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The Reel American Heroes Foundation is holding it's First Annual Fishing Tournament May 21-22, 2011 at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC.

The Reel American Heroes Foundation is a nonprofit organization that hosts fishing tournaments for active duty and injured Soldiers and retired or disabled Veterans of the United States Military. Our organization sets up weekend fishing events at Military Bases in the United States throughout the year. When the Soldiers, Veterans and their families arrive we provide all of them with free fishing equipment (rods, reels and fully stocked tackle boxes) that they keep to further pursue the sport if they choose. On Saturday and Sunday morning all the soldiers and veterans are paired up with volunteer anglers and taken out to fish an actual tournament on the Potomac River. During each day hats, sunglasses, shirts, food, drinks, games and entertainment are all provided free of charge from launch to weigh-in. After the weigh-ins trophies and prizes are awarded to the top three soldiers (or family members) for the biggest fish in each category.

The reason for this post is to ask for assistance from anglers that own boats. We are expecting 100 Soldiers, Veterans and family members to attend our event and we need some help to get all of the soldiers and veterans out on the water to fish our tournament. The launch fees at Bolling Air Force Base have been waived for all boaters that volunteer at our event. If you are willing to help a soldier or veteran, please go to our website and fill out the "Boater Registration" form. I can promise you that you will have an amazing weekend spending time with the brave men and women of our Armed Services.

http://www.reelamericanheroes.org/event-registration.html

Thank You,

Ronald R. DeFreitas

Last May, I trailored my boat 1200 miles to be a part of this event, and looking back, I'd do double that to do it again. This is an amazing cause, supported by some amazing folks (like Big O and Strike King), and it's worth it to be a part of it. I know there are a bunch of Bassresource members who love to fish, and love this country's veterans, that are from the Virginia area, so it would be nice to see some of you there next year. It won't cost you anything, but a little gas for your boat and tow vehicle to do it, and you will walk away from this weekend with a real feeling of self worth for what you have done for the people of our military forces. The vets who get to go out and fish a tournament, and have a great day or two of fun fishing, are incredibly great full for your being there, and it's the best feeling in the world. If you have any way possible to make it out to help in this event, please register as a boater, and come out and have the time of your life, and help a veteran have the time of theirs.

I also attended this even last May and it was a blast. To see the smiles on the soldiers faces was the best feeling in the world. I encourage anyone with a boat that wants to help take a soldier out,to  go to the RAHF website and register. This event is truly amazing and you will met some great folks, some of which may become good friends. I met Shane there last year and can't wait to work and fish with him at this event again. Truly, its the least we can do for the people who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

If I am not able to participate can I donate equipment?

You can make donations of equipment by going to our "Contact Page" on our web site and let us know what you want to donate and we will make arrangements with you to pick it up or ship it if need be.  One of our volunteers lives in Memphis, TN.

http://www.reelamericanheroes.org/contact-us.html

Thank You,

Ronald R. DeFreitas

It has to be brand new correct?

It has to be in excellent shape if it is used, we prefer new.

I really love the concept behind this.  Im glad to see that different companies latly have been making strives to honor the soldiers.  the most recent ive seen is certain airlines are allowing soldiers to get on an airplane before anyone else and get off before anyone else.

Ron and I will be at the Dick's Sporting Goods store in Manassas, VA tomorrow Friday the 19th from 3:00pm to 8:00pm. We will be accepting donations for The Reel American Heroes Foundation. Please come on down if you would like to drop off a donation, or just come in and say hi. We would love to meet some fishermen from the area and let you know what the RAHF is all about and what events we have coming up. You may also register as a volunteer with us for the upcoming tournament in May. If you can't make it on Friday just go to the RAHF website and find all the information that you need about the foundation. Hope to see some of you tomorrow. Thanks for all of your support.

Good luck tomorrow, guys.

Hoping to see some Bass Resource members at Dick's Sporting Goods today. 

I just completed the boater registration.  I have done 3 similar tournaments for Wounded Wariors.  I am looking forward to this.

Thank You Mudwalker for registering and for helping us provide a World Class Event for the Soldiers and Veterans.

Members of the Reel American Heroes Foundation will be holding a Fund Raising Event at the Baltimore, MD Bass Pro Shop on Sunday November 28th for 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, if you are in the area please stop by and say hello.

What if a Soldier has his own boat?

If a soldier has his/her own boat, and would like to bring it, that's perfectly fine, and all launch fees and marina fees will be waived. They could either fish out of it, take out another soldier, or allow a volunteer to take out a soldier. Bottom line is, the more boats there, the better.

This is a good thing your doing, Ron. Your a good man, buddy. 

If a soldier has his/her own boat, and would like to bring it, that's perfectly fine, and all launch fees and marina fees will be waived. They could either fish out of it, take out another soldier, or allow a volunteer to take out a soldier. Bottom line is, the more boats there, the better.

Could I compete in this tournament, and take another Soldier out as a nonboater? Or would that be unfair because we would be competing against each other?

This is a good thing your doing, Ron. Your a good man, buddy.

Thanks Andy, we look forward to seeing you there so we can thank you properly for your service to our country.

If a soldier has his/her own boat, and would like to bring it, that's perfectly fine, and all launch fees and marina fees will be waived. They could either fish out of it, take out another soldier, or allow a volunteer to take out a soldier. Bottom line is, the more boats there, the better.

Could I compete in this tournament, and take another Soldier out as a nonboater? Or would that be unfair because we would be competing against each other?

Bird Dog, if you are a Soldier or Veteran and want to compete you certainly are encouraged to do so.  It would not be considered unfair. 

OK folks, this thread was placed here to ask boat owners if they would be willing to assist us by volunteering to take Soldiers and Veterans fishing at our tournament and it has gone off track a bit. We would really appreciate it if we can get back on track and keep it that way. We have a large challenge ahead of us to register the boaters and we need to concentrate on that right now.

Who is eligible to compete in the Reel American Heroes Tournament?

Anyone that has served or is currently serving in the United States Military.

If you qualify and would like to compete in the tournament please go to our "Event Registration" page on our web site and fill out the form.

http://www.reelamericanheroes.org/event-registration.html

Sincerely,

Ronald R. DeFreitas

OK folks, this thread was placed here to ask boat owners if they would be willing to assist us by volunteering to take Soldiers and Veterans fishing at our tournament and it has gone off track a bit.

Fixed.  Next off topic post gets a week's vacation.

OK folks, we have purchased 111 combos for the soldiers and veterans. We are now concentrating on buying the tackle boxes. Can we convince some of you to sign up to take them out so they can put this gear to use?

Check out the extremely generous donation Big O and Strike King made to the Reel American Heroes Foundation. They have been and continue to be our biggest supporters. Thanks to them we will be able to fill 100 tackleboxes for the soldiers and veterans that attend our event.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29396&id=112248338829897

We love those guys! Incredible donation!