wounded warrior boat launched

[pezvela]

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[font "Calibri"][size 3]I Launched the Wounded Warrior/disabled children’s fishing boat,“Freedoms Dream” Sunday. She is a 35’ LOA, 10’ beamed pontoon boat especially built to accommodate disabled individuals. She can carry 18 passengers including captain and mate or 6 wheelchair bound individuals plus 6 others.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]We chose Utah Lake and the Provo Boat Harbor due to the close proximity to those 100’s of individuals whom we serve at the VA hospital,Vets Center and the various individuals and organizations in the nearby community such as special need children in the school systems; Make a wish foundation and others. Additionally Utah Lake is a great fishery that will provide happiness to those we serve with numerous species of game fish. The boat is trailable and can be moved to any other body of water nearby should theneed arise.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]The boat is fully equipped to fish with a full complement of tackle provided by Rocky Mountain Tackle including rods and reels, lures and two electric downriggers for use in deeper waters. She is open at the bow for fly casting and bow fishing. To protect those we serve from the weather she has a 22’ canopy and in the stern she is open inside the rails to allow casting as well as having a washdown and fish cleaning station and a lure preparation and storage area. Fish finder, GPS, VHF radio and stereo system. Freedoms Dream is powered by a 200 HP Merc outboard. She is USCG compliant and carries all required safety equipment plus some. Captains are USGC licensed and experience fishermen.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]For the next week or two I will be putting her through hersea trials to assure that every system functions without problems, safety is our greatest concern. Once I am satisfied all is well she will be available to fish or tour 6 days a week.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]There is no charge for the service we provide. The ticket for a veteran’s guided fishing day was paid in the jungles of Vietnam and the sands of Iraq and Afghanistan. The debt we owe as a community can never be paid to those who wear our nation’s uniforms, but in this small way we can try. The children we provide this free service to, as well as others with disabilities is our way to trying to provide a little happiness with an outdoor experience to those who might not have that opportunity otherwise.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]I tell you all of this for 3 reasons. First so you will know who we are and what we do should you see our boat on the water.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]Second, If you know someone or you are a wounded warrior ora disabled veteran or perhaps know someone who is and they would like to joinus aboard the boat, please contact me or the Provo Vets Center to arrange for a days fishing. If you are a disabled individual or have a child, friend orrelative who is and they would like to spend a day on the water, please contactme.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]Last, you are all fishermen who read this blog and I hope that you might post the hotspots on Utah Lake as the season progresses to makesure these experiences we provide include a fish or two for our vets and kids. I likewise will provide info regarding where we find good fishing on the lake. Additionally, we will need volunteers who are anglers aboard the boat to assist or if you have boat and would like to take a wounded warrior fishing, that can be arranged. If you are interested in helping, please get a hold of me. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]The boat is slipped at the boat harbor. If you would like to visit her as we get ready for the season you are more than welcome, providing myself or staff is aboard. You can call me in advance to insure someone is aboard. We would love to have you. My contact info is listed below.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]Provo Vets Center 801 377 1117, (Ask for vets fishing club with Hand in Hand)[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]Visit our website for more information about who we are and what we do. [/size][/font][url "http://www.handinhandoutdoors.org/"][font "Calibri"][#0000ff][size 3]http://www.handinhandoutdoors.org[/size][/#0000ff][/font][/url][font "Calibri"][size 3] The new version will be up next week![/size][/font]
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[size 3][font "Calibri"]Captain Steve Henline, [/font][/size][url "mailtoteve@handinhandoutdoors.org"][font "Calibri"][#0000ff][size 3]steve@handinhandoutdoors.org[/size][/#0000ff][/font][/url][size 3][font "Calibri"] 801592 7809 cell.[/font][/size]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]Thank you and have a safe fishing season.[/size][/font]
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[fish_fear_me2]

Congrats on the launch and especially the service you are providing. I cant possibly express the appreciation of many of us vets and others alike. I wish you the best success in your efforts it looks to be an amazing boat built for an amazing cause
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[Kent]

