Great Day Had By All at the 2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Fall Bass Classic

Written By Ken Kirk/Photos by Ashley Griesmeyer

David Allan and Dylan Wolanski took 1st place with a weight of 10.3 lbs.

More than 40 boats showed up at Anna Point Marina on Lake Anna on September 20, 2009, to show our nation's heroes how much we appreciate what they have done. Service Members from Ft. Mead, MD, Walter Reed Army Hospital, and MCB Quantico, VA showed up to participate in the 2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Fall Bass Classic.

“After months of preparation, it is nice to see everyone show up,” said Ken Kirk, tournament director for the event.

Every warrior that showed up to the event received a tackle bag provided by BustinBass.com, and it was filled with a nice tackle assortment box donated by Bass Pro Shops, Ashland, VA, as well as other goodies from various sponsors. A new fishing rod was also provided along with shirts and hats.

Over $30,000 was raised from the event, and all donations support the Paralyzed Veterans - Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund, which will assist in providing administrative support for these events. Paralyzed Veterans of America is a non-profit organization helping our nation's veterans for over 60 years.

At 7:30 AM, just after the nations colors were presented by the Orange County High School Junior ROTC, the teams blasted off from the marina in search of the biggest five bass in the lake. With the warriors off, the work continued. The Red Cross of Central VA helped set up and serve the food that was provided by Wally’s Homemade Ice Cream from Fredericksburg, VA.

A kids' fishing derby was conducted by Sharron Greismeyer while the anglers were out on the water. Sharron and her husband, Bill, drove from Ohio just to volunteer for the event. “My husband and I made the prizes ourselves for the Kids.” Sharron explained. "We loved doing this for them.”

At 1:00 PM, the boats began to arrive back at the marina to weigh in their catch. As Steve Camp of Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail weighed in the bags, it was clear how tough the fishing was. Kevin Beasley (Orange) and Austin Henry (Frederick) headed up the teams from Orange and Frederick Counties Junior BASS Anglers that assisted with the weigh in. As the winners were being determined, the warriors and their families dug in to the food and ice cream.

The winners were brought on stage where they received their prizes. Some of the prizes included new Castaway fishing rods as well as lures, rods socks, lure covers, and gift certificates. The top 20 received hunting trips from Mattaponi Hunt Club out of Caroline County. The first place team received a hunting trip that they will go on together to LEEK Preserve in Pennsylvania. LEEK Preserve provides outdoor opportunities for our nation's veterans.

These kinds of events have a direct impact on the quality of life for our warriors and their families. “With a bad economy, companies are still willing to give for these events. We have sponsors from all over the United States as well as local business that helped us out", Kirk stated. “As long as we have wounded warriors, there will be a need for communities to pull together and provide them with fellowship and fun in the outdoors.

David Allan and Dylan Wolanski took 1st place with a weight of 10.3 lbs. Jeremy Ryan and Elizabeth Juarez came in 2nd with 9lbs even while Kenny Brown and Rodjean Thorman rounded out the top three.

Truly a great time was had by all, and everyone is looking forwarded to the next event.

Thanks to all of the sponsors that donated and thanks to all of the volunteers’ that worked hard to pull this off. God Bless, and I will see you at the next event.