Injured service members will be given a free day of fishing Saturday, courtesy of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and other local businesses.
“We want them to gain a day away from their everyday hurts and worries and have great memories to last a lifetime,” said Michaela Mitchell, communications director of the association.
The Destin Princess and several other boats have volunteered to provide supplies and services to take up to 60 wounded warriors on the fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico.
Helen Back will greet them with free pizza when they get back to the dock at 2 p.m. Fisherman’s Wharf in Destin will clean and cook the fish and even throw in sides for a fish fry after the trip.
“We were very pleased with the support from the local businesses and the community, but we are not surprised,” Mitchell said. “The Emerald Coast loves and appreciates our local military, and this event allows them to join us in saying thank you.”
The public is invited to attend the fish fry at Fisherman’s Wharf from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $12.99 a plate.
While the Realtors association doesn’t want the servicemen and women to feel as if they on display, it wanted to give the public a chance to show their gratitude.
“Our military (active and retired) and their families make great sacrifices for our country,” Mitchell said. “We want them to realize how grateful we are for what they do for us. We want the public to remember that sacrifice and have the opportunity to show their appreciation.”
WANT TO GO? Wounded military members who want to go fishing can contact Justin Lindsey at 360-280-0364 or at ecarsoldiersonthewater@gmail.com.