2008-10-16 23:56:02 -

www.armedforcesfoundation.org - Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans teamed up for another mission in Lavaca County, TX Wednesday morning. Their target? Catfish. About a half-dozen war veterans from San Antonio Military Medical Center, all who had been wounded or injured, cast their lines in a tank on Robert Baker's property about five miles from Schulenburg, TX. "It's been a long time since I fished for catfish, years on top of years," said Marine Cpl. Dustin Fleming of Baytown, TX. "This is a good time." Fleming was wounded by sniper fire in Fallujah, Iraq.

Baker restocked the pond with 150 catfish purchased at a "veterans' discount" from a local fish farm. "I was at a chapel ceremony at the Philadelphia Naval

Yard and heard about some of the programs where wounded veterans were going hunting and fishing," Baker said. "I told them I had fish, and if they wanted to come out let me know. This is the first one I've hosted, and it's an honor to have them here." Army Maj. Denise Price, who blew out a knee while serving as a physician's assistant in Afghanistan, was on her second fishing trip in as many weeks. "This is very neat. I got to fish last weekend in the Red Fish Rodeo at South Padre and told them if they did it again to let me know," said Price, a veteran of more than 20 years in the Army from San Antonio. "I used to fish all the time with my dad and just got out of the habit the more I worked. We fished for everything. This is awesome."

Baker, who often portrays Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny in the local area, arranged the visit on behalf of the Chapel of Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation. Other sponsors of the event included the Huntin' with the Judge outdoor television show, an Armed Forces Foundation program, and Bass Pro Shops. Chapel trustee James Davenport of Bastrop and other area disabled veterans assisted the anglers who were awarded trophies for most fish caught and the biggest catch.

Written by: Sonny Long

About the Armed Forces Foundation

In 2001 the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) was established as a 501(c)3 organization under the U.S. Department of Defense's America Supports You program. AFF offers vital assistance to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve Components and military families as they cope with difficult circumstances. Through a multitude of programs the Armed Forces Foundation assists military families with utilities and rent; hotel and travel costs; holiday gifts for military children; and therapeutic recreational activities. The Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Energy for its dedication to America's Service Members.

Armed Forces Foundation
Matthew Berry, 202-547-4713
mberry@armedforcesfoundation.org