Badfisherman

Anyone involved in a fishing program that takes disabled veterans fishing? I am looking to volunteer for any local programs that are out there. I can donate time/boat/tackle to such a worthy cause.

ADRENALINE

Count me in as well.I am also intersted in any programs with the "take a kid fishing?", boys and girls club, and any other organization that could put trips together for underprivaleged or disabled children.

__________________
Capt. Edward Sims
www.adrenalinefishingcharters.com
(251) 747-6712

Mikvi

I'm a Disabled Vet and I fish. Does that qualify me? Seriously, if anyone finds any info about such a program, please psot it here. I'd like to help.

oldflathead

We can organize such a thing. You will not find a more giving, caring, group of fisherfolk anywhere than on the PFF. For the last three years we have coordinated PFF folks who are willing to take kids out fishing on the Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo. Last year we had over 20 boats volunteering.

I am preparing a West Marine seminar on "Fishing and Boating For The Physically Challenged", which will include prepping the boat for wheel chairs, getting on and off the boat, fishing from a wheelchair, and any related issue. I am looking for input, ideas and volunteers.

I have some challenges, so am preparing my 22' Panga CC for easy loading and unloading. Tim, at Breeze Fabricators will be working with me building a special T Top with grab rails, which will allow me to board more easily.



Now, I must sit on the dock, throw my legs over and struggle in, but it's worth it to get out on the water - getting some fish to eat is a bonus. I am designing a device that will be able to be temporarily mounted forward of the console and will capture a wheel chair.

How to get someone who is paralyzed on board is a major problem. On my sailboat, we use the mainboom, swung out over the dock, with halyards led to a winch, then the person in the wheelchair is eased into what we sailers call a "Butt Bucket", which is a heavy canvas, like a modified hammock and grommets in the corners. I have not come up with any way to do this on a smaller Center Console.

Most important is to have the person put a PFD on. I use an automatic inflating life vest as it does not restrict movement and has more positive flotation than a Type A.

I hope to have my boat ready to fish in April and will be happy to take any disabled Veteran out, if he/she doesn't mind a partially disabled boat driver.

Anyone with any ideas on getting disabled folks out there, please share.

Semper Fi :usaflag

__________________
[/SIGPIC]

GENTLE WOLF

We could contact the local DAV chapter. I don't have a boat, but would love to help if we could get something going. Mydad was a Vietnam vet and was disabled. He never took me fishing or hunting because he felt he wasn't able to. It would mean a lot to me to change that for someone else. The new drive on bridge is an option, but its kinda seasonal on anything besides trout. I'll see if I can come up with some contact information on DAV. Would love to spend a day fishing and listening to war stories. Thats what I miss most about my dad.

oldflathead

The DAV (Disabled Americans Veterans) has a site and forms to volunteer your time.

I am unable to post the forms here, but drop me an e mail, oldflathead@bshmarine.com and I can forward it to you.

I can think of few things more noble than to take a disabled veteran out fishing. That is the least we can do. I think we should organize a PFF group dedicated to take disabled veterans and their children out fishing or just a boat ride.

We could select a weekend in April or May, get volunteers with boats and ask for local disabled veterans who would like to go. Drop me a PM or post here and I will assist in coordination.

What dates are not taken with tournaments or other events? The Bill Hargreaves Fishing Rodeo is Fathers Day weekend, June 18 - 20.

:usaflag

__________________
[/SIGPIC]

GENTLE WOLF

<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">This is where I've gotten so far. I'm looking for information on this other association, maybe they can help point us in the right direction.<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">Here is a link to a well established program in california. http://www.mbv.org/history/history.htm<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">Try contacting the attached Sport Fishing group noted in the attachment.. I believe they may do a lot in the area you are asking about. They seem similar to what you are attempting. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d"><o></o><TABLE style="WIDTH: 100.62%; MARGIN-LEFT: -4.5pt" class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in" width="100%"><TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #4e7cb7 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in" width="100%"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">In addition, you may wish to contact our charter in the area. They may be reached at: <SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; COLOR: #525252"><o></o></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; WIDTH: 100%; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in" vAlign=top width="100%"><TABLE class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" vAlign=top><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">DAV Chapter 23<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black"><o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">7115 Princess Ln<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">Pensacola,FL32526<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">Ph:<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">850-457-2771<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">Fax:<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">
<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt" vAlign=top><TABLE class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">Meeting Location:<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black"><o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">1401 W Intendencia St<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">Pensacola,FL32501<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">Phone: 850-457-2771<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">
Meetings Are Held on the <o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">4TH Tuesday of each month <o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: black">Time: 7:00 PM<o></o></TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 0.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0.75pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 0.75pt; PADDING-TOP: 0.75pt"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d"> <o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d"><o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d"><o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">Good luck and thanks for what you are trying to do for disabled veterans. <o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d"><o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">Michael J. Walsh<o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">National Director of Voluntary Services<o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">Disabled American Veterans<o></o><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d">859-442-2065<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d"><P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; COLOR: #1f497d"><o>Outdoor recreation for disabled Monterey Bay veterans, Inc.</DIV></DIV>Sport Fishing Rehab center </DIV></o></DIV>

devildog83

I talked to a few folks about donating Fishing rod components as well so when they get on the boat they get a custom rod to remember there trip by. Let me know what you guys think.

__________________

Dive Captain
Escambia Search and Rescue
Volunteers Always Needed

oldflathead

I am on it!

I am seeking permission to start a "Disabled Veterans Fishing Tournament". Tentavive schedule for the first annual is May 15. I have not found any other tourneys scheduled that weekend.

I am looking into liability issues, conficts with other events, cooperation with the DAV, Marine Corps League and other organizations.

Anyone with information on running a tournament, please share. Any disabled veterans on the PFF?

The easiest part will be getting volunteers to take them fishing. :usaflag

Semper Fi,

__________________
[/SIGPIC]

Turbow

Project Healing Waters



http://www.projecthealingwaters.org/



This program was founded at Walter Reed Army Hospital. They use fishing as a rehab method at Walter Reed for some of the nations most severely wounded active duty vets. Once they are physically able after months and even years in the hospital, this program sends them on donated fishing trips all across the nation. I am sure some of you could give these guys a trip of a lifetime. They take financial donations as well since the cost of the trip is provided at no cost to the wounded.