Steve, what wonderful cause. Having a handicapped daughter and having attended many activities (including Palie Pals) put on for handicapped individuals, I am most grateful for those who go the extra mile to provide for others in need.
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[dtayboyz]

Ohrah! God bless you guys and the fine work you do. You should get ahold of Brad Perkins at Dry Creek Outfitters in Murtaugh Idaho I'll bet ya he has gear and info on hotspots. Every year at his fall bass tournament at Milner Res he has a large boat just for the WW Project. http://www.drycreekoutfitters.com
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[flygoddess]

I think that is "oorah" but I agree 100%
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[utwalleye]

Awesome job Steve, I like it !!!
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[pezvela]

It is my hope that you will bring her aboard if she would like and enjoy a day fishing and a bar B Q at the park afterwards.

What we do is a small thing and perhaps without much meaning, but it is the only way I know to help and give back to the community. God blesses us all when we give and perhaps He will watch over an old reprobate like myself . We truly are our brothers keepers, unfortunately it took a lifetime for me to learn that. Steve
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[submoa]

Fantastic Steve!
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[wiperhunter2]

Good job Steve, projects like this are truly a dream come true for a lot of DAV and disabled Americans. Thanks so much for your effort and the work of others that are helping support this project. Will this pontoon boat be available for the DAV event this year?
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[fsh4fun05]

[quote flygoddess]I think that us "oorah" but I agree 100%[/quote]

I think it is "is" and not "us" since we're pointing out grammar...shame, shame [:p].
Nonetheless, a very noble cause.
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[GEEZER]

PM sent
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[flygoddess]

Typo []
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[TheFishSlayer]

This is a great program. With having a son that is special needs and being an active duty military member this couldn't hit closer to home. I will be sharing this with my friends for sure. If you are ever in need of some volunteer help let me know.

I tried to go to your web page but unfortunately it is blocked on base.

-Ryan
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[pezvela]

I built the boat for you and your son. When it warms up a little it is my hope that you'll bring you son and we can spend a day on the lake. Thank you for your service to our country. Steve
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[kochanut]

if you need a volunteer let me know. i provide horrible comic relief as well
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[catmaster23]

HURA BROTHER!, THAT IS AWESOME!
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[TheFishSlayer]

Thank you sir however I am not wounded. Other than a few smashed knuckles and a few paper cuts. But I will for sure have to come down and visit. I could use some coachin as well.

Thanks again

-Ryan
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[dtayboyz]

Maybe on fantasy island, but we do things different out west.
Semper fi. . . . Hollywood Marine

Magic Valley Bassmasters is having a Wounded Warrior event on Sept 7 at Milner Res in Burley. Everyone is welcome.
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[ProfessorChaos]

This is great news! I've always respected those who give back and those that help a cause (maybe no better cause to support than wounded warriors). I've been involved with Cast For Kids past few years and anyone familiar with the event will tell you it's great. I also have have my own charity for Autistic children that I absolutely love doing work for! I'm pretty busy, but if you ever find yourself in search of more volunteers please let me know. Send me a PM if you feel so inclined. I'd be more than happy to provide my personal info.
Good luck and god bless!
"Get behind our troops, or get in front of them." Right?
Keep up the good work!
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[WET1]

Congratualations Steve!!! I know this has been a long time dream and tremendous project of yours that took years to complete! I know you had hoped to have her completed to participate in the Utah Disabled Veterans Fishing event at Strawberry last year but as you are so painfully aware, these things always take about twice as long as we think they should and about 3 times as long as we'd like. I can imagine how much pride you must feel at having finally gotten her completed and in the water.
Looking forward to having you and your team at the Utah Disabled Veterans Fishing event at Strawberry this year. We are planning on holding it July 27th. Give me a call if you need any help this year, short notice is ok, I'm only about 30 minutes from the lake.
Once again, congratulations to you and your team, that was a tremendous amount of time, work, and money you all have invested!
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