Six All-In 4AHERO: Raising Funds and Awareness
Fly Fishing 4AHERO:
Golfing 4AHERO:
A Relaxing Sport To Renew The Spirit
Tournament on Perdido Bay
By Connie Conway
By Aaron Goldstein
AHERO is pleased to have as one of its newest friends and supporters, Master Casting Instructor (MCI) Keith Richard, owner of the Camp Fly Fishing School based in Breaux Bridge, La. Richard has taught fly-fishing tactics in Canada, throughout the United States, and among the Mayan ruins in Playa Blanca, Mexico. A great promoter of fishing education and conservation to young and old alike, Richard has served as a member of the Casting Board of Governors of Fly Fishers International (FFI), an organization of fly fisherman and volunteers dedicated to fly-fishing education and conservation. FFI currently certifies instructors in 44 different countries. Richard is one of fewer than 50 MCI’s worldwide who are certified to test others for both initial and master-level certification, and he has authored several articles on fly fishing published by FFI. Veterans who enjoy the outdoors and are seeking a relaxing yet challenging activity may well want to look into learning to fly fish. It can be, among other things, a healthy way to combat depression. “We recently developed a website primarily dedicated to creating awareness of Veteran suicide rates and prevention,” Richard said, “and we established an affiliation with AHERO, knowing of their suicide-prevention mission. There are more than 60 videos on various topics of fly fishing, and there are more such videos to come.” Richard explained that the beginning student as well as the highly-skilled fly-fishing enthusiast will benefit from many of these videos. Throughout the website, specific topics are covered that will take you through the fly-fishing learning and perfecting process, including: H Choosing Equipment H Equipment Setup H Accessories Used H Types of Casting Styles H Casting Dynamics H Fishing Tactics H Advanced Casting Skills H Much More “This is a sport you can enjoy almost anywhere in the world,” Richard said. “No one should assume they can’t fly fish because of disabilities. Adaptive equipment today has made overcoming physical limitations possible. Instructors experienced with various casting styles can more often than not work with physical challenges their students have. From the very young to the middle aged, to ‘oldsters’ who want to stay active, wherever you find water, you will likely find fly-fishing folks passionate about this incredibly rewarding sport.” Feel free to email any questions or comments about fly fishing that you would like to see further explored to krichardthecamp@yahoo.com.
On November 17, 2018, AHERO hosted a classic four-man scramble golf tournament at the Perdido Bay Golf Club. The purpose was to raise funds for AHERO while spreading awareness of its support of Veterans and its focus on preventing Veteran suicide. In addition to the tournament, there was a spectacular awards banquet, catered lunch, and presentation by keynote speaker and AHERO volunteer, Capt Bill Cody, USMC (Ret). Cody, a singer-songwriter who goes by the name Cody James, was featured in last year’s issue of this magazine. A pilot serving in Afghanistan during the winter of 2002, he barely survived a helicopter crash on a remote Afghan mountain that sadly took the lives of two fellow Marines. He waited with three other survivors for many hours, his back broken. Complications of battle-stressed forces had delayed rescue but then
help arrived, and Cody returned home. This tournament could not have taken place without our wonderful community sponsors who generously donated whatever they could to ensure its success. Pensacola and Perdido Bay community members welcomed AHERO’s Veterans and volunteers with open arms, delighted to participate in the event. Local Volunteers from the University of West Florida’s Sigma-Xi chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity worked closely with AHERO throughout the planning and execution of the tournament. The moment these young men caught wind that it would take place, they reached out to their community partnerships, friends, and family in hopes of gathering sponsorships, donations, and door prizes. AHERO appreciates greatly the UWF Kappa Sigma chapter members who so frequently support its efforts and
who have kindly made it clear that they hope to continue advancing AHERO’s mission in any way they can. Asked about future plans for the tournament, event organizer Hunter Labbie was enthusiastic. “The planning and groundwork for a first-year golf tournament is no easy feat, but we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout,” he said. “The way the community, local businesses, and AHERO supporters came together was nothing short of remarkable. With the Gulf Coast having been made aware of our tournament, I firmly believe the event will double in size this coming year. The demographics of our area largely consist of service men and women, and this leads me to believe that this Gulf Coast AHERO tournament can be something special our greater Pensacola/ Perdido Bay community can look forward to for decades to come.”
Keith Richard, Fly Fishing Master Casting Instructor, shows off his Bass catch
UWF Kappa Sigma Fraternity brothers plan and organize the AHERO at the 2018 Golfing4AHERO Tournament
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Dave Riley golfs at the tournament
For more information about the tournament, go to www.golfing4AHERO.com or find us on Facebook, “Golfing 4 AHERO - Perdido Bay.” To learn more about Perdido Bay Golf Course, visit www.perdidobaygolf.com
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