Can you recall the last time you celebrated the blessings in your life? Was it something that you worked toward, trained for, a community service project or simply something you did for the greater good?

I often wonder how many have felt the overwhelming satisfaction of positively influencing the lives of others. It’s the gift of kindness, compassion and respect. I believe this is the purest gift we can pass along to others. It’s humankind at its finest moment, yet I question how many will find the time to experience this increasingly rare value.

Do you remember what you did last week or last month? These days it’s easy to get lost in the rush of life. We’re moving from the moment our feet hit the floor. Before we realize it, another day has been erased from the calendar.

When is the last time you experienced one of those priceless moments? Unfortunately, it’s probably been too long for most of us.

That can change.

On October 14 & 15 an extraordinary event called “Fishing for Freedom” can change your life in more ways than one. If you’ve ever been a part of this event, you already cherish what it represents. While the name invokes many thoughts, the patriotism and unity that results from this day on the lake transcends any tournament you’ve ever participated in. In fact, it’s so much more than a tournament.

2010 Launch - Photo Courtesy Sherran Bard

Personally, I can’t wait. I’ll be driving from Florida to Texas to support this year’s 6th Annual Fishing for Freedom event on Belton Lake in Central Texas. Teams are comprised of volunteer boaters who are paired with service men and women from all branches of the military, both active duty and retired. A partnership of the Central Texas Marine Dealers in conjunction with The Directorate of Family Morale, Welfare & Recreation’s Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area, and B.O.S.S. (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) at Fort Hood, Texas will host this amazing event.

Cliff Brown, owner of Texas Boat World in Harker Heights couldn’t be happier with the growth of the event. “We already have 245 soldiers registered, and the last time I checked, we were running about 35 boaters short. It’s great to see so much interest and growth, but we really need to get every soldier we can on a boat and out on the water.”

Cliff Brown, Earl Bentz, Rick Smith - Photo Courtesy Sherran Bard

The event kicks off with a dinner banquet on Friday, October 14, at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. Some of the most notable names in the sport, including Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Gary Klein, Byron Velvick and 2008 Bassmaster Classic Champion Alton Jones will be in attendance for photo opportunities, autographs and seminars.

The Fishing for Freedom tournament will be held on Saturday, October 15 at Belton Lake. Launch headquarters will be located at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area on Fort Hood.

Rick Smith, owner of Marine Outlet in Temple, Texas, says, “If we could do something like this for all our military men and women, police officers, fireman and first responders, we would, but Ft. Hood is in our backyard. This is our humble way of giving back to our heroes and giving them a little rest and relaxation.”

The experience in and of itself is unique and memorable, but there are some incentives that add up to more than just bragging rights.

First Prize is a 2012 Triton 17 Explorer with a 90 hp Mercury Optimax and trailer package valued at nearly $20,000. Other finishers will receive cash and product prizes. As added contingency money, Triton Boats has sanctioned this event for the Triton Gold program. If an angler is Triton Gold compliant and meets all requirements, they are eligible to receive additional bonus money. The optional Big Bass prize will pay 100 percent of the funds taken in for that contest.

Tournament payout will be enhanced by hunting and fishing equipment, trips and spa packages raffled during the Friday dinner banquet. All of the proceeds donated are returned to the event for the soldiers, either through expenses associated with the event or tournament payouts. Door prizes will also be given away, and each participant will get a tournament bag loaded with baits and bonus items donated by vendors.

Army Bass Anglers Team - Photo Courtesy Sherran Bard

The excitement continues when some of the lucky soldiers are randomly paired with pros from the top professional circuits.

By now I’m sure most of you are asking, what’s the catch? How much is the entry fee?

Simple. There is no catch, and there is no entry fee.

I hope this event inspires you to pause and appreciate each day we enjoy in the outdoors of America. I hope you meet a morning dawn on the water in a country where we are free to do so because of the sacrifice of others. Our outdoors opportunities are a gift. Embrace them and I hope to see you there.

In freedom and fishing,

Stacy S. Twiggs

The 2011 Fishing for Freedom Event is sponsored by Triton Boats, Mercury Motors, Texas Partners Federal Credit Union, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Farm Bureau Insurance, Hoffpauir Polaris, Sure Life Labs, Texas Boat World in Harker Heights, Marine Outlet in Temple and Line-X of Harker Heights.

Bait and equipment sponsors include Red’s Baits, Gary Yamamoto Baits, Stanley Jigs, Crankin’ Cracker hand painted baits, Strike King Baits, Dixie Custom Rods and Bass Pookie.

To register, visit www.fishingforfreedom.org.