Saturday June 2, 2012   Hero's Banquet at the Oakley Lindsey Center  7:PM  Tickets available for $10 per person.

Sunday June 3, 2012  2:00PM Warrior's and boaters will be returning from fishing at 24th & Broadway for a convoy to Clad Adams Park weigh-in

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Please check out our sponsor and donors by clicking here and stop in and tell them thank you for supporting our event and troops

 

Here are a few letters from participants at a wounded warrior tournament
explaining why F3 is IMPORTANT!

 

Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,

 Jesus Christ 
 

And the American Soldier. 

One died for your soul, 

The other for your freedom.
 

Good Morning Bob 

I would like to thank you for all of your hard work in making the Tournament a wonderful event. I had  an excellent time fishing with my boater Don Cogdal who showed me hospitality beyond words. I look forward to next year’s event as I have talked up the trip to anyone would will listen. I would also like to apologize for having to leave early as one of the Soldiers with me had duty early on Monday. All of us, meaning the three of us, had a Superb time and look forward to next years event. Thank you for never forget those who wear the uniform and defend our nation.

SFC Robert Robinson

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Bob,

The pleasure was all mine.  I had a great time just participating and being

on the water.  My guys haven't stopped talking about the tournament and

everything you put together.  If there's one next year, I bet more will

come.

Take care,

Mike  

 

MICHAEL L. COSPER

CSM, USA

Command Sergeant Major

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Thank you for such a great event. Sorry I didn't get to stay for the ceremony.I wanted to get back to the fort without driving in the dark for safety reasons.

I wish I could register for next year but I'll be deployed.

Jarrad Cockshoot

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Bob,

My Wife and I were watching the WGEM News on night when the story about Fishing for Freedom was first aired, I have been involved with the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) for quite a few years but haven’t been able to make many of them due to the decision to move the venue to Rend Lake. After the story aired my wife looked over and said you should look into that one. I immediately rolled the broadcast back and got the contact information and went to the website. The website was professional and it really appealed  to me, I signed up immediately, and became very excited about the upcoming tournament.

I was never in the military and enjoy being able to give back a little something to those who ensure that we can enjoy the freedoms afforded us in the United States of America.

The tournament was everything I had expected, from the Banquet before hand to the tournament itself. I am loking forward to future Fishing for Freedom Tournaments. Please let me know If I can be of help. Thanks to you and all those who made this event possible.

Sincerely,

 John Marshall

Mt. Sterling, Illinois

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Hello Bob,

I am writing this letter in regards to the Wounded Warrior Tournament held in Quincy, Illinois. I wasn't sure what to expect I just knew I wanted to be a part of it. The night of the meeting I met my partner and had a great visit and talked about what we were going to do the next day. We all heard stories of some of the Warriors and just enjoyed the night. Not only did this meeting bring Warriors and fishermen together but I was able to visit with friends I haven't seen in years. The next morning I picked up my partner and we met with the rest of the group to have breakfast and then lined up for the caravan to Pool 19.That day my partner and I did really well at catching everything in the river except for bass but had fun. We were in an area where there were numerous boats and everyone seemed to know one another and you heard alot of support between boats hoping the other would do well.

At the end of the day we met at the ramp and then everyone traveled back to Quincy for the weigh in. While driving back, we passed through 3 small towns (Lima, Marcelline,and Ursa). There were people everywhere standing along the road waving and saluting to our Warriors. It became very overwhelming. When we came into Ursa there was an older gentleman in his military uniform and he saluted every truck that came by. It was then, that everything from the night before to that moment came to an emotional head for me and could not hold back the tears anymore. All that's happened to so many struck home for me and there will never be words that could express how thankful I am to all the men and women in our services. It was quiet for the rest of the drive to Quincy and all I could think about was my partner. What a great man. 

At the weigh in we were met by my children and they got to meet my partner. I really do hope they wont forget him. Everyone visited and congratulated those who did well. Then exchanged phone numbers and made sure that we would keep in touch. 

At the weigh in there was a board with pictures of all the men and women who had lost their lives. My 6 year old asked when he seen it from a distance what it was. I tried to explain to him why their pictures were there. From that point on all he wanted to do is go see their pictures. He told me that it was sad that they were in Heaven and that maybe they aren't hurt anymore and can run and play. I agreed with him and surprisingly they never said another thing about it. 

Thank you to the Army 1st Sargent out of Kansas. You have touched my life like no other and look forward to next year. 

Allen Stotts

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Bob,
 
I really didnt know what to expect of the event, I knew we would be matched up with boaters and would fish with them. Man, was i emotionally charged up when i entered the banquet hall. I was so honored to be a part of this event. I was also glad my wife had come along with me. She was able to talk to some other vets spouses and other vets as well. I made some friends for life at the event, thats for sure. I was immediatley put at ease and humbled with the graciousness of the volunteers and the many thank you's and god bless you's i had received. The event made me proud to have worn the uniform in defense of our nation. I had not had that feeling so strong in a very long time. I couldnt believe the support given by the local community with donating such great items for the raffle.I am keeping in touch with several warriors that i met at the event and some of us cant wait to do this again.
 
I went fishing with my boater Joe Cupp on satuday and my wife went with us as well. It gave some time for Joe and I to start not only a bond but build a true friendship. Fishing was very slow on sunday as well. I didnt care one bit! I was just so happy to be out on the water with such a great guy who only wanted me to catch some fish and have a great time. This event was very healing for me, it reminded me that we will never be forgotten and that our service meant more than just doing our jobs, that we were appreciated for the scrifices we had made. It was therapy that you just cant get at a doctors office or with a prescription. I know i was one of 70 but it felt as the event was just for me, it really touched me deeply. I plan on coming back next year and hope to be with my same boater again because we had so much fun together. I have also signed up for the Truman Lake event because of the Quincy event and October just can not get her fast enough for me.

All in all i had the best time i have had in a long time. It even brought my wife and i closer in our relationship.
I hope these events get so big that other combat service veterans can be included as they would get so much out of it.
Cant wait to see you at Truman!!
 
Darin McNeely SSG US Army
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The tournament was about me personal giving a little something back to a man that has risk all and paid a price for the idea of America. I personally was humbled by the man that was with me. He served 3 tours and I believe he would serve 3 more. He stopped fishing and came up on the front deck to thank me. It was for me so little to give to the men and women that serve are nation. I hope I can do this at every opportunity .

Thanks again Bob .

Everett Davis

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Mr. Havermale,

The fishing for freedom event was outstanding.  It meant a lot to me that the boaters and locals from everywhere, including Quincy and Eureka were there to support and recognize us for our service.  It was obvious that every supporter loves our country, military and wounded warriors.

All in all the entire weekend was a blast, and because of how much fun it was, I will sign up for every event that I can attend in the future.

I hope Fishing for Freedom catches on and expands across the nation, because so many Soldiers deserve it. 

William J. Hough

SFC, USA

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Mr. Havermale,

This event was my first fishing tournament that I have been a part of. I was

unsure about going since I am not a big fisherman. When I met my boater he

was very welcoming and willing to take the time to teach me. It was a

wonderful experience. Even though we did not catch any fish just being out

on the water and talking with my boater made the trip worth while. The event

was well planned out and executed wonderfully. I would definitely recommend

this trip to anyone, fisherman or not. A great experience that will last a

lifetime. Way to go. 

"Air Assault"

Bradford Livingston

SSG, USA

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For further information, contact Bob Havermale
 by phone at 217-242-5579 or by email bhavermale@starband.net

For web concerns email webmaster@fishingforfreedomquincy.org