New Year and Fun Times By Tim Stouder & Katie Blunk
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017 saw many changes and additions to the Northeast Florida Heroes on the Water (NEFL HOW). This past year, we served over 300 Veterans, over 200 volunteers, and hundreds of family members at our fishing events. In 2018, we are looking to increase the number of veterans and first responders to hit the water. At the end of 2017, we had to finally get our trailers overhauled and serviced for the New Year. We will be conducting a full inventory of the assets that we currently have and will need for the coming year. We will also need new fishing tackle and line for all our rods and reels. Everyone that is familiar with NEFL HOW knows that the service we provide to our guests is 100% free to them. Every year we have a standing operational budget, around $6000.00. We are planning to have 10 – 11 events, along with a 3 day camping trip for the year 2018. This year, one goal is to have all event lunches donated for the Veterans and their families. Last year, many of our lunches were sponsored by service organizations, companies, and restaurants. We are hopeful to have all event lunches sponsored this year. If anyone is interesting in providing/donating lunch, we average 65 people at each event. Each year we are thankful to be on the beneficiary end of some tournaments in the local area which helps us supplement these operational costs. This year, we have already been a named beneficiary of the Premier Trout Tournament, run by Craig Van Brocklin. Currently the registration is open and this tournament will take place on April 15th. Our proposed schedule is set for 2018. We will more than likely make an adjustment here and there, but for the most part we are locked in. Feb 4 Palm Valley Mar 18 Guana River Sebastian Inlet Overnight TBD May 20 Cedar Point Jun 17 Browns Creek July 15 Faver Dykes Aug 5 River Float Ichetucknee Sept 2 Mill Cove Sept 21 First Responders Event Oct 14 Browns Creek Nov 11 Veteran’s Day Event As always, we can’t thank our volunteers and donors enough. Without them, we would not be able to provide the service we do. If
anyone would like to volunteer or make donations to the Northeast Florida Chapter Heroes on the Water, please feel free to contact Tim Stouder at 904-993-5366 or northeastflorida@heroesonthewater.org Stay tuned to our HOW NEFL Facebook page for our most updated schedule. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/ HeroesOnTheWaterNortheastFloridaChapter to see the schedule, our latest posts, and pictures. About Heroes on the Water Heroes on The Water is a non-profit organization that helps injured service members with their physical and mental recovery using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. Every HOW event across the country brings together wounded military personnel for guided kayak fishing excursions. Founded in 2007, HOW has served more than 32,774 wounded Veterans. The service is provided to the Veterans for free. HOW is a non-profit organization under IRS Code Chapter 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit www.HeroesOnTheWater.org The next Heroes on the Water outing is scheduled for February @ Palm Valley Outdoors. If you are a Veteran, know of one that would like to participate, or if you are interested in volunteering or any other questions please contact Coordinator - Tim Stouder at NortheastFlorida@HeroesOnTheWater.org If you would like to follow us on Facebook or make a donation to Heroes on the Water, you can do so at facebook.com/ HeroesOnTheWaterNortheastFloridaChapter. If you would like to follow us on Facebook or make a donation to Heroes on the Water, you can do so at facebook.com / HeroesOnTheWaterNortheastFloridaChapter.
ADVANCE MARINE of JACKSONVILLE
9451 Craven Road Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 730-3332
SUZUKI
TOHATSU
AWARD WINNING SERVICE DEALER YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED REPOWER DEALER FOR SUZUKI & TOHATSU, ENGINES / O.E. PARTS SALES wE SERViCE ALL MAKES & MODELS OF OUTBOARD EnGinES REPAiRS & REPOwERS 24 NE FLORIDA
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FEBRUARY 2018
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