Kids aren’t the only people who need to go fishing.
So, too, do wounded and disabled veterans. And it’s for that reason that Operation North State exists.
Each year, ONS holds nine fishing festivals across the state for those wounded warriors, including at Chatham County’s Jordan Lake. This year’s local event is Thursday, May 4, and organizers need some help.
Fifty vets have signed up to fish and, so far, only about half the needed host boats and boaters are on board. ONS requires a vet and caregiver per boat to accompany the host for a day of fishing, snacks, dinner and fellowship.
The local festival kicks off at 7 a.m. at the Farrington Point Boat Ramp off SR 1008 and is free for everyone involved. Rods, reels, life vests, bait and snacks are provided by ONS and fishing licenses are waived for the day. No alcohol is allowed and at the end of the day, everyone is treated to dinner at nearby Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
ONS is an all-volunteer organization founded several years ago by retired Winston-Salem businessman Terry Snyder.
“One day, some friends and I were sort of fussing about how little is done for our veterans and the light came on in our minds and I said, ‘what are we doing for them?’” Snyder said. “That was the start.”
Since the first festivals in 2013, ONS has grown to the nine freshwater lake festivals, a deep-sea fishing excursion, trips to professional ball games, golf and bicycle outings and more.
“Really, anything that helps our vets is what we’re after,” Snyder says. “Some of these folks are dealing with significant health and emotional needs, and the therapy of getting out on the water works miracles. Not all of them have the benefit of support and ONS helps fill in those gaps.”
All the funding and gifts that come to ONS go to its programs. There is no salary or administrative costs other than postage and some printing expenses.
“It literally is all volunteer,” Snyder said. “The disabled vets are super excited to have this opportunity for a day on the water. And, likewise, our host boaters tell us how honored they are to be part of the Festival and have the opportunity to give back and say ‘thanks’ to these warriors.”
There’s no entry fee for host boaters and it’s easy to register to host. Interested boaters can send an email to Snyder at mailbox@operationnorthstate.com or call 336-764-5967. Provide your name, email address, telephone number and your North Carolina hometown. Host boaters must have liability insurance coverage on their boat.