Southern Fishing News, host for Operation HOOAH, has released the emblem for the 2014 event. Ron McDonald, publisher and editor of Southern Fishing News, explained that “Operation HOOAH” brings twenty wounded Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to Florence, AL the first Saturday and Sunday in November each year. The Soldiers fish with a volunteer guide on Pickwick and Wilson Lake. McDonald continued, “The design of the Operation HOOAH graphic, that appears on caps and T-shirts for the Soldiers, guides and volunteers is changed each year. Many of the guides and other volunteers return to assist in getting the Soldiers on the water. A new emblem provides them with caps and T-shirts that are different each year.”
The 2014 SFN Operation HOOAH emblem design.
Guides for the 2014 event are being provided by the Shoals Fishers of Men bass club and Southern Fishing News. Many of the volunteer bass fishermen establish friendships with their Soldiers that continue after the event is over. Some Soldiers even return to Florence fish again with their guide or return with a buddy to fish the lakes again.
McDonald emphasized the support of local business owners and fishing manufacturers for the event. “Business owners and managers in the area supported the event from day one. Every year more area business concerns join in supporting the Soldiers and the event. Individuals also lend their support with donations and by volunteering to help with boat launching and recovery, food and providing extra boats for media and guide stand-by. The Marriott provides rooms for the wounded Soldiers as well as some meals. The hotel also goes a step farther with a donation. Community organizations like Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, University of North Alabama R.O.T.C. and local government including the city of Florence, AL and the Lauderdale County Commission have endorsed the importance of Operation HOOAH with support. We could not hold the event were it not for these businesses, organizations and individuals,” McDonald said with appreciation.
The 2014 event will be the third year Operation HOOAH has helped Soldiers with “Healing Outside Of an Army Hospital. The dates for this year are November 1 and 2.
Stories and photos of the previous two events are available on southernfishingnews.com. To inquire about getting involved with Operation HOOAH contact Southern Fishing News at [email protected].
