SCI Phoenix Chapter Takes Wounded Soldiers Deep Sea Fishing

SCI Phoenix Chapter, Raymarine, PSE, Casa Molina and Fairway Mortgage are a few of the many sponsors for this annual event brought together by a tight knit group of friends–Robert Dryden, Norman Don, Michael Don, and Dave Kime.

Twelve Purple Heart veterans boarded four boats–the Magnum, Kryptonite, Valhalla and Reel Mistress.¬† The fish were biting, the weather was perfect and the group of individuals was extraordinary. On the four boats, each Purple Heart veteran reeled in a sailfish during the weekend fishing tournament. Some veterans also caught dorado, marlin and skipjack.¬† I had the privilege of being on the Magnum with six Purple Heart veterans.

During the trip we sighted a whale, great white shark and seals.  At one point, every single line on our boat was screaming and reeling with more fish hooked than participants to reel them in. On the day there was a dorado frenzy, Purple Heart veterans Kevin, George and Kevin were caught in the middle of a chaotic scene. As I watched from the second level of the boat I was smiling seeing these anglers reel in one fish after another.  We kept ten of the dorado, released more than could be counted, and experienced an event with lasting lifetime memories.

A special guest was Wild Bill, from the show Deadliest Catch. He provided a fun-filled experience and made one of the veteran’s dreams come true. Purple Heart veteran Harold, an avid viewer of the show Deadliest Catch, fished alongside Wild Bill. Each morning and evening, we spent visiting at the home of one the sponsors.  Saturday evening, we presented awards and goody bags to each of the Purple Heart veterans and thanked all the sponsors.

Throughout the trip, which started the way any Mexico trip should, laughing, every moment was eventful. I am extremely happy that our chapter was able to participate in this event, and know that I, along with our other board members, are looking forward to sponsoring these trips in future years.–Danell Munyan, Board Member, Phoenix Chapter Safari Club