Twenty-six veterans began their day before sunrise on Sept. 10, heading out on Lake Cumberland with volunteer fishing guides for a celebration built around good company, time on the water and a shared catch.
The 13th annual fishing event was organized by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says participants met at 5 a.m. for a striper-fishing trip. The guides donated both their time and expenses, helping make the lake outing possible.
After several keepers came aboard, the group returned for a catered meal, gift bags and commemorative T-shirts provided by Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc. Lora Walters, a member of the Friends group, prepared the meal, according to the agency’s account.
A DAV Honor Guard performed a patriotic ceremony after lunch. The day then continued at Hatchery Creek, where the veterans were invited to fish for trout in the freshly stocked water.
Seven guide services took part: Laker Guide Service, MegaBite Charters, Jerry Sasser Fishing, Taylor’s Guide Service, Stars and Stripers Guide Service, StriperKing Guide Service and Kentucky Guide Service. The hatchery credited its guides, volunteers and sponsors with making its fall events possible.
The gathering brought several kinds of welcome together in one day: volunteer guides on the lake, a meal prepared by a community supporter, a ceremony of thanks and another chance to cast a line at the hatchery. It is a lasting example of local partners using their time and skills to create a memorable outdoor celebration for veterans.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s event recap includes the full list of volunteer guides and more photographs.
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