Soldier Appreciation Tournament???

[Chris Hoffman]

Guys -  As some of you know I am a member of the Army National Guard and veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan.  I write to all of you to gage interest in hosting a Soldier Appreciation Tournament.   I know we already have our club events/permits locked in for this year, but would it be possible to hold such an event? 

Recently, the FLW - National Guard held a soldier appreciation tournament on Lake Champlain.  Last year I fished the event and had an absolute blast.  Well this year, I was instrumental in getting 8 slots for MA Army National guard.  Unfortunately, I was not able to participate, but I recieved an overwhelming response of gratitude from the 8 soldiers that participated.  I also have recieved several inquires about any future events from soldiers that we not able to attend. 

Well after hearing the overwhelming repsonses and several inquires from soldiers asking about any future events...  it got me thinking.  I had brought this idea up initially prior to the season, but I was wondering would the Club be interested in hosting an event?  Those of us that own a boat offer to participate and allow the soldiers to utilize our equipment and tackle to compete in a tournament to show our appreciation.

I wonder if NH F&G would allow a waiver of a 1 day the licenses for the soldiers.


Your thoughts?   
I hope you all do not feel that I am not forcing this idea on the club.  I respect everyone's opinion so please tell me what your true thoughts are about hosting suc an event.

[bassmanMH]

Nice topic and an idea certainly worth exploring.

There are lots of particulars that go into a tournament like this.... Do we add another tourney or take one that we're already fishing and turn it into a hybrid of sorts. Is it a singles tourney or should we pair up with the soldiers?

I think we should roll this around in our heads and discuss the variety of ideas and put them into action (if the club is interested) in Oct at our meeting.

[Ryan N.]

I like the idea and I have a friend in the army that I would love to involve in something like this.

[Chris Hoffman]

Guys - I appreciate this forum to pitch something like this.  Again, I truly hope that I did not come across as forcing a hand.  After hearing the overwhelming response from the soldiers that fished the FLW - National Guard Soldier appreciation tournament, I thought I'd pitch this to the club and see if this will be something of interest.

Marc - I'd love to talk more in depth.  I plan to arrive a little early on Sat so maybe prior to we can shoot some ideas around.  See ya on Saturday.

[Joe Spinello]

I think we should definitely do something.  Maybe we can turn a federation open next year into some sort of fed open/soldier tournament.  There are a lot of different things we could do.  I could speak with Sandy at NBS and see if she would have any interest in hosting an event with our club working the tournament?? She has a lot of connections and does a great job advertising events.  She always gets good turnouts. Or we could just do something small scale with just our club. But I think we should really look into this.

[Chris Hoffman]

I think we should definitely do something.  Maybe we can turn a federation open next year into some sort of fed open/soldier tournament.  There are a lot of different things we could do.  I could speak with Sandy at NBS and see if she would have any interest in hosting an event with our club working the tournament?? She has a lot of connections and does a great job advertising events.  She always gets good turnouts. Or we could just do something small scale with just our club. But I think we should really look into this.

Joe - I think that would be great to make this an even more larger event.  Having the TBF get involved would be a great idea.  I believe other TBF's across the country host Soldier Appreciation T's that are located near military installations.  If Sandy from NBS would entertain something like that I think it would be excellent.  I am a member of Army Bass Anglers and I plan reach out to them about seeking advice.  I know they hold a wounded warrior tourneys.  I know that there is a Wounded Warrior Tranistion Unit at Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA.  Many of our warriors that are from the NE region are placed here for follow up treatments as they transition out of Walter Reed Army Hospital. 

Let's talk prior on Saturday if ya don't mind.