Saturday, October 5^th turned out to be a perfect fall day on the lake…and this time the fish cooperated!  The morning air was cool, which was perfect for fishing.  With the leaves just starting to show some fall color, and the smell of a campfire in the background, everyone was in the mood to welcome in the new season.

This was the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) sixth annual fishing event for military veterans and first responders.  The event took place at Kingston Veterans Sportsmen Club east of Latrobe.  Many of the veterans attending had participated in every event since TU began the program in 2018.  Forty-seven registered veterans and first responders spread out around the lake and started catching fish immediately.  Kingston had stocked trout just days before.  The lake holds trout, catfish, bass and panfish which provided action for the anglers until early afternoon.  

Everyone we spoke to expressed their appreciation for the event and how they enjoy, not just the fishing, but the camaraderie of spending a day in the mountains with friends and fellow service providers.  Some took their angling very seriously working multiple rods.  Others used the opportunity to learn how to use a fly rod for the first time with the help of a TU mentor.  And a few simply enjoyed some R & R in lawn chairs along the lake soaking up the sights and sounds.

National TU introduced the program of fly fishing to veterans many years ago to bring the therapeutic healing of fly fishing to our nation’s heroes.  First responders were added a few years back and the program is now called the TU Service Partnership honoring those who have served their country and communities.  Many of TU’s 400 local chapters nationwide, have started programs like this.  TU is very grateful that Kingston Sportsmen agreed to partner with them again this year.  Their manicured club grounds provide ADA access to their lake, pavilion and restroom facilities.  The perfect setting!

The other partner in this annual event is the Scouts of Troops 465 and 305.  They start the event posting colors then invite veterans to participate in retiring worn American flags.  The U. S. flag code requires “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”  The Scouts and veterans join in a solemn and dignified ceremony complete with patriotic music in the background.

The other service the Scouts provide is lunch for over 100 veterans, first responders and volunteers.  “They have made this a simple turnkey operation” noted Larry Myers, president of Forbes Trail TU.  “We tell the Scouts how many will be in attendance, they buy and prepare the food, then hand us the bill making our job so much simpler”.  “More importantly, the veterans appreciate the Scouts being involved.  This is another opportunity for the Scouts to serve their community and to honor those who have served their country.”

“For the past several years the Boy Scouts of Troop 465 have been honored to team up with the folks from Trout Unlimited and Kingston to spend a day recognizing our veterans and first responders” said Scout Leader Mark Menanno. “One of the talents of our troop is cooking. We enjoy the challenges of cooking for a large group and the Scouts enjoy all their interactions with the veterans and first responders.”

We thank our event sponsors… Fish USA, Home Depot, four local Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Westmoreland Case Management and Bubba’s Kitchen and Bar. 

Larry,
I would like to thank you, as well as all involved with you for a great day.
The fishing was fun. The fact that you had some bait available was a plus.
The food was good and plentiful. If anyone left hungry, it was their fault. The addition of the homemade items was very thoughtful. The baked beans, the sauerkraut, the fried onions all added to the day and proved your commitment to Veterans and First Responders.
The door prizes were such a nice touch. I couldn’t believe how many you offered. The extra drawing for the Scouts was an added bonus and proof of your thoughtfulness.
I can’t think of anything you overlooked. Everyone was friendly and walked around speaking to everyone, ensuring a good day was being had and nothing was needed.
Please thank everyone sincerely for me. The time and planning you all put in to make the day so successful did not go unnoticed.
It will be my pleasure to spread the word for next year!!

Deb Krall, AF Veteran