Meet Bill Swope (Gunny) . . .
By Michelle Armstrong
Top Shelf Fishing/Operation Northstate (from a veteran’s perspective)
Each month since May 2018, we have been writing a “Veteran highlight” article explaining the concept of Top Shelf Fishing. If you’ve missed them, in short they are an organization committed to giving disabled and wounded Veterans the real life experience of fishing a tournament.
The organization touches so many lives in many ways. I wanted to share the impact this has from my favorite veteran…
Bill Swope (Gunny) joined the Marines a proud boy of 17 years old. He quickly found his “place” and served in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunman. Legend says that the average lifespan of a door gunman is five minutes but in reality it’s a more impressive 13 to 30 days.
Once back home he did not receive a warm welcome. The times were so different and these heroic soldiers were very ill regarded.
“Veterans returning from the Vietnam war were not treated well or shone any respect. It’s been 50 years and we finally have been recognized for what we did and had been through. I realize that not all people think the same way now”.
Gunny, like so many other Veterans became reclusive, only going out to work and provide for his family.
“I’ve fished most of my life, but after my time in the Marine Corps I was unable to communicate or interact with anyone except my immediate family or other Vietnam vets. If I wasn’t fishing alone, I would sit at home alone”.
One day while in a boat repair shop, Gunny saw a flyer for Top Shelf Fishing. He called and spoke to the founder Terry Snyder and knew right away he wanted to be part of this.
Gunny, along with 75 fellow Veterans, had no idea what to expect but signed up for the Lake Norman event. For his first tournament experience, it was 42 degrees, raining and windy. Through the adverse conditions, Gunny and his host boater caught fish and stayed out until time to weigh -in.
“He kept asking me if I was ok, or if I wanted to go in early. My response—-Don’t worry about me, I’m here as long as you can last. Most others came in before noon”.
Host boaters are always aware of the circumstances some veteran’s may face. They are concerned about the comfort of their Veteran and do all that is possible to make sure they have a great experience.
“All support personnel and boaters treated us with the utmost of respect. Top Shelf and it’s supporters have given so much to honor all who served. A job well done to them! I have yet to see a dissatisfied veteran on my many outings with Top Shelf. They all look forward to the event that are offered”.
Gunny was so impressed, he decided that day, that he wanted to be part of all of the Top Shelf tournaments. He has since involved a few fellow Veterans and they travel together to the events, some as far as 6 hours away.
“Top Shelf has definitely enhanced my lifestyle”.
Gunny admits that all of the events have had there highlights but some he favors more…
“I think the best was my first trip on Randleman Lake. I was looking for my boater with the same number as mine. I called out my number, and heard a meek, feminine voice say “That’s me”. I told my friends—Holy Crap-(or the Marine version of holy crap that we can’t print) -I’m paired up with a woman! Well I thought I’d make the best of the situation and teach this gal how to catch some fish. Boy did I learn a lesson, –she had 4 fish in the boat before I had a tap on my line.The remainder of the day went the same. I had no chance of catching up with her.
She was a remarkable lady and fisherman. Ever since this trip I’ve requested to be paired up with her. I still have not out fished her, but I’m slowly getting closer. We keep in touch and have become good friends. We have fished outside of Top Shelf and shared trips with her family and my wife together.”
Gunny has been so inspired by his experiences that he has decided to give back in his own way…
“I’ve learned so much from my host boaters, that I now take my boat (as a host boater) on Top Shelf outings with a veteran on my boat with me. It’s my small way of helping this great organization.
Over the last 5 years of outings with Top Shelf, I’ve met so many good people, and have had so many good times. The experience made me want to do more for others. Our Marine Corps League has started up the Toys 4 Tots in our county. We place flags on veterans graves at the local cemetery, and spearhead the Memorial Day ceremony in the town of Forest City. We also organize the placing of American Flags up and down main street in Forest City on designated holidays”.
Gunny plans to fish as either a host or a guest in all future Operation North State events. He encourages Veterans to come experience what this group has to offer.
As you can see, Top Shelf is so much more that a fishing experience. The people involved in every aspect are truly inspirational.
Michelle Armstrong – Writes about fishing
Michelle is a freelance writer who has been fishing competitively for over 25 years at local and national levels. She loves sharing her knowledge through writing and seminars. Michelle has been part of the Bass Pro Shops fishing team since 1999. She can often be found conducting seminars at the Concord Mills location.