Posted By Kris/
In Castaway Lodge
Fishing
/
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sandbox Warriors Say "Haji Don't Fish"!
“Warrior Spotlight”
With the Tails and Tunes Tournament next weekend, it was only fitting that I would find myself welcoming some Wounded Warriors fresh from Iraq to the lodge on Saturday. I welcomed Army Capt. Roger G.; Major Jeff P and friend Jason for some badly needed R & R. Roger had it the toughest when his transport convoy was hit first by and IED and then RPG rounds. A chunk of frag from a Humvee hit him square in the head and it was “lights out”. Jeff is recouping from a spinal fracture.
Stories From The Sand Box
Jeff said “in the sand box I had it pretty easy covering the country by air”. He said “Roger was on the ground and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone”. Jeff was tasked with a number of disciplines. I learned that on arrival “in country” Jeff said you will have diarrhea from the moment you step foot in Iraq until you depart. Studying the reason for this, it was discovered that a large percentage of the dust is comprised of human and animal feces. Stuff like that never makes the news.
I never really thought about it, but Roger mentioned that in convoys, there is no stopping except for mechanical breakdown. Cab temperatures inside the vehicles reach 160 degrees. He said you go to the restroom in a bag and become an expert in giving yourself IV’s. They would make their treks with IV’s hanging inside the vehicles pulling 24 to 36 hour shifts (under tension). “If we had to stop, it would invite trouble and trouble always came calling”.
Thanks From A Greatful Nation
The boys were a little beat up but in great spirits. Jason had been Roger’s lifelong friend and it was heartwarming to see the two “bowed-up” on home waters.
I was humbled by the opportunity and in awe of their service to our Country. Roger was an avid fisherman before Iraq got in the way. Needless to say, I kicked it in “high gear” searching for a trip that they wouldn’t forget. Herds of Black Drum and Redfish to 30” welcomed them with a day “they have never experienced and won’t soon forget”. I couldn’t help having feelings of great pride as American muscle (our American Airboats Air Ranger airboat manufactured by an owner who is a disabled Vietnam Vet, Mr. Stan Floyd) met a great American fishery with some true American Heroes.
Tails N Tunes Tournament
(POC, April 29/30)
www.tailsandtunes.com
I’m proud to have two boats taking part in the Wounded Warrior fund raising tournament Tails and Tunes held in Port O’Connor next weekend. Castaway Lodge Won will be in the bait division headed by Capt. Steve Boldt, Capt. James Cunningham, Capt. Chris Cady, and Capt. Brad Graham. Castaway Lodge Allstars in the lure division will be headed by myself and Capt. Doug Russell along with our sponsors from Pesado Construction Mr. Shane Hutson and guest. This is a great event supporting our wounded veterans, join us, we’ll see you there!
Capt. Kris Kelley
Castaway Lodge, Inc.
1-888-618-4868 Office
361-785-2587 Local
361-648-3474 Cell
