Veterans fish in fellowship
OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY)– An annual festival is happening this week in Brunswick County, bringing fellowship and recreational therapy to wounded warriors and disabled veterans across the state.
“It’s a way to form a fellowship…by fishin’!” said Larry Jones, Veteran.
Operation North State is hosting its 8th Annual ‘Peer Fishin’ Festival’ this week in Oak Island at the Oak Island Fishing Pier.
“We’ve just got to get these veterans out of the house. So, that’s what we’re all about today. What’s changed in the last year is that our numbers are up. I mean, we’ve been doing this weekly going on about 3 years now,” said Terry Snyder, Operation North State Founder.
Monday kicked off the 5 day event, with more than 100 vets coming out to fish, and for the camaraderie.
“It’s fellowship together. Because as veterans, as military, we basically know what each other are going through,” said Jones.
The day starts at 6:45 am, and goes on until 5:30 pm.
“Kind of what we’re doing with it, we start early in the morning, and then we’re going to fish all day. We’re going to have a really nice meal for them, then come back and do some snacks in the afternoon. Whatever we can do to first of all, make it safe, second, all about fellowship, and the third, is quality fishing. That’s what we try to take in over the week,” said Snyder.
The vets say lifelong relationships are built during this time together.
“It’s a great way to tell war stories, there have been veterans that have met other veterans that have stayed in contact,” said Jones.
And for some, it’s even been a reunion.
“Last year, down on the pier just a little south of here with the same organization, I ran into a guy that I knew in 1975 through 78. We were stationed together at the pentagon. So, it’s a very very small world, and this is how we get to share the things we’ve done together on active duty,” said Jim Kiger, Veteran.
The event is free to all wounded warriors and disabled vets and their guests.
If you want to participate in this week’s event, it’s not too late.
Organizers say you can show up and they will welcome you. Or you can reach out to the organization in advance.
