by David King
For me fishing as something to do as a kid, a past time for summertime fun. We did not have anything else but a bamboo pole. Or to be creative or determined, a strong limb long enough to get the job done. All it took was to secure some fishing line and connect a good hook, a red and white cork along with some nice juicy size earth worms found under rocks and other things. Grab a bucket for the potential fish and it’s time to go fishing.
No licenses, just permission from the owner of the lake you fish in.
It was an adventure. When I was from age 12-14, and during the long summer vacations from school, fishing was the thing to do when you live on a farm in Evansville, Indiana in the sixties.
Recently, myself and my Veteran friends Judy Barrett and Harvey Guerri attended an event in which I hope you will experience for your selves. It’s called Hero New Hope. it’s a foundation that accommodates all your desire and needs for a fishing, deer hunting and turkey shoot. Located just outside of Indianapolis, at a town called Sullivan. It’s a great in forestry and has a few great hunting and fishing areas. Sullivan is a coal mining town where an old strip mine pit was formed into a lake and populated with various types of fish.
Heros provided the transportation, lodges, meals, boats and equipment to work with. The stage is set, and its fishing day! Yay!
Each Veteran was in his private motor boat, with a trained professional who supplied the boat and fishing gear. Starting early in the morning, about 7:30 until noon we were fishing and pulling them in so easily as can be. Much different than standing on the banks! This was an adventure out there on the water to experience! Crazy right?
I had never until now discovered this kind of FUN! Catching more fish, and faster than it took in my youth. If you think that I was more than a bit overwhelmed? I was.
After lunch we took a break, but we were back at it for 3 Days. I caught and experienced fishing at a whole new level. We used different types of lures ( not earth worms) and there were fish monitors on the vessels that could see the swarms of fishes below us. I had to learn to be patient, because the right reel, with the right lure equals patience.
The rest of the veterans that attended were as equally impressed as I was. Particularly Judy Barrett, in whom I was personally impressed, had caught more than Harvey Guerri and myself. She alone showed me there is nothing women can’t do so I tip my hat to her and all female veterans. Fishing is not just a man sport.
Our experiences on the water fishing were very hospitable, and we thank Scott Goodman for his foundation and for offering this peaceful leisure sport to us.
As you all know, I am not that young 12-year-old fellow anymore, yet to experience this event gave me an opportunity to revive that kid in me. It was the opportunity to take advantage of the times and which we are living. There are so many things we can do even in our disabilities. There are abilities awaiting to be utilized.
As founder of the National Blinded Veterans Organization, it is our goal to provide assistance to our Blinded and Visually impaired veterans. In addition, informing and updating information that better accommodates our vets. Your experiences are our concern. I encourage you to become a member of the NBVO on Facebook, join our webpage and join us on our Support Group Meetings the 2nd Thursday of each month. Join us on Zoom and enjoy more experiences and services we hope to direct you to.
Register today !
site administrator note:if image labels or alt tags are incorrect. or if there are other troubles with images, be sure to contact me through the contact page.
David King is a Navy Veteran who served honorably. He served on the USS Austin LPD-4, while onboard the ship he served as a Boatswain Mate responsible for the launching and anchoring of ship in addition to piloting and security. Two mediterranean and 2 Caribbean cruises allowing him to travel foreign Countries in Europe. His experience in the military has led him various trades but his most impressive one was becoming a professional Photographer and the owning of his business “David King’s Photography” specializing in Portraits and Weddings. After 27 years of his profession and raising 4 biological and 10 adopted children, he spends his retirement enjoying and spending quality time with 23 grand and 14 great grandchildren.
David is currently Mentoring young boys and preparing them for manhood and nationally advocating for Blind and Low Visioned Veterans. Founder of the National Blinded Veterans Organization (NBVO), predicated on assisting and supporting blind and low vision Veterans.