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On Saturday,
May 3, people will have a unique opportunity to show their support
of those serving in our military by attending “Warrior’s Weekend”
to be held in Port
O’Connor, Texas, beginning at 9 a.m. at Froggie’s Boat Dock
and the community center.
According to Joel Montgomery, one of the volunteers, the family-oriented
event is designed to help wounded soldiers and their families participate
in a day of activities designed to take their minds off the grueling
rehabilitation and struggles of their daily lives.
Soldiers, a number of them wounded, from Ft. Hood, Ft. Sam Houston’s
Brooke Army Medical Center, Walter Reed Hospital, and Ft. Bragg
are scheduled to attend; they, along with their families and care
givers, will be treated to a day of fishing, fun, and relaxation.
Warrior’s Weekend
began last year and was highly successful with 110 soldiers, including
50 wounded, and their families participating. This year promises
to be even larger with 250 soldiers involved – 150 of these are
wounded. And this number does not include the families and care
givers who will be attending.
Montgomery
said that a Marine C-130 would fly the Ft. Hood soldiers to Victoria
where they will board busses for the trip to Port
O’Connor. Those coming from Brooke Army Medical Center will
be transported by bus from San
Antonio.
Last year over 80 vessels were furnished and manned by private owners,
who donated their time, boats, and tackle to take soldiers and their
families fishing in the bays. More boats will be needed this year
because more people will be participating.
Visitors will
be able to witness a parachute jump from a Blackhawk helicopter
by members of the 82nd Airborne Division. An Apache assault helicopter
will also be on display. Many vendors will be on the grounds to
provide food, drinks, and other items. There is no cost to attend
Warrior’s Weekend and there will be activities for the kids. Live
music will also be provided. “This is a great opportunity for people
to interact with those who serve and have made great sacrifices
for our nation,” Montgomery said.
“I encourage
everyone to get to the boat dock by 9 a.m. and see the troops arrive,”
said Montgomery. “It is an awesome and emotional sight.” The busses
will bring the soldiers directly to Froggie’s Boat Dock to begin
their day of fishing. All other displays and events will be held
at the Port O’Connor Community Center.
For more information
or to make a donation, call: Ron Kocian, 361-572-001; Carl Bludau,
361-575-8492; Bobby Ray Edwards, 361-318-4799. You can also visit
the Warrior’s Weekend website at: www.warriorsweekend.org.
© Murray Montgomery
Lone
Star Diary
April 10, 2008 Column
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