Photo By Brian Godette | Maj. James Coffman, U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters command, and his pro...... read more read more
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PITTSBORO, N.C. - WoW. The expression one might make when looking at 158 bass boats cast off as the rising sun's rays sparkle off the lake water.
Not the title of a popular online computer game where heroes like Leeroy Jenkins do battle, but the scene at New Hope boat ramp on Jordan Lake, here, during the 10th Annual Warriors on the Water Military Appreciation Bass Fishing Tournament May 15, 2015.
Warriors on the Water, better known as WoW to those involved, started with three military veterans, inspired by today's service members and their sacrifices, who wanted to create a unique way to show their appreciation and they did.
“Originally, we were only going to do this one time,” said Hal Abshire, president and co-founder of Warriors on the Water.
A total of 48 Soldiers from Fort Bragg took to Jordan Lake for a day of fishing that first year, and unbeknown to them, marked the beginning of an era.
“We thought we were done with it, then two reporters asked me what we were going to do to make it bigger and better next year and that's exactly what I said we will do, make it bigger and better,” said Hal.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
“We didn't have any money, so I looked out across the lake, said to the other two guys [two other co-founders] we'll just make a plan, and that's what happened,” said Hal.
Years later, on it's tenth anniversary, WoW is bigger than ever.
“Just like the 'Field of Dreams,' I call this the water of dreams,” said Hal.
Over 1,700 boaters volunteer every year to take the military members out on the lake, teach them to fish and compete for the coveted Big Bass Trophy. The boaters come from all over the United States and range in experience from weekend anglers to BASS & FLW Professional series members.
“We have national pros come in every year, and this year we got Hank Parker, a two-time Bass Masters Classic winner and to have him here is just awesome” said Hal.
The smile on the faces of the service members as they got underway for the bass fishing competition spoke volumes of their appreciation to their anglers.
“This is big for the troops, but I'm going to be honest with you, it's even bigger for the fishermen themselves,” said Hal. “These fishermen know what it's really about, not money, not beating so and so, but taking their military member out and having a great time.”
“I volunteered to just help these guys out take them out on the lake, maybe teach them a few things, and give them a day to relax,” said William Lamb, volunteer boater.
Lamb did just that for his military member who shared the lake water with him.
“Today was an awesome day, I really enjoyed myself,” said Master Sgt. John Penneman, U.S. Army Reserve Command G-33 operations.
“This is a new experience for me, being in a tournament like this and I want to thank my angler William Lamb for showing me a lot of things I didn't know and the Warriors on the Water organization for having this for us,” said Penneman.
The day was so rewarding for Penneman that even though he and Lamb didn't catch any keepers, the plans to continue fishing in the future was an instantaneous response.
“I plan on buying my own boat real soon, and getting out here to do some more bass fishing,” said Penneman.
As the participants came back in towards the end of the tournament and loaded their haul for the day so it could be weighed in, everyone shared their experiences on the water with each other. Many of the sentiments were shared by all.
“It was a good opportunity to go out and just go fishing,” said Maj. James Coffman, U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters command. “I'm glad that the Warriors on the Water put on this event and I'm sure that every serviceman and woman here enjoyed it.”
No boat on the water during the day looked just like another , nor did the individuals on those boats. No matter if they were Air Force, Army, Marine, Navy, semi-pro or professional, everyone came together.
“People have all different backgrounds that they come from, and this is just one thing that the community has put together for all people,” said Coffman. “For some people this is their first time getting to fish and for others they do it a lot.”
The community officials at Jordan Lake, the sponsors, and volunteers added to the success of the event for the military members, and the effort didn't go unnoticed, especially by an Army Reserve Soldier like Coffman.
“It's a good opportunity to partner with the local community,” said Coffman. “That's what the Reserve is all about, we are the community, but we are also Soldiers, and this is a great event we got to participate in.”
The joyous event did have a bittersweet ending for WoW President, Hal. The 10th anniversary also marks the last year of his time with the military appreciation event, as he will be stepping down as president.
“Being a co-founder and working with this for as long as I have, everyone has become family,” said Hal.
That family spawned from a few individuals involved in WoW to an entire committee, consisting of veterans and community members.
“I've been allowed to be a part of a great committee, the best I've ever been on in my life, because they're all truly volunteers,” said Hal. “I let everyone know when they come on board that pride is not fattening, go ahead and swallow it.”
The focus for Hal since day one has always been about the military members, and on the lake, building friendships, fishing for bass, and appreciating time spent together, that focus has remained strong and will continue with Warriors on the Water.
“It's not about you, it's not about me, it's about our military members, and that's the way I want it to be,” said Hal.
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2015 18:00 |
| Story ID: | 163543 |
| Location: | PITTSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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