Vietnam Veterans in Orleans County are invited to take part in a special fishing excursion on the waters of Lake Ontario June 25.
Mike Waterhouse, Orleans County Tourism Sportfishing Coordinator, says Orleans County Vietnam era veterans are being honored with a five-hour complementary charter fishing trip followed by a luncheon.
Waterhouse told members of the Orleans County Legislature during their conference session Wednesday, April 9, that the veterans fishing charter is one project being accomplished with $25,000 won by Point Breeze last year when it was named the 2013 World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA.
“What some of you may not know,” he told legislators, “is that the Ultimate Fishing Town USA for the last three years in a row has been towns right here in New York State. I believe this shows the fantastic fishery and facilities supporting that fishery (that) we have.”
Waterhouse said Vietnam era vets were chosen because, “I can think of no other group of servicemen and women that were so under-appreciated for their service to our country … I hope you will agree that Vietnam Veterans are most deserving of this small thank-you gift for the enormous sacrifice they have made.”
Local fishing charter captains have been quick to step up and help with the event, Waterhouse noted.
“Eleven fishing charter captains (as of April 9) have volunteered their services for a stipend to help cover their fuel cost for the outing,” he said.
Details on scheduling a location and the luncheon as well as other amenities are currently being worked out, Waterhouse said.
Orleans County veterans from the Vietnam era interested in taking part in the fishing charter should contact Waterhouse by calling 585-589-3103 or by email atsportfishing@orleansny.com. Leave contact information and any special needs.
Availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to sign up is May 30.
Waterhouse said the local World Fishing Network group which includes Sharon Narburgh, Joyce Harris, John Denniston, Mark Lewis, Bill Camann and himself are being aided in the project by Paul Fulcomer of the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency, Eileen Banker of Assemblyman Hawley’s office, Orleans County Legislator Ken DeRoller and Carlton Supervisor Gayle Ashbery. Orleans County Planning and Tourism Department Head Wayne Hale, Jr. is also supporting the event.
Legislator Ken DeRoller thanked all those who have “stepped up to offer their time for this experience.”
Photo by Kristina Gabalski
