The Mid-Valley Chapter of the Northwest Steelheaders held their 1st annual Wounded Warrior Fishing Day June 21 at Green Peter Lake.
Fifteen Wounded Warriors, servicemen who have been injured in combat, and 18 boat crew members participated.
“It was a perfect day and the fish cooperated with everyone catching some great-eating fish on all 11 boats,” said Bill Nyara, one of the organizers.
A catered barbecue followed at Sunnyside Park. In addition, all of the “guests of honor” received a fishing rod/reel combo, a gear bag, a NW Steelheaders membership and hat, and a “thank you for your service” from all.
Mid-Valley Steelheader and event coordinator Ron Pockrus was very pleased with this first event and expects it to grow each year.
Wounded Warriors Kevin Nygren, Tracey Muse and Corwin Brown said they had a great time.
The event was possible due to contributions by the Reese Bush family, the Fred Briggs family, the Tom Blank family, Mark Thomas Motors, SWS Pallets, Grice Chiropractic, Tradewinds Transportation, KRKT radio, Linn County Parks, Gateway Imprints, Skyline Restaurant, Valley Pressure Washing, Cabela’s, Bussard & Son, Home Depot, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, and Coast Guard Auxiliary, The Wounded Warrior Project and the Mid-Valley NW Steelheaders.
The Mid-Valley NW Steelheaders meet monthly at the Albany Senior Center.
They are 160 strong, of all ages and are always looking for more members. For more information, visit their website at http://www.midvalleynwsteelheaders.org/index.html