Pueblo, Colo.—Members of two Colorado B.A.S.S. Nation clubs volunteered as boaters and ground help for the 11th annual Ft. Carson Kids Fishing Day June 18 at Pueblo Reservoir.
Volunteers from the Denver Bassmasters and Centennial Bass Club of Northern Colorado showed their appreciation to the families of deployed Ft Carson personnel by taking kids (ages 6 to 16) from the fort fishing on the reservoir. The Denver Bassmasters provided 13 volunteer boaters and some of the club’s family members helped distribute life jackets, rod and reel combos, tackle packs and earthworms. Tom Grace, event coordinator from the Denver Bassmasters, lauded the Centennial club members for driving three hours to help with the event.
“Having been in the military and many of our volunteers being former military, we feel a strong commitment to these families who have chosen a life of service to their country, allowing us all the freedoms we enjoy,” said Grace, a former Marine. “It is a tiny token of appreciation to Ft. Carson soldiers and personnel.”
The event drew 21 kids who fished for three hours and were furnished with a lunch catered by Chick-fil-A. “We were able to provide enough boaters for everyone to get out on the water including many ground volunteers, parents and Ft. Carson staff,” Grace said. “The staff got a huge kick out of not only seeing their charges having fun on a gorgeous Colorado day but also being on the water themselves and cruising around the lake.”
The contestants received awards for youngest to catch fish, largest fish, most fish and best fish story. All the kids and boaters also received commemorative t-shirts.