FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers, civilians and their family members braved the chilly morning temperatures for the fishing tournament held at the children's fishing pond on Fort Hood, Saturday.
Excited children began reeling in fish after fish shortly after the start of the tournament, while parents coached them on the finer points of not getting stung by the fins of freshly stocked catfish.
For the directors of Fort Hood's Outdoor Center, this was exactly what they were hoping for.
Danny Riddlespriger, a recreation assistant for the outdoor center, said they really wanted people to come out to this event and experience some of the great outdoor opportunities available to them.
"We try to get people to come and experience events like this so that they can utilize these great assets here at the great place," Riddelspriger said.
Even with the inclement weather, Riddelspriger said a good group of die hards will always show up for events like this and this was no exception.
"A lot of people thought we were going to be rained out," Riddelspriger. But, overall I'm really happy with the turn out."
One of the faithful attending the day's events was Lacy Bland, Dirk and Cathy Bland's daughter, said she attends the event every year and it gives her and her family a chance to bond over their mutual love of the outdoors.
"My dad is a hunting guide here on Fort Hood, so we attend this event every year in order to bond with others with the same love for the outdoors," Bland said.
Bland went on to say that catching the four catfish earlier in the morning was definitely worth braving the elements.
Another child embracing the opportunity to spend time with her father was Ariana Jones, Spc. Christopher Mott's daughter.
"I really enjoy being out here, because this is our father-daughter time," Jones said.
Riddelspriger echoed Jones' response saying that just seeing the smile on the faces of the little children is worth putting the event on every year, regardless of the conditions.
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