Organizers of the upcoming Take a Soldier Fishing weekend at Ray Roberts Lake need boat owners to help out.
"We need all kinds of boats - bass, crappie, sand bass and catfish," organizer Lyndee Prieskop stated in a press release. "We also need pontoon boats.
"None of our soldiers signed up so far need any special assistance. Boaters just need to provide gear and safety equipment."
Take a Soldier Fishing is planned for the weekend of July 16 at the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
The family gathering is open to all veterans and active-duty military personnel and their families.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has donated campsites and park passes for the event, Prieskop said.
The fishing boats are needed for Saturday, July 16, with the first trip out planned around 7 a.m.
The event will be held at Pavilion No. 1 between the boat ramp and the beach.
Participants will include approximately 34 veterans who are scheduled to arrive by bus from Bonham that morning.
"We already have six times more signed up than we had in 2010," Prieskop said. "So we need help, please. We still have a few spots open for soldiers and their families, as well, because of a cancellation."
Fishing will continue until 11 a.m., when boat owners will trailer their boats for a small parade featuring the event's special guests.
"All boaters are invited to join us for breakfast and lunch," she said.
A motorcycle ceremony to honor the veterans and military personnel is also planned, and all riders are invited.
"I just want the soldiers and veterans to have a great time," Prieskop said.
Anyone interested bringing a boat to take a soldier fishing can sign up at www.takeasoldierfishing.org or contact Prieskop atlