Georgia Chapter ~ Safari Club International

Wounded Soldiers Lake Lanier Fishing Trip

The Georgia Chapter of SCI, recently honored “Wounded Warriors” from Ft. Benning, GA. with a Striped Bass fishing outing at North Georgia’s Lake Lanier.  The group honored included warriors who had sustained injuries while supporting our freedom in past conflicts including Vietnam, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

The outing was originally scheduled for Destin, FL but was rescheduled due to the oil spill in the Gulf.  Col. John Haynie, US Army Retired, was instrumental in selecting the veterans and providing direct support to insure their comfort and enjoyment.

The local support for the rescheduled trip to Lake Lanier was overwhelming.  Kim Crummings, the Holiday-Inn Regional Manager in Cumming, provided a reduced rate for the outing. Mike Parker, owner of Roosters Restaurant in Cumming provided a great Southern BBQ and wings dinner at reduced rates.  Clay Cunningham from 'Catching and Not Fishing' on Lake Lanier and others provided reduced daily rates and superior service with a great day on the lake.

After the fishing trip, Tommy Bagwell a local businessman, provided an evening lake cruise on a 119 foot house boat.  He was there to personally meet and thank them for their service and sacrifice for our country. Well known business, Fergusons Meat Market, provided a great Southern fare dinner at a reduced rate.

During the evening dinner and cruise, the veterans presented Jim Freeman and Dick Caillouet, from the Safari Club International, with a signed and autographed copy of the COMBAT MEDIC MEMORIAL print.

After the dinner cruise, the group met at the hotel for hospitality and presentation of awards for the largest fish and the most fish caught.  Members of the Georgia SCI Chapter in attendance included President Jim Freeman, Board members, Fred and Karen Parker, Margaret Hice, Dick Caillouet, and member Louis Cole. A custom print and a custom SCI hunting knife were given to each veteran. In addition, each 'warrior' was presented with an annual membership in both the National Organization and Georgia Chapter.

Most of the vets caught Stripers and enjoyed just being in the outdoors for the day — a change from enduring combat and suffering wounds, rehabilitation and readjustment to getting back to daily life.  Some still are reminded on a daily basis of the lasting pain.  We owe so much to these warriors who have put themselves directly in harm’s way to protect our rights of everyday freedom.  GASCI is truly honored to be a part of this outing. 

The Warriors included:

Kevin Love, SFC, 1-506tH,Oct 2004
While on routine patrol on the MSR in Ramadi, Iraq, we went to investigate an IED at which time a vehicle born IED (suicide bomber) exploded between our vehicles while we were outside of them. Wounds received shrapnel to the back, legs, neck, and head with a concussion.

Shawn Young, PFC, US Army
On June of 2007, on an outpost with the 3-1 CAV 3BDE 31D about 12 miles east of downtown Bagdad, back was injured during patrol and has had multiple operations to correct.

Jose S. San Nicolas, SFC retired, 244th AVN, stationed in Cantho Vietnam.
Wounded in 1967-1968 during the Tet Offensive and received the Purple Heart

Frank S. Borja, Sgt E-5, 2/42 F.A.
HHC was stationed in Hanau, Germany from 1980-1983. Disabled from MVA.

Aaron Tate,Alpha Company, 3rd of 502nd 101St Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell, KY
Wounded in Almaha Madia, Iraq on 13 April, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of our veterans, our military on active duty and the families of service men and women throughout the world.

A photo collection of this event can be viewed by, clicking here.