout the country to resume their daily lives of treatments and coping with disabilities and wounds they received while serving our Country on behalf of all of us.
To learn more about Warrior’s Weekend, go to:
web.mac.com/warriorsweekend
Please see article, “Attention, Boat Owners” in this issue for more information.
