Terry Sympson at Jackson Hill Marina (936-872-9266) reports nine very special guests arrived at Jackson Hill Marina on Thursday, October 16th for a weekend of "Redneck Recreation and Relaxation". The group was hosted by Patriots Challenge and Jackson Hill Marina.
The trip is part of the recreational therapy program of the VA Hospital in Dallas, which is designed to help veterans recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other physical and emotional injuries suffered while serving our Country.
The Ladies in attendance included Veterans Vicky, Belinda, Michelle, Carla, Tiffany, Dee and Willie with organizers Donna Gerron and Kaitlyn Moore from the Dallas VA. Their adventure began shortly after their arrival with some basic fishing knowledge and understanding about what they were going to see and experience on their trip to Sam Rayburn. The Net Menders from The Good Samaritan Fellowship Church from Fred, Texas lead by Brother Robert Moore helped out by explaining the basic fishing gear and terminology that was commonly used for Catfish, Crappie and Bass fishing.
Friday morning started with a good country breakfast and then off to catch some Sam Rayburn crappie with guide Lynn Atkinson from “Reel um N” guide service (www.rayburncountry.com). Everyone caught fish with the highlight being a ten pound blue cat caught by veteran Belinda on a Spider Man fishing pole with six pound test line.
Recreational therapist Donna Gerron says that one of the most important aspects of these trips is to get the ladies out of their comfort zone since many PTSD patients withdraw from social activities and interaction with friends and family. "We intentionally pick candidates who don't really know each other and encourage them to build relationships and to try new things. Veteran Willie donned the head to the bee suit and helped Denny search for some tasty East Texas golden honey to share.
Recreational therapist and event organizer Kaitlyn Moore commented, "We plan many trips and events during the year, but this is by far my favorite place to be. These ladies have not laughed and smiled like this in a while and that includes me too!"
Patriots Challenge is a program of the Outdoor Freedom Network a 501 (c) (3) public charity operated by Terry and Connie Sympson of Jackson Hill Marina. The profit raised by holding the Patriots Challenge fishing tournaments is used to help support events to benefit Military members, veteran's and their families.
You can see the entire photo album at www.facebook.com/jacksonhillmarina. More information on Patriots Challlenge can be found at www.facebook.com/outdoorfreedomnetwork.