Supporting our troops, make it happen...

[NotoriousBLM]

This is an open invitation to our troops who have given up many, many things to defend us. I hope more folks will join me in this effort. I work in a field that makes me pretty close to the Warfighter without them ever knowing it, so I want to make it known that my family and I truely apprieciate what they have done and given up to defend our country.

Basically, I would like to invite every active duty military person and their family out fishing on my boat. I will provide the boat, bait, sodas, gas and snacks to whoever has a current military ID.

I live in Becker and fish Wright County lakes almost exclusively. Kids are more than welcome, my best fishing buddy is my almost 4 year old, who will be joining the excursion if there is room. I would hope that some other FM.com members can help fill in other areas of the state, as our Warfighters come from all corners of the state. To arrange an outing or to volunteer your time and boat, please email me at:

[email protected]

If enough of us get together to make this happen, I think we can all do our own little part to show our apprieciation.

[This message has been edited by NotoriousBLM (edited 04-21-2004).]

[fishface5]

Ditto! Our neighbor is in Iraq as we speak. My family prays for all you guys in the military. If my boat is needed I'll be there. I can put 2 on the water. Just let me know where and when. I'm in Big Lake.

[Chev_trucks501]

I would definately be in. I can also put 2 people on the water. You know it is funny though. I posted a link about a kids fishing event in the Twin Cities last year about taking a under priveldged kid fishing for a couple of hours and guess how many responses I got? A BIG FRIGGIN ZERO! Seems to me like people are all talk and no action!
I have been partaking in kids events around the state for about 5 years now and I will be continuing for many years to come. It still surprised me about the number of responses I got from this community. I was expecting way too much I guess.

Chev

[fishface5]

Chevtruck, try not to let it get you. I took kids fishing on a formal level for about six years. It got to the point where I knew if I had 10 people say they where willing to help, I would plan on 2-4 actualy showing up. There where a hand full of very faithfull volunteers who I could realy count on, so, I learned to work with them and around their schedules. It worked ok, till we all got burnt out. It is a good thing you're doing! Keep up the good work!

[Chev_trucks501]

Yeah I'm not letting it bother me too much because I love doing it for the kids! They have so much fun and if my contributing keeps just one kids from using drugs or going down the wrong road then it was all worth it! Plus I love to see the kids smile and laugh when they catch these "little" sunfishies It's very rewarding.
However it also angers me, when 1 year we had 50 boats sign up saying they were coming and only 30 show up? So they bring enough kids for 50 boats and well you get the picture some kids were VERY disappointed. It's too bad I didn't have some names and addresses, man I would have shown them what breaking a commitment really means to a kid.

Anyways enough talk let's get this thing on the road. I am relocating to the Brainerd area next week so I will be off email for a while. So let me know what is happening and we can get this going.

Thanks
Good Luck
Chev

[can it be luck?]

Man, I was watching the news today and seen all the "flag draped" coffins loaded on military cargo planes enroute back to the USA. LOTS OF THEM! And now the death of NFL player Pat Tillman who played with the Cards, sad! The story behind Tillman and him voluntering for duty when he had a $3 million plus deal offered in the NFL, touching and sad.
Good luck guys in your efforts to do someting "good" in your community. Even without a large turn out, you can feel good in what you're trying to do.

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http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck

[riverbasher]

Well guys, I'm not in Iraq anymore, but I did spend the better part of a year there for the MN National Guard. My unit is in Kuwait now just waiting our turn to fly back. I'll have to see about taking you up on those invites to fish. I'd love to join ya

Sgt Jeremy Hinton
Elk River, MN

[NotoriousBLM]

Let me know when you get back. I feel strongly about doing this, and it would be a great time too!