Originally posted by: docav on 8/2/2007 9:44:52 AM

if you can help out at any of these events please contact one close to you. sites are at bottom of post. doug

Calling All Patriotic Anglers!
Athens, Al…………American Bass Anglers announced today its continuation of military appreciation by offering “Take A Soldier Fishing” for the third year in a row. This year’s military instillations include Ft. Drum at Henderson Harbor, New York, on September 16; The Rock Island Arsenal at Quad Cities, Illinois, on September 30; and Ft. Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, on November 18. Any soldier that wants to spend the day fishing with ABA anglers is welcome too!
Initially formed as Military Bass Anglers Association (MBAA), American Bass Anglers was founded in 1975. It began as an organization for service men and women to enjoy the sport of fishing, and it still is today. With today’s ABA, the military influence is still very strong among its’ members and acts as a reminder to us all that millions of men and women sacrifice much to serve our country.

American Bass Anglers, wanted to spend more time giving back to the military by hosting, “Take A Soldier Fishing”, when tournaments were close to a Military Installation. Last year, numerous companies joined forces with ABA to show the men and women of the military just how much they were appreciated. The soldiers from the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne based out of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, all enjoyed fishing on Kentucky Lake with members of the ABA and volunteer boaters from across the country. This was the anglers’ way of saying “thank you” to the soldiers.

G3 Sergeant Major (RET) Burnie Haney, ABA Division 124 Director of New York said, “As a retired veteran I can tell you this is a big deal... As a matter of fact... this is a GREAT BIG DEAL and I'm glad I was given the opportunity to be a part of it. Working with the Fort Drum MWR office has been a real treat because they have a dedicated team of professionals that work tirelessly on behalf of our Soldiers and their families. Also, the Henderson Harbor Chamber of Commerce has met this project with open arms, and as they've joined forces with the Fort Drum MWR, they're working together diligently and are very eager to see that our Soldiers have a great day on Lake Ontario come 16 September, and I know it will happen.”

Barbara Bowman, the President of the Henderson Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, has also been a key player to make this event successful for the military. “The Henderson Harbor Area is very excited that we will be able to entertain and honor our Ft Drum Soldiers right here in Henderson Harbor. We hope to take 200 soldiers fishing-- 75 of which will be disabled soldiers returning from the war. We are honored to be able to host an event to show our support to these courageous individuals and their families.”
The second stop for ‘Take A Soldier Fishing’ will be at the Rock Island Arsenal, in Rock Island, Illinois. At this event the soldiers will be treated to a day out on the water with ABA Anglers and a USO-type Show the night before. Lynn Hunt, Vice President of the Quad Cities CVB, has been working with the Rock Island Arsenal to make this event second to none. “The Quad Cities is honored to have ABA bring a USO-type Show to our active military, stationed at the Rock Island Arsenal, and to have the opportunity to say thanks to our enlisted soldiers by offering them the opportunity to relax and enjoy the chance to get out on our mighty Mississippi and take part in the excitement of the ABA Regional Championship”, Lynn stated.
Diane Francque, Chief of the MWR Business Programs at Rock Island Arsenal, has been working hard as well to ensure that this event will be a fun and relaxing time at the arsenal. "Rock Island Arsenal is excited to participate in the ABA Fishing Tournament! The Mississippi River surrounds this Army installation and this post is a perfect location for the tournament! Our active duty personnel are exited about the opportunity provided by the ABA.”
This year the, Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship will end the ABA 2007 season with “Take A Soldier Fishing” and a USO-type Show at Augusta Georgia’s famous Bell Auditorium. Shannan Tilson, on-site coordinator for “Take A Soldier Fishing” in Georgia, works with the Georgia Consortium, a group of ABA Directors and Co-Directors that are constantly making Georgia a great place to fish!
Shannan said, “Take a Soldier Fishing is probably one of the proudest things I have ever done. The work that is going into this project could never be enough. The response from Fort Gordon, and the officials there, has been overwhelming and exciting. The willingness to help and donate is very generous in Georgia!”
Thom Tuckey, Executive Director of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon, has been a vital part to the success of this event. “The community here in Augusta, Georgia, has been very supportive of Ft. Gordon. We have always had a great relationship with the city, and it is very important to show these soldiers how important they are”, Tuckey said.
If you have a boat and would like to volunteer, or if you are a soldier (active or retired) and want to sign up, please contact the director in your area:

Ft. Drum, Henderson Harbor, NY Sep. 16
Burnie Haney burnie.haney@us.army.mil or bhaney@twcny.rr.com or call
(315) 772-2757 office or (315) 786-8897 home.

Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL Sep. 30
Lynn Hunt lhunt@visitquadcities.com or call 563-322-3911 ext 104.

Ft. Gordon, Augusta, GA Nov. 18
Shannan Tilson rwsgt@charter.net or call (770) 634-9941