BELTON, Texas - Over 400 anglers gathered in the wind and rain for the 9th Annual Fishing for Freedom Bass Fishing Tournament held at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area.
The tournament brings together boat owners and current and former service members for a day of fishing fun designed to give back to those who have served with the winning team receiving a Triton Bass Boat valued at more than $23,000.
The teams faced less than ideal fishing conditions for the event as the wind whipped the water with strong gusts, turning even a short journey into an arduous adventure, but this did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the competitors.
The first place team of David Earls, a retired staff sergeant, and boat owner Kevin Partridge said the weather was something they had to contend with, but they stuck to their strategy and ultimately came through with the win.
"The weather really didn't bother us too much," said Earls "We just kind of had to suck it up and go with it."
His co-fisherman, Partridge said it was a great feeling to win the boat, but being able to give back to the service members is what it was really about for him.
"I initially got involved as a way of giving back to these guys for putting their lives on the line for us, but having a chance to win a new boat didn't hurt either," said Partridge.
His sentiments of wanting to be able to give back to the service members was shared by all present including Bass Master Elite Series fisherman Gary Klein, one of three Elite Series Professional Anglers in attendance.
"I really try to get out to these events as much as I'm able to," said Klein. "These men and women have given up so much for this country, and I feel honored to be able to give something back to the people that allow me to live my dreams."
Echoing Klein's feeling his fellow Elite Series Pro, Shaw Grigsby, said that he had been looking forward to participating in the tournament because of his deep respect for service members past and present.
"We can't do enough for the people that protect this great nation," said Grigsby. "We live in the greatest nation in the world, and the only thing that keeps it that way is the men and women in uniform that defend it."
One of the organizers of the tournament retired Chief Warrant Officer Three Cliff Brown said he was honored to be able to help put on the event and that planning for the event takes place months in advance.
"The logistics that goes into this event is just phenomenal," said Brown. "We usually start in January trying to get our sponsors together for this event, and if it wasn't for the help and support of many other people, it wouldn't be the success that it is."
Brown said the event was originally designed as an outreach to single soldiers as a way to get them out of the barracks and onto the water, but the program has since expanded to include current and former service members.
"There were several people that we had to help get into the boats due to the disabilities that they received in combat, and we've got a wide range of ranks represented here," said Brown. "There are private first classes and colonels all enjoying this event."
"The boaters get a chance to get to know the Soldiers and really understand what they do," said Brown. A lot of these guys have never served in the military, and this is a great way for them to give back."
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