A double row of American flags fluttered in the wind as they ushered the participants to the covered picnic area where the awards ceremony for the “Fishing for Freedom 5” was being held.

To show deep appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and true sacrifice of our nations veterans, the South Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and Quality Bass Club hosted a fishing trip and tournament at Choke Canyon on Sunday.

Other sponsors include Valero, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Sportsman’s Warehouse. Various t-shirts boosting “Fishing for Freedom”, Valero Volunteers and fishing team logos were everywhere.

A chicken barbecue meal was provided for the volunteers, wounded veterans and their families. After the awards were handed out, tickets were drawn for the many prizes that had been donated.

The lightly sun-burned faces of the veterans shone in the afternoon sun as all gathered for a group photo. Many were holding the new rods and reels they had received as a special treat. Soon after, they boarded the bus and headed back to San Antonio.

One of the veterans, Staff Sgt. Emanuel Herrera of Phoenix, Arizona, said that the day “had started pretty early but ended great. It was one of the best outings” he’d had in a while.

He and his crew had practiced catch and release, having caught several fish weighing 3 or 4 lbs. each. He was wounded in Tikrit on Nov. 21, 2006 and has been convalescing in a succession of hospitals including Walter Reed and Bampsey. His family was not able to join him for this event but no matter, he will see them soon. He is going home for a visit this week. While he is there, he is to be given an award by a general and will attend a Nascar race as a guest of honor.

Another shining face belonged to Master Sgt. Mack Cole, a fellow Texan hailing from Houston. He thought the day was “outstanding!” He avowed that it was one of the best days he’d had in six years. “It is good to be around people again. I’ve been down for four years.” He was in the military for 28 years, planning to make it a career until a car bomb blast hit him in Tolusia. It was his fifth deployment to Iraq. His wife, Angie and grandson, Amari were with him on this jaunt, enjoying their first boat ride and they “had a blast!”

They caught 10 or 15 lbs. of fish but threw them back, hoping for some “big daddies.” Speaking for all veterans, he asserted that “all we care about is protecting our country.”

As the vehicles left the park, a doe and her twin fawns grazed, a peaceful sight and perhaps, a fitting symbol of what our heroes intend to preserve.