Wounded Warrior Anglers hold first outing
On June 30, the Wounded Warrior Anglers had their first official outing in Matlacha. The inaugural outing started at the Olde Fish House in Matlacha at approximately 8:30 a.m., consisting of six wounded warriors, two caregivers and a wounded warrior’s daughter on two boats.
The outing began with all the warriors receiving a brand new Shimano “Sojourn” fishing rod with a 4000 series Shimano Solstace reel. The Shimano rod and reel combos are presented to all warriors who are fishing Wounded Warrior Anglers for the first time. Lisa and Darrell Dence of the Olde Fish House provided breakfast and a late lunch for all that took part in the outing and also provided lodging for a few of the warriors who attended. Jim Nor-mandin of QO Photohouse was present to capture memories for all.
The captain of the boat donated by BrandWear was Antoine LaChapelle with the help of local avid fisherman Jeff Asbury. A warrior and caregiver from Largo, Fla., and a warrior, A. Rosa, with his daughter from St Johns, Fla., all had a great day on the water. All aboard the BrandWear boat returned approximately 3 p.m. with keepers in the live-well, new friendships and many great memories for the captain, crew, warriors and their families. The captain of the Wounded Warrior Anglers boat was David Souders a warrior himself with three warriors T. Downes from Pine Island and D. Cyr and B. Torres from Vero Beach, Fla. All warriors caught multiple fish with the boat returned approximately 2 p.m. with keepers redfish in the live-well, new friendships, and many great memories for the captain and warriors.
Wounded Warrior Anglers of America Inc. survives exclusively off of the generosity of others through donations in order to provide the needed time on the water and equipment for our deserving Wounded Warriors.
Wounded Warrior Anglers of America Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporation founded in 2012 by avid fisherman and wounded warrior David Souders and wife Judy Souders in efforts to help other Wounded Warriors realize they are still capable of having an active lifestyle after life changing injuries.
Wounded Warrior Anglers of America Inc. mission is to help rehabilitate the mind, body and soul of all service members who have been injured, wounded or disabled in the line of duty no matter what their era of service. The mission is carried out by actively mentoring warriors while fishing. The fishing trips actively promote a friendly and peaceful environment and helps warriors heal by being around other veterans and caregivers who understand their mental and physical issues. We hope to bring inspiration and confidence to our Wounded Warrior Anglers through teaching fishing techniques and the development of new friendships that can be sustained for a lifetime.
Wounded Warrior Anglers of America Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporation that has applied for IRS federal 501(c)3 status. All donations will be eligible for federal tax deduction as soon as the IRS has finalized and granted Wounded Warrior Anglers of America, Inc. full IRS federal 501(c)3 status.
Wounded Warrior Anglers of America membership is open to all service members past, present who have been injured, wounded or disabled in the line of duty no matter what their era of service. If you are a Wounded Warrior of any era, please take the time to sign up for a free membership at www.woundedwarrioranglers.org. We also look forward to posting some of your pictures on our website, you can email your picture to david@woundedwarrioranglers.org.