DANBURY, Conn. — The day was picture perfect; blue skies and bright sun greeted 25 veterans from across the area. The group came to Candlewood Lake in Danbury for an annual fishing tournament – just for veterans.
The tournament, now in its 12th year is organized by Gaylord Hospital’s Sports Association, CT Bass Nation, and the Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program.
Joe Kowalski, the president of the Andrews Fishing Outreach Program, and a veteran of the United States Marine Corp said, “Therapy is the bottom line; that’s what fishing is to me.”
This year, 25 veterans were paired with 25 boat captains – all the gear and fishing advice is free. Marine veteran Jackie Davis, from Bethany, was taking part in the tournament for the second time. Davis had already landed an impressive small-mouth bass.
She said, “It’s just all the camaraderie and all of the veterans out here. It’s meeting new people in the sunshine and getting outside.”
For Kowalski, his mission continues; to use fishing as a way to provide relief to veterans who need it.
“If I can give them a rod, a reel and a tackle bag, and teach them how to use it, they can give themselves therapy for the rest of their lives," Kowalski said, adding, “This (fishing tournament) helps me to help my fellow veterans.”
To learn more about the Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program click here.
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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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