Big event for Vets

[Skeeter]

Yesterday at 4PM Scott Benson and myself were given the go head for the fishing event for Veterans most with disabilities. We now have to shoot for a number of boats that will make a commitment to set that day (Not set yet June or July) aside for the event. Probably 2 vets to a regular size tournament boat maybe more to a bigger boat. Most things are not at all set in stone yet of course. Event will take place at Vets Park hopefully. American legion and other groups will most likely be helping out. A couple motorcycle groups will be helping out and of course will be bringing their flags and post along the shore line as boats return from fishing. It’s a big big thing that is going to take place. So its time to get boats lined up first and then we go from there. The number of boats will reflect on the number of Veterans we will be about to invite to the event. So Charter Captians and boaters we need YOU. You can call Scott 989 737 6651 or Nels H- 989 837 2681 or C- 989 928 4368 for more info. Please talk to other boat owners about this. Help us get the word out so if they are interested in helping they can contact one of use. We do need this info first then we go from there. Ha we don’t know much yet though. We of course want to set a date would allow these vets to catch some fish if possible. The winning boat will get a trophy of some sort. Course we will look for a company that will donate these. So if YOU can come up with any ideas or companies willing to help out in any way will be great. Will keep all of you in the loop as things unfold. Lolol Nels

[Ice_man_08]

I am a disabled Marine vet... How can I get involved?

[Skeeter]

You are the reason this is going on. KEEP in contact with me! Nels AKA Skeeter

[Priority1]

Nels, It would be an honor to have a couple of vets onboard.

[Skeeter]

Frank, I knew you would jump in there. We need somemore boats guys. Lots of time. We need to talk to our friends a little see if we can shake up somemore. Then on to the next steps. Lots of info coming this week to fill you guys in more. Nels

[Turfwrench]

Keep us posted, what a great deal. As a retired U.S. Navy man I certainly would enjoy taking a couple fellow servicemen/women out.

[Skeeter]

Really appreciate all the interest in the event. We had a number of boaters calling or emailing.This is an appreciation event that gives us the opportunity for us all to gather and say “Thank you†to some Michigan Veterans who serve our nation. The reason we are asking for boats is the first step, as we get boats we team up the vets with them. Some boats will drop because of different reasons but more boats will come in as they hear what this is really about. So in a nut shell are looking for boats but at the same time evaluating the interest of the community. I hope you understand now way it seems like the cart is in front of the horse. Nels Enough to know that the community is interested. Also received a call from John Gilman stating he will supply the shirts for the event! Can you believe it? What a guy? With today’s response with boaters and with John jumping aboard it tells me we are stepping up to step 2, looking for a date along with thinking of the event name. So Scott and I have to sit down and put our heads together and study the tournament dates and go from there. We have one in mind but more study is in order. Thanks for anyone that can just say yes allowing us to like I said before checking community interest. Oh Also have 2 motorcycle groups so far that will be posted along the river with flags to welcome the Veterans back in from a day of fishing. We are on a roll thanks to YOUR interest! Nels

[No Limit]

I would like to be involved as well. Update me with the weekend and more details. I can contact three of other buddies of mine with boats and see if they are interested as well.

[Skeeter]

Again Thank you Thank you. I have your info and will update you. Keep an eye on this thread. Skeeter

[Yooperdad]

Skeeter, great idea and no doubt such an event will generate a lot of interest.

Perhaps I missed the proposed location of the event, or is this something that will occur at several ports?

[Skeeter]

Nothing in stone as of yet which port it will be out of but are shooting for Vets Park in Bay City, MI. Saginaw River leads out to Saginaw Bay. Nels

[Skeeter]

The dates of June 18th and 19th have been APPROVED by the City of Bay City for use of Veterans Memorial Park in Bay City for the Walleyes for Warriors event!

A logo is being designed by John Gilman of Tex-Screen Printing. Fliers will be available once we have that logo.

Soaring Eagle Casino will be furnishing and catering a dinner at the park after the boats have returned from fishing.

Tents are being furnished by the Michigan National Guard Armory of Midland. .

Now is the time for interested boaters to commit to taking a couple of Vets fishing at this event. Interested boaters can contact Nels Larsen at (989)837-2681. The Michigan Brain Injury Alliance will be providing liability insurance for the event. Veterans will sign a liability release before they participate.

The plan is to have boaters meet at the park on the afternoon of the 18th to become acquainted with the Veterans they will be taking fishing on the 19th.

. We are trying to make this event for the Vets as free as possible. Sponsors and donations for door prizes will be needed. Monetary donations are tax deductible through the Brain Injury Alliance of Michigan, the organization that is co-organizing this event. Their website is at www.biami.org. Rick Briggs is their contact person for this event.

Organizations and groups planning to participate at the event also should contact Nels Larsen, (989)837-2681 to discuss details.

Thank you for your interest in Walleyes for Warriors.

[1mainiac]

If I knew I could afford to bring the boat over I would be in. Right now I know the weekend is a possibility for me to do just can't break the monitory wall yet as to how to pay for it.

[Skeeter]

Lets just hope you can. IF you can't we know your heart is in the right place and we thank you for that. Nels

Like to get at least 70 boats!

[Paulywood]

Nels, I'm not 100% sure that I can make it because I don't know what my work schedule will be in June yet. Can I sign up as a tentative yes or on a reserve list? Either way, great job on this event. I am sure the vets will appreciate it.

[Skeeter]

We are now starting to contact boaters to commit to June 18-19 at Veterans Park Bay City, MI to accommodate a couple Vets for a few hrs of fishing on the 19th. Please get your name and info to me as soon as you can. The number of boaters of course will determine how many Vets we can invite. About 70 boats is our goal. If we go over that great, means we can invite more Vets.

Some of you may belong to a fishing group or clubs around the state. If so would YOU please help us by spreading the word about this event to them. Even email this message around to buddies, groups and clubs. Fliers will be available very soon. If someone hasn’t heard about the event Google in Walleyes for Warriors or call me Nels Larsen 989 837 2681. Leave a message on recorder if I am not by the phone.

I would like to have the boaters send me an email with your full name, address, phone number where I can contact you as well as an email if you have one. After your name in parenthesis put Boater or tentative Boater

Joe Blow (boater or tentative)

222 elm

Ida, MI xxxxx

Phone #

Email Address

Send to Nels Larsen [email protected]

[Skeeter]

Iceman fill out the same info the boaters are filling out but put disabled Vet Non Boater and I will get more info to you. Thank YOU for serving our country. Nels

[Ice_man_08]

Iceman fill out the same info the boaters are filling out but put disabled Vet Non Boater and I will get more info to you. Thank YOU for serving our country. Nels

done and thank you

[Paulywood]

I sent you an email Nels.