12 January 2008

        Hello all.  It has been a while since I last updated the site. I am still deployed, having just returned from leave and spending the holidays at home. I am back with NATO for a little while, then on to my next assignment, USS MAKIN ISLAND.  We are in for another change of leadership at the school, but even more importantly OPERATION CATCH FISH, a tournament for the folks over there.  There is a call for supplies at the bottom of this post for those interested (NOTE - THE CUTOFF DATE IS 20JAN08). Read on for Jeff's update and the details on OPERATION CATCH FISH:

"I know that I've been delinquent in writing but this darn war we're fighting has a way of consuming free time like a black hole.

Anyway, all is well, but I can't say I've done much fishing. That will change tomorrow. A friend and I are going to do a little fishing Christmas afternoon to get away from the office and celebrate the occasion. Wish us luck!

OPERATION CATCH FISH - Joe Mercurio's visit with the troops will really be a fun event. I'm going to miss it but the BSFF is the hometown sponsor so we should get some notoriety from the event. The Programs Coordinator is working with the folks at Armed Forces Entertainment to make the trip happen. The event is confirmed so it should be fun to see what happens.

Dee has completed her short AF 4 month tour and is back at McCord, so I'm holding down the fort. I redeploy in less than 30 days.

That said, the new Dean of the BSFF is LTC Brian A. (photos below). Brian is a novice at fly fishing but will make a good Dean regardless. His right hand partner in crime is CPT Eric D., a graduate from Montana State and an experienced fly fisherman. The two will make a great team to carry on the mission of the BSFF.

Happy New Year!

Jeff"

The OPERATION CATCH FISH Press Announcement (Note from Joel - from the official military sponsor)

Operation: Catch Fish

For decades, American pop-culture icons like Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne volunteered their talents to entertain the servicemen and women fighting for our freedom on foreign soil. Now you can add Joe Mercurio to that list.

Mercurio's not a big-time movie star or a top-selling recording artist, but he hopes to entertain the troops in his own special way. He's been asked to head up Operation: Catch Fish, the first-ever official fishing tournament for members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed overseas.

Mercurio is the host of the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series (PTTS) television show and a former pro tournament angler. He's said he's shocked to have been bestowed with the honor of doing something that'll bring joy to the fighting men and women who've "sacrificed everything they have so we can do the things we love."

Honored and Thrilled
"I can't even begin to describe how big of an honor this is for me," Mercurio said. "When I think about all the famous people who've entertained our troops with concerts and big productions - I feel like I don't have much to contribute by holding a little fishing tournament. But I'm going to make this event the best it can be. Those men and women certainly deserve it."

Of course, many of the details about the event have to remain private, but Mercurio did say Operation: Catch Fish will take place early next year in the Middle East and will involve several different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"Over 250 troops are supposed to compete in the tournament," he said. "We're keeping everything simple. It's going to be all fishing from the bank with artificial baits and lures. It'll be a competition, but that's certainly not the focus. We just want to provide the troops with a few hours of well-deserved entertainment and relaxation."

He also plans to bring his camera crew along to film the event. "We want to film the tournament and get interviews with the troops about their fishing memories and what the sport of fishing means to them. I'm really excited to meet all of them and swap fishing stories."

Morale Mission
Cpt. Trevor Garrett is the Southwest Asia Circuit Manager for Armed Forces Entertainment - the government organization that coordinates all forms of recreational activities for American soldiers serving out of the country.

He said fishing is a popular form of recreation for troops stationed near the lakes and ponds scattered throughout the Middle East. "Not all soldiers have access to fishing opportunities, but for those that do, fishing is a great way to get outside and relax," he noted. "They send us pictures of all the big fish they catch."

And while a simple fishing tournament might seem like a small thing to civilians, he said in the eyes of our troops, "this is no different than a performer like Kid Rock putting on a concert."

"Some guys like rock n' roll, others like fishing," he added. "Anything that takes the soldiers' minds off their everyday duties is great for morale. Whether it's a big rock star, a movie star or a guy hosting a fishing tournament, it all has the same impact. (The troops) will really enjoy and appreciate this."

Effort Needs Help
Mercurio said he'd like to issue a "call to duty" to everyone in the fishing industry and all the anglers across America. He's relying on donations of fishing tackle and other supplies to make Operation: Catch Fish a success.

"This is a chance for fishermen and all the companies in the fishing industry to send a message to our troops," Mercurio said. "I've met a lot of fishermen and outdoorsmen, and I believe we're some of the most patriotic people in the country. I hope we can use this as an opportunity to let our troops know that we support them."

All donated items will be left with the troops so they can continue using them long after Operation: Catch Fish is over. "We'll take donations from manufacturers, individuals, fishing clubs - anyone who wants to donate can donate," Mercurio added.

It's his goal that everyone who participates in the tournament will walk away with a prize of some sort. In addition to supplies, he said items like greeting cards, pictures and personal messages are also welcome. "If you want to send them a picture of a fish you caught and say thanks for what they do, that would be great. Anything to lift their spirits and let them know we're thinking about them."

Mercurio mentioned the effort was "okay on rods and reels." If a reader's considering sending a rod and reel, he asks they instead send a few of the other items from the lists below. "We can't have too much of the basic fishing supplies," he said. "Remember, if these guys run out of line, they can't go to the store and buy a new spool. Basic items like that are very important.

"Don't forget there are a lot of women serving overseas as well," he added. "It's okay to send clothing and shoes in women's sizes and styles."

Here's all the information for sending supplies:
> Ship all items to the following address. You might want to note somewhere on the package that it's for Operation: Catch Fish. For higher-priced items, please mark the package to the attention of Col. Terry Sopher or Maj. Steven Mathews.

6th LRS
8307 Cypress Stand Drive
Bldg. P49
MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Attn: Major Steven Mathews

> The cutoff date for packages to be sent is January 20th, 2008. Those interested in donating are encouraged to act quickly so that organizers can ensure everything gets to the troops in time for the tournament.

> Send goods and supplies only. No money, please.

> Please don't send used or opened items, including fishing equipment. All tackle, gear and personal items need to be new and in the original packaging.

> Suggested fishing-related items: line (all types and sizes), terminal tackle (hooks, weights, etc.), hard and soft lures, catfish-style baits (stink baits, dough baits, etc.), tackle boxes (preferably small), any multi-purpose leatherman-type tools, knives, etc.

> Suggested personal items: According to Cpt. Garrett, the most requested and useful item is a prepaid phone card. Other items requested include: Crocs-style shoes, flip-flop sandals, UnderArmour-style clothing, ventilated fishing shirts, fishing shorts and pants, magazines, DVDs, coffee, powdered drink mixes (Gatorade, Crystal Light, etc.), packaged tuna in pouches, cleaning supplies (sponges, Lysol wipes, Windex, etc.).

"Troops are able to get basic toiletries on the base," Garrett said. "Those types of things are welcome, but items like clothing, DVDs and other miscellaneous entertainment items aren't readily available to them."

The new "Dean" in action

One last note - look for the school to be included in the February issue of Field and Stream.  Should be a picture layout and a paragraph or two. That is it for this update, check in again and see how OPERATION CATCH FISH turns out!

Fish on!  Joel

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