The dedicated men and women of the 18th Airborne Corps Artillery at Fort Bragg have joined in on the fun of the Bassmaster American on Lake Wylie. The entire force attended the weigh-in on Friday afternoon to root on their favorite anglers, and nine of them will embark on a journey to six fishing holes while observing the best bass fisherman on the planet.The Fort Bragg Military Reserve is located just outside of Fayetteville, N.C., and is home to the paratroopers and special operations personnel of the United States Army. Bassmaster.com interviewed the nine going out on the water Saturday morning and here's what they thought about the experience:
Specialist Jack Schefler
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Age: 31
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "This is an excellent opportunity and we want to thank HOOAH!, the United States Army, and the Bassmaster association for letting us have this opportunity. I think this is really big for the soldiers and it really means a lot to us to be able to get out here and do something like this. This kind of stuff hits home hard."
Corporal Wayne Potts
Hometown: Freedom, N.Y.
Age: 29
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "I used to fish all of the time when I was a kid but don't have much time now. I have a lifetime B.A.S.S. membership. I told my dad when I was a kid watching on television that I would be in this tournament someday, and this will probably be the only time I will get to live up to what I said."
Staff Sergeant Todd Bush
Hometown: Winterset, Iowa
Age: 32
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "Being from Iowa, I always get classified as a country boy in my unit. I love fishing and hunting, and the chance to come out here with the pros and learn a few things is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's an awesome experience just to come out here and be outdoors with these guys all day."
Specialist David Ladell Martist
Hometown: Brooklyn, Miss.
Age: 23
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "It's nice that we were able to come out as soldiers to this event. It's not many times that we get a chance to do this so I am happy about the opportunity and recognition."
Sergeant Lester Bethany
Hometown: New Orleans, La.
Age: 35
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "I am a very big bass fisherman and really looking forward to today. I try to go fishing as many days as possible."
Master Sergeant Katrina Walker
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
Age: 39
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "I am very excited, but I mostly do saltwater fishing but want get into freshwater stuff. We fish in the Chesapeake Bay for croakers, flounders, spot, and that kind of stuff. I want to go out today though so I can start learning about freshwater fish."
Specialist Joseph Warren
Hometown: Huntington, Ala.
Age: 22
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "It's a great opportunity. Every time I get to go back home I get to go fishing. I would like to be able to see the 2007 Classic at home on Lay Lake."
PFC Aaron Hammer
Hometown: Milton, Wisc.
Age: 19
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "This is going to be a lot of fun. I like to fish at home, for basically whatever bites. We have a lot of croppy and blue gill in Wisconsin, and a couple of nice bass spots."
Specialist Ron Ranko
Hometown: Foxboro, Mass.
Age: 22
What does it mean for you to be able to go out today and fish with the pros? "I'm looking forward to a pretty cool experience and maybe learn a few things, get some tips, along the way."