Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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May 6-12, 2015 UCW 13 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Warriors on the Water will host its 10th Annual Military Appreciation Bass Fishing Tournament at Jordan Lake May 15. The tournament is the culminating event in a three-day celebration that brings anglers and boaters together with celebrities from the world of professional fishing. Warriors on the Water is a non- profit organization founded by three military veterans as a way to say thank you to men and women still serving in the Armed Forces. The first fishing tournament was held in 2006 and has evolved into a three-day event for participants and volunteers. Hal Abshire, the current president of WOW and an Air Force retiree, said the event is made possible by generous sponsors and the dedication of volunteers. "We are able to do this because we get such great support," Abshire said. His committee of about 20 plans and organizes the tournament throughout the year. An additional 40-60 volunteers help with the execution of the event. Volunteers for the fishing tournament are still needed according to Hillary "Gus" Luton, the WOW volunteer coordinator and a recent retiree from the Army. Volunteers take care of everything from off-loading boats and traffic control to passing out items to the teams, she said. Volunteers need no particular experience, Luton said. "We have a mix. Some are fishermen, some are prior service, and some are people in the community who like to help out service members." Anyone wishing to volunteer can visit the WOW website and click on the volunteer registration tab under the 2015 Tournament Registration drop down menu, Luton said. Other critical support comes from donations, Abshire said. Sponsors range from fishing industry companies to families wanting to contribute to providing troops a fun time, he said. WOW participants will come together May 13 at Sports USA on Fort Bragg for an ice breaker that includes dinner, prizes and a welcome from post leadership for troops, volunteers and special guests. Special Guests this year include professional anglers Hank Parker, Ben Parker and Jeff Coble. Top Sportsman drag-racer Ronnie Proctor will also be in attendance. Some of the competitors and Pro-Anglers will visit Fort Bragg on May 14 as part of a VIP tour that also includes Simmons Army Airfield and Pope Army Airfield. Select units will have displays and activities to demonstrate military capabilities and provide some hands-on training, said Fort Bragg Community Relations Chief Frank Hanan. That same day, several boaters volunteer their time to "Little Heroes" which introduces school children from Fort Bragg to boating and the basics of fishing. The fishing tournament pairs a service member (co-angler) with a boater to compete for the overall largest catch by weight and the "Big Bass" award. The top 10 teams are awarded prizes and the "Big Bass" receives $250. "The day is not so much about winning," Abshire said, "but about spending the day with a military member on the water, showing thanks and appreciation." The event is limited to 150 teams consisting of one boater and one co-angler (a service member). All slots have been filled for this year's tournament. Abshire said boaters begin signing up when the WOW website opens on Sept. 11 each year and slots can fill up quickly. The best way for troops to take part is to let their chain of command know they want to participate, he said. The 150 co-angler slots are divided among Fort Bragg units. No fishing experience is necessary for troops to participate. Abshire said the tournament does receive a number of spectators each year, and recommends arriving by 6:30 a.m. at the New Hope Boat Ramp at Jordan Lake in order to see the opening ceremony and a few surprises he has planned. For more information or to volunteer go to the WOW website http://www. warriorsonthewater.org Warriors on the Water Says Thanks to the Military by APRIL OLSEN APRIL OLSEN Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910.484.6200. A boater and military co-angler fish during the 2014 Warriors on the Water Military Appreciation Bass Fishing Tournament. (Photo courtesy WOW) www.specialoperatorschallenge.com REGISTER NOW AT Participants will receive: t-shirt, medal, and free raffle ticket. A portion of all proceeds will benefit 7 charities. A day of FAMILY FUN: Kids' Events, Adult 5K/10K The Little Muddy: MUDDY NICK 10K OBSTACLE run boomerang 5K fun run: ( 9 1 0 ) 8 2 9 - 9 1 7 1 www.fascinate-u.com 1 1 6 Green Street www.fascinate-u.com 3 1 Day Salute -- All current and former military families receive half-price admission during the month of May. Families of deployed spouses admitted free! Sat., May 9: 1 1 - 1 "Make It, Take It" * Mother's Day Cards 1 1:00 Instrument Petting Zoo* - NC Symphony Tues., May 1 2: 1 0:00 "Sensory Story Time!" Froggy Learns to Swim! Thurs., May 14: 1 0:00 Stories for Military Kids Sat., May 1 6: 1 1 - 1 "Super Science Saturday" Parachute Dudes 1 - 2 Meet and Greet with Sgt. Mike from Ft. Bragg Fri., May 22: 7 - 9 "Fourth Friday" Patriot Prints - Free admission Sat., May 23: 1 0 - 5 "Silly Saturday" Wear any army gear and receive a coupon for free kids meal from Texas Roadhouse *Free with museum admission or membership. MAY EVENTS General Admission: $4/child and $3/adult. Wednesday from 1-7 Free with donations accepted.