A Report from the W.O.W (Warriors On The Water) Tournament
Held May 11 on Lake Jordan in North Carolina

Colors being presented and national anthem before take off

Besides the excitement of fishing my first tournament as a boater, it was an honor and privilege to be involved in such a worth while endeavor. I had cold chills as the national anthem was sung and the flyover of a C130.

 
Monica waits for "blast-off"

The look of enjoyment and gratitude on the servicemen and women's faces was so rewarding.  All of the servicemen and women kept telling us thank you over and over again, when in reality we should have been the ones thanking them. If it were not for all of their sacrifices and heroic efforts, myself and so many others would not be able to do what we love to do day after day.

Monica Altman with Major Michael McCleish

There were 149 boats in the tournament. Everyone was a winner, whether you caught fish or not. I fished with Major Michael McCleish. I was very impressed that someone so young could be a major and have so much knowledge. He especially knew a lot about fishing. We had a tremendous day on the water. He and I caught many fish, but none were keepers.

There were two highlights for me during the event. The first, when the Major had to climb up on a bridge to get a keepsake lure un-hung from a dangling rope; and the second, me almost falling in the lake first thing, when my trolling motor cord broke into. Thanks to the major's military knowledge, he saved the day, by helping me put it all back together. And off we go to the next spot.

It was the most rewarding day I have ever spent on the water. I truly hope that next year and in the future that more WBT anglers can become involved in this worth-while event.

  If anyone is interested in participating next year, would like to see the highlights of this year's event or you are interested in being a sponsor go to www.warriorsonthewater.com