Airmen participate in 9th annual Warriors on the Water

by Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

5/5/2014 - APEX, N.C. -- Warriors on the Water hosted its 9th Annual Military Appreciation Bass Fishing Tournament at Jordon Lake State Park, May 2 including 39 Airmen from Pope Field.

WOW and its team of volunteers and sponsors hosted 150 service members in a competition to lure the biggest lunker bass. The men and women serving in uniform from Fort Bragg, Pope Field, and Camp LeJeune were paired up with 150 experienced bass anglers in the one-day fishing tournament.

Chief Master Sgt. Rocky Hart, 440th Airlift Wing command chief, said, "Having the opportunity to come and be a part of the Warriors on the Water is amazing. It should be us honoring the boaters and everyone who has supported this event. My boater has been amazing and put on a great show when I caught my first bass this morning. I truly feel humbled and honored to be here and in their presence."

WOW is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 by Greg Lahr, Hal Abshire and Bob Cunningham, who are veterans of Desert Storm and retired military service members. The organization began with its first fishing tournament in 2006 for 48 soldiers, held to show appreciation for the men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

"When I see everyone come off that water and the smiles from all our military co-anglers who caught fish or even if they didn't catch a fish, they're just tickled to death," said Abshire, WOW President. "For some, this is the first time they've even held a fish, let alone a fishing pole. To hear them and see their expression, that's what I love."

Abshire also said more than 50 volunteers come in from all over the United States to support the WOW annual event for the Armed Forces.

"We couldn't do it without all my volunteers our sponsors who have donated so much for this," said Abshire. "Generous donations from the sponsors for this event mean the service members' participation is free, including rods, reels, boats and meals."

Hart said he was proud to be part of such an amazing community involved with the WOW event.

"I am proud to say I serve them," said Hart. "They are who makes us the greatest fighting force."

Taking first place in the bass angling tournament was Will Blanton, Fayetteville, North Carolina and co-angler U.S. Army Spc. Cory Kidwell, Warrior Transition Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Blanton and Kidwell's catch for the day weighed in at 20 pounds, 13 ounces.