July 23rd, 2008

     Another Baghdad fishing tournament was recently held on Camp Victory. The tournament was part of Task Force Thunderbird's Fourth of July Celebration. TF Thunderbird is the theater Signal Brigade. Brian didn't make an official tally, but estimates about 50 folks took part throughout the tourney. Not too many "huge" fish but quite a few were taken, lots of smaller carp, catfish and asp. Pictures are below.
The club provided all the rods/reels to use, plus two brand new Shimano Bait casting reels, several 'pro' team fishing shirts and rod/reel combos that were awarded as prizes. All of the prizes the club donated were courtesy of Operation Catch Fish.
     I want to take a minute and thank Brian and his gang for all the work they do to keep things like this going. This is a labor of love, done in what little off time they get, and I know what a difference it is making to those on the receiving end of their generosity. Of course, none of it is possible without the support of all those generous people who keep the club supplied. We are ever grateful for those who have enabled this organization to thrive in a unique and hostile environment.

Tournament staff                                                          Registration
   

Gotta love those asp                                       Don't let it get away!
   

This won the prize for smallest fish                                   He is being careful with that Wels Catfish
   

Another nice asp                                           Slimy little suckers, aren't they?
   

Winners and their prizes
   

I got this letter in a couple weeks ago and had to share it with all of you:

"To the wonderful guys who started the BAC, and to all of you who are still there:
     My son, Nicholas Baer, is a medic at Camp Cropper, and has been there for about 2 months.  Today, while we were on Windows Messenger, he told me to check out your site.  I know that he and I were both laughing, and I don't know about him, but I was near tears.
     Here were some of the bravest, most dedicated men in the world, who face danger at almost every move.  And what were they doing?  FISHING!!  That tells me so much about Americans, about our military; and I was ecstatic.  All I saw were smiles on these guys.  For just a few moments, they were not in the middle of a terrible war; they were Americans, doing what a lot of Americans do.  God love all of you.
     One of the most touching pictures amongst the July 4th Update, was the soldier with his fly rod in his mouth, his weapon in his right hand, and his fish in the left.  Words can't begin to describe the story that picture tells.
     I know that Nick will be joining you folks soon, and I told him to let me know if there is anything I can do on this end.  I happen to be a retired military man, and spent my share of time in Vietnam.  So I do have an idea of what you guys are going through.
     Good luck to all of you.  May the fish keep biting, and keep your heads down.
 
With love, appreciation, and sincere regards to all of you.
 
Don Baer
Charleston, SC
 

     The latest boxes stuffed with gear from dozens of generous folks are on their way. I have added them to the sponsor list and the pictures that follow show what they sent.

This batch of plastics came from                                                                           
           Kamakazee Lure Co. in Idaho                               This tackle came from the Oak Dale Fire Fighters
   

These flies and gear came from San Diego Fly Fishers                         This box came from Sportsman's Warehouse
   

     

     That is the latest from Baghdad. As always, I will post the reports and pictures as I get them in.