Bass tournament gives military a day on Jordan Lake

N.C. — Local members of the military hit Jordan Lake on Friday for the Warriors on the Water bass fishing tournament.

“This is what we want to do for the troops. We want to do something that we know we enjoy and we know they enjoy,” tournament co-founder Hal Abshire said.

The tournament was started by three veterans. All the money and equipment is donated by sponsors and private citizens. The winner receives a trophy with a red, white and blue eagle.

Troops team with an expert, many of which have ties to the military themselves.

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Military fishing tournament held

Fort Bragg’s U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jamey Caldwell recently got back from Iraq in late February. He served as an expert during the day on the water, helping people like U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Juan Moreno.

“It’s my first time fishing. I’ve never been fishing.” Moreno said.

For these warriors, the tournament's a chance to get out on the water and relax.

“The scenery is great,” Pope Air Force Base U.S. Air Force Capt. Phil Hollstein said. “Even if you don’t catch a fish, it’s just great to spend the day out on the water.”

This is the fourth year for the Warriors on the Water tournament and each year it has grown in popularity.

Mark Rogers drove form Naples, Fla. to volunteer for the event.

“It’s just some way that I can spend several hours of my time doing something for them,” Rogers said.