FWC covers 'Wounded Warriors,' hook, line and sinker
News Release
Monday, October 11, 2010
Media contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro (FWC), 772-215-9459; Coleen Curran (SMI Cold Therapy), 704-900-7275
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) has teamed up once again with the "Wounded Warrior
Project" to recognize the service of our nation's injured war
veterans. The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is taking U.S. war
veterans on fishing trips on Lake Okeechobee Monday and
Tuesday.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto presented two war
veterans with three-day fishing licenses donated by FWC staff and
promotional packages containing items donated by the freshwater
fishing industry.
"The FWC wishes to thank our service men and women
for the contributions they have made to our freedom," Barreto said.
"By partnering with the WWP, we are helping these vets experience
some of the best bass fishing in the world."
The FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries
Management (DFFM) provided the promotional packages, which include
tackle samples, fishing publications and discount coupons.
Additionally, the veterans received a free "Get Outdoors Florida!"
t-shirt. "Get Outdoors Florida!" is an ongoing campaign
highlighting the health and social benefits of fishing and other
types of nature-based recreation.
Not only are the fishing trips fun, they're also
successful. In June, a pair of Iraqi war veterans, guided by a
professional bass angler, caught more than 60 bass during their
fishing expedition on Lake Okeechobee.
The trips are sponsored by SMI Cold Therapy of
Butler, Pa., a manufacturer of cold-therapy products and services
for post-operative patient care in hospitals and surgery centers,
and Bassonline.com, Florida's largest freshwater
guide service and outfitter for bass fishing on Florida lakes,
canals and rivers.
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