by Michelle Armstrong
Steve Gomez graduated high school in June 1991. He joined the United States Army and in August was stationed with the 3rd ID based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Steve was among the first troops to be deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He was deployed again in 2005. He served as a combat arms field artillery soldier. Through his service, he gained a tremendous amount of expertise that would greatly benefit and guide current and future soldiers. In 2006 he was asked by CALL (Center for Army Lessons Learned) to return to Iraq and help co author a Convoy Commander handbook. At this time he was away from the immediate war zones. After the completion of the handbook, once again, he returned home for a short stint. He would be deployed two more times to the war zones of Iraq.
Steve sustained several significant injuries resulting in many surgeries requiring “hardware” to be placed in his body. He developed hearing loss, and it was apparent he had developed severe P.T.S.D. He became increasingly aware that he was no longer competitive for the military and he retired due to his medical conditions.
Sergeant 1st Class Steve Gomez served in the United States Army for 23 years, 2 months, and 11 days. He dedicated his entire adult life to his country.
Commendably, Steve doesn’t like to talk about what he experienced during his deployments. He prefers to stay focused on the present, his family, and his future.
Like many Veterans, after his experiences, Steve became a loner. He explains that after he retired from his military family, he felt lost and vulnerable. At times even doubting, that if needed, he could protect his family. He became detached socially and life became boring.
Through the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Fort Bragg, he heard about Operation North State, an organization offering fishing tournaments to disabled and wounded veterans. One concern for him was that due to his medications, Steve requires a caregiver to be with him. After speaking to the director of Operation North State, Terry Snyder, he learned that this was not an obstacle. So he made the trip to Lake Norman. Steve recalled being quite scared. He had never fished before and had no idea what to expect. Upon arrival at the tournament site his fear subsided amid the camaraderie of fellow veterans. Though still nervous about what to expect from the fishing aspect, Steve felt at home with his new found “battle buddies”.
He and his caregiver were paired with a civilian “host boater” named Kenneth Tucker. Neither of these men realized that from this day, a new passion for life would be born and a lifelong friendship would come to fruition. Steve’s heart raced as he watched the boats launch. He became scared again and expressed this to his host boater. Steve had to find strength within himself and trust this man essentially with his life. At that moment, in a sense, Kenneth became a new kind of “battle buddy”. Kenneth explained the boat launch process and assured Steve of his safety. It had started to rain so Kenneth explained to Steve that the raindrops could hurt, so to cover his face. Steve described the launch as a “mad dash” and said it felt like a “motorcycle on water”. But somehow, he felt at ease with his boater.
Though it was early Spring, the weather took an unexpected turn and temperatures dropped. Not many, including the seasoned host boaters, were prepared for the cold rainy weather. Steve didn’t mind, he was learning so much from Kenneth. He was gaining confidence, catching fish, and feeling things he’d never felt. Many could not endure the elements and came in early but Steve stayed out til the very end. He said at times, the wind was blowing and rocking the boat. He got the sensation of literally standing “on” the water. By the day’s end, Steve had discovered so many unexpected elements of this organization and of fishing. At weigh-in and during the after tournament banquet, the camaraderie strengthened among shared stories of the day along with bragging rights and a new found self respect for what they all learned and conquered on the water. Each veteran received a fishing rod to keep along with “goodie bags” full of baits and edible treats. Trophies for the “biggest catch” were given out to the winners.
They learned that one of the veterans had fallen in the water but was retrieved unharmed. It is a requirement that all veterans wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at ALL TIMES during the tournaments. The rule likely saved this man’s life. He earned the nickname “Maytag” from this event.
Steve attended the next tournament held at Randleman Lake. He and his caregiver were paired with another civilian boater named Brad Holder. The weather for this tournament was not much better with heavy rains in the afternoon. Again, a lot of the fisherman came in early. Steve was learning so much from Brad that they stayed out all day.
NASCAR legend Richard Petty invited all of the veterans and host boaters to his home after the tournament for a barbecue. It was at that time, that the veterans received some unexpected good news. Bass Pro Shops had heard of the weather conditions these men had faced, unprepared, during these tournaments. They made sure each veteran there received their very own GORE-TEX waterproof rain suit to keep! The veterans were in awe at the combined generosity of everyone involved at the event.
Steve finds it easy to describe the impact and effects these experiences have been for him:
“Operation North State has enhanced my life in surprising ways. I now have a network of extended family. I have found a passion and a new hobby. Brad and Kenneth have armed me with so much knowledge that I can continue this hobby on my own. They are great Patriots doing all they can do to support veterans. I have made two great life long friends.”
Steve has two sons, and it is important to him to be a strong role model for them.
“I have been able to teach and take my boys fishing. To give them lifelong skills. To show them that even through limitations, one can learn something new and help provide for their family.”
“I have come out of my shell. I’ve allowed myself to make new/different “battle buddies” and trust in them and myself.”
“This sport has given me the desire to “do” something. It sparked a motivation I never knew I had. Something about being on the water is therapeutic. It’s a natural cure for PTSD and better than consuming many prescriptions.”
“I am grateful for Operation North State.”
Steve Gomez, we are grateful for you. Thank you sir.
