by Michelle Armstrong
Terry Snyder has a passion for helping others and giving back. His appreciation for this country and the men and women who defend it led him to do just that, “give back”.
According to the US Census, “2016 In the United States we have 4.0 million Service-Connected Disabilities.
Of this number, 1.3 million had a rating of 70.0 percent or higher. A “service-connected” disability is one that was a result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Severity of one’s disability is scaled from 0.0 to 100.0 percent, and eligibility for compensation depends on one’s rating.”
(Source: aff file 2016 American Community Survey)
For every US soldier killed in World Wars I and II, there were 1.7 soldiers wounded.
During the Vietnam era, over 9 million Americans served on active duty. 75,000 severely disabled, 23,214 were 100% disabled, 5,283 lost limbs and 1,081 sustained multiple amputations.
In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, for every US soldier killed, seven are wounded. Combined, over 48,000 servicemen and women have been physically injured in the recent military conflict.
Needless to say a large number of veterans today suffer from depression, anxiety and some form of PTSD. Many are homebound and/ or reclusive. Many struggle with every day life.
Terrys ambition was to give these men and women an outlet. If only for a moment.
Knowing that a lot of these veterans probably spend a good portion of their days watching shows about outdoors, he had an idea.
It started with a simple concept… How could he mimic the experience of a fishing tournament that many of them have seen on TV? Well, you don’t mimic one, you create one. And that is what he did. In a big way.
He started making phone calls to companies both locally and nationally. He pitched his idea and it was well received. The response from these businesses has been astounding.
He then used his resources to commission anglers. Most, but not all have tournament experience. Word spread rapidly through the angling gossip chain and before he knew it, he had a slew of “host boaters” eager to be part of his endeavor and give these guys and gals an experience of a lifetime.
He asked for help from friends and family, and as a result, put together an event ran entirely by volunteers.
Hence the foundation of Operation North State Top Shelf Fishing Festivals. A tournament series exclusively for wounded and disabled veterans and their caretakers.
So much preparation goes into to the making of each of these tournaments. Terry goes over and above any tournament I’ve ever been involved in to make sure each and every veteran has the best experience possible. His attention to detail is unmeasurable.
The morning of the tournament sets the stage for the days events. Big top tents, breakfast, and a parking lot lined with some of the shiniest boats in the industry. As the sun rises the veterans and host boaters scour the parking lot to find with whom there designated name tag number matches. Big grins surface as they find each other amid hugs and handshakes. Each participant receives an Operation Northstate T-shirt, snacks, and water for the days adventure. Blast off takes place which is a thrill in itself. Scooting across the water as the sun rises above the treeline, isn’t something many get to experience.
Though it is a competition, the main goal is to get these guys out of doors…and on fish of course. Some have fishing experience, many have never fished, or caught a fish. It’s “handled” either way. The host boaters provide all equipment their guest will need. Of course they can bring their own rod and reel if preferred.
The experiences and memories of the day, are certainly not one sided. Though the Veterans get to experience a virtual tournament, as a host boater, the experience is unbelievable. It is rare we get to see this level of excitement and gratitude when fishing. The camaraderie that we get to experience as civilians in the presence of these men and women that fought for our country is overwhelming. The fact that we get to share this over a day on the water is sheer genius.
Many speak of their experiences while serving. Some choose a lighthearted approach and simply “fish the moment”. Fishing is one of the most therapeutic activities. You can lose, or find, yourself in one single day on the water. No fish needed but it certainly adds to the experience.
At the end of the tournament, veterans get to carry their catch across an authentic tournament stage to vie for the most accumulative weight. There is a biggest fish category as well. The bragging begins over the one that got away…
The after tournament dinner brings more camaraderie and fellowship. A lot of the veterans have traveled with friends or family and the host boaters get to sit and have a meal with them and learn more about the person they’ve spent the day with.
Again Terry’s attention-to-detail shines here as well. The food is amazing, and usually prepared by local folks and businesses where the event is held. Above the prizes for biggest fish and most weight the veterans are given amazing gift bags full to the brim with fishing supplies and sometimes snacks. Each veteran is given a raffle ticket. Yet another way to create excitement and to receive a prize.
At the end of the day you have a very exhausted grateful and humbled group of Americans.
Terry sums it up best, “At Operation North State, we are an accumulation of genuine camaraderie and expertise collectively making a difference”.
If you know a Veteran who would like to participate or you would like to be involved, please visit Operation North State for details.
