Take a Soldier Fishing

Photo By Capt. Aaron Moshier | Soldiers and volunteers line up to try the smoked pig and other tasty tidbits served for lunch after the teams spent four hours out on the water.  

NY, UNITED STATES

04.29.2017

Courtesy Story

10th Mountain Division

After an hour road trip Soldiers arrived at the Lake Oneida boat launch where they received their free rod and reel, fishing line and bait. Refreshments were provided by the Boy Scouts for the Soldiers and seasoned anglers before their day on the water. The volunteers participated in a raffle to win a variety of fishing accessories before pairing up with their Soldiers and hitting the water.
“I was the first boat in the water, it was great,” Pvt. 1st Class Ernesto Espericueta, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division said after the event.
“We sped off to the ‘petting zoo’ so we could catch a lot of fish,” Espericueta explained that the “petting zoo” is a marshy area where the fish like to hang out and chill.
Teams spent about four hours on the water, with no bathroom breaks.
Espericueta said he learned that Soldiers aren’t the only creative ones when it comes to expeditionary situations.
“You gotta do what you gotta do,” he remarked with a smile.
While on the water the Soldiers had a chance to chat with and get to know their hosts.
“The guy I was with had two other friends who were also participating, so our boats just hung out around each other,” he continued.
Many of the volunteers were repeat hosts, including Len Heffron and Ed Hatten. The duo were participating in their third Take a Soldier Fishing event.
“We like to help you guys out and put a smile your face for all the service you do for us,” Heffron said.
Heffron and Hatten cruised the lake trying out a variety of fishing holes and eventually trolling lines as the day progressed.
Teams brought in their best catch in one or more of the five competition categories; perch, panfish, drum, carp or bowfin. Winners received a cash prize for their catch. There were additional raffles for gift cards to a variety of local establishments.
After the weigh-in anglers and Soldiers enjoyed a lunch of a whole smoked pig, pulled pork, chicken, baked beans, macaroni salad, dessert and beverages. The Girl Scouts passed out cookies and honey roasted peanuts to those still looking for a snack.
At the end of the day the Soldiers and volunteers agreed it was a great experience, especially with the bonds of military service to unite them.
“With my son being in the service, and my being in the service years ago, it’s enjoyable,” Hatten said as the day came to an end.
Espericueta agreed, “It was great to go out and have fun and learn with these guys.”
For more information about how you can get involved with Take a Soldier Fishing visit takeasoldierfishing.org or visit FMWR.

• Date Taken: 04.29.2017
• Date Posted: 05.01.2017 17:23
• Story ID: 232183
• Location: NY, US
• Hometown: EDINBURG, TX, US
• Hometown: STERLING, VA, US