The Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA) graciously hosted nearly 20 Rim of the World veterans with their family members at Tavern Bay Beach Club on Sunday, Oct. 17 for a veterans’ fishing day.

Present were several Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force veterans who were very happy to be able to get together and feel that camaraderie with each other while tossing in a line, a day after the ALA hosted their fishing derby for kids, for which 1200 pounds of rainbow and lightning trout were stocked in the bay.

Kelly “KingFish” Bishop, an Army Radar Tech veteran, currently with SecureTech Security of Blue Jay, was the first to reel in a trout. In fact, he had his limit of five within an hour of putting in his first line! Bishop said this was “fun” and he had a “good time.”

Shirley Burkhart, USAF veteran, brought her mom and cousin’s family. The six of them pulled in a good 20 trout!  Let’s just say they left happy with a full cooler.

Gren Robinson, a Royal Navy veteran and a retired RN who worked at U.S. VA hospitals, took home his limit as well.  He, Bishop and Richard Stewart, a USMC Vietnam veteran, helped teach a few fishing tricks to some of the guests.

The Rim Vets thank Rick, Brian and everyone at the ALA for a wonderful time. “Thank you for showing your continued appreciation for our great nation’s veterans. You make us proud to have served, so others didn’t have to,” said Ernie Poulin, USAF OIF veteran, who serves as president of the Rim Vets.

Poulin and his wife, Shaunna, a public health nurse, each pulled in their limit of five trout. “Those stringers were getting heavy!” Ernie said.

“We’ve only been doing this for two years,” Ernie added, “but we look forward to many more.”
All in all, it was a day that helped our mountain veterans have some enjoyment in life and feel the appreciation of our local supporters. Anyone who wishes to support our ROTW Veterans in any way are welcome to join their FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/rimvetssupport. And mountain veterans may join Rim Vets for free; send an email to [email protected] for details.