Social Fins

My name is Larry Stoafer and I am a retired Army officer and an avid bass tournament angler with a passion our for troops. I am also the chairman of a committee that plans, coordinates, and executes an event for wounded warrior and GWOT veterans that we call Fishing For Freedom (F3). Our small bass club in Leavenworth, Ks (Leavenworth Bass Club) began hosting F3 in 2009 and plan on making it an annual event. F3 is modeled after similar events that are occurring all across the nation. The Leavenworth Bass Club rallies volunteer boaters from local bass clubs, regional tournament anglers, avid fishermen, and guides to take wounded warriors and Global War on Terrorism veterans out for a weekend celebration to honor their service which culminates in a day of fishing in a buddy bass tournament format. In 2009, we were able to take 30 of these heroes from Ft Riley, Ft Leavenworth, Ft Leonard Wood, and Ft Polk fishing on Truman Lake. This year's event will again be on Truman Lake near Warsaw, Mo on 9-10 Oct. We are planning on growing the 2010 F3 to accommodate at least 100 warriors.

Fishing For Freedom is a no fee event, thanks to our sponsors and donors; we are able to provide two nights of lodging and meals for these heroes. We provide volunteer boaters and tackle as well. Thanks to unbelievable support from the fishing tackle industry, we are also able to present each participant with a tackle package. The only cost to the participants are a Misoouri fishing license and transportation to and from Truman Lake.

This event is for both wounded warriors and GWOT veterans and both are eligible to participate, but one of our challenges has been getting the invitation out to the wounded and disabled veterans that have transitioned to civilian life. We are also still in need of volunteer boaters. If you would like to spend a weekend with some of the most amazing people on the planet, we could use your support.

The details about the 2010 F3 event can be found at our website http://fishingforfreedom.us/ . Volunteers and participants can both register for the event through the website.

Thanks for your consideration.