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For more pictures and information contact- Kip Pollay Day- 928.684.6844 Cell- 928.671.0061 Home- 928.684.0701 Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and Friends Hosts Veterans Fishing Derby A group of Vietnam War veterans from Echo Company 2nd Battalion 3rd Infantry and the 199th Light Infantry Brigade arrived in Scottsdale June 22nd for their annual reunion. The reunion which visits a different state each year features camaraderie, remembrance, and fun activities for this remarkable band of soldiers that will be forever banded by their experiences in the jungles of Vietnam.
Prior to arrival the group’s host, Jim Hayes, contacted Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation State President Kip Pollay to inquire about assisting the veterans in a fishing derby, which is one of their annual activities. The AZBFN answered the call and began to organize the event. “We wanted to go all out for these brave soldiers that endured some of the toughest conditions in both the war and upon their return to the states”, said Pollay. “We feel they are true heroes of war that deserve the utmost respect for their time served and felt it was our privilege to organize this event.” The AZBFN, along with their friends from Team Nitro, West Coast Fishing, Team Arizona Jr. Bassmasters, and the Phoenix Bassmasters provided the boats, life jackets, fishing rods, bait, and their talents to give the 26 veterans who signed up for the fishing activity a day to remember, June 27th, at scenic Bartlett Lake. On the line, however, was the traveling plaque and of course bragging rights of weighing in the single largest bass.
At the lake the veterans were treated to coffee and doughnuts prior to launch and a hot lunch when they returned along with a tournament style drive-thru weigh-in. The AZBFN along with a number of their valued partners including Bashas and Good Water and Ice of Wickenburg, City Electric Supply, Shake Rattle and Troll Radio, and Team Nitro provided everything necessary to run the event.
Though word had it that the fishing
had been a little slow at Bartlett, some anglers had caught over five
bass in the four-hour event and nearly everyone brought a fish to the
scales. But when the weights were tallied, it was David Giles who
claimed the victory with his 1.98 lb. largemouth. Emma Lovering netted
the biggest bass in the ladies division with her 1.86 lb. bass, which
was 2nd overall as well. “David was the first to weigh a
fish and his weight held up for the traveling plaque”, said Pollay. “But
watching the veterans come in one by one with huge smiles on their faces
made it very clear that everyone was a winner and that the event was a
huge success”.
Following the fishing event, all of the Echo Company members and their families, would gather at a banquet to receive their event awards, remember their fallen and since deceased soldiers, enjoy raffles, and share a meal at the Millenium Resort in Scottsdale. Guests invited to the banquet included the evenings Guest Speaker, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Federation President Kip Pollay, his wife Becky, son Kyle of Team Arizona Jr. Bass, AZBFN State Conservation Director Don McDowell and his wife Darla. “It was a powerful and emotional night”, said Pollay. “It has been forty years since the war and this group is still holding very close to each other. It was an absolute honor to be amongst this group.” Nearing the end of the banquet, Pollay would accept a certificate of appreciation, to a standing ovation, on behalf of the AZBFN for their efforts in the fishing event. Jim Towns, a veteran and member of a Florida B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, presented the award. “The Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation went way beyond what anyone had ever done for us before,” stated Towns. “We are truly grateful for your efforts.” For more information on becoming a member of the Arizona B.A.S.S. Federation Nation as an adult of youth member, contact Kip Pollay at president@arizonabassnation.com
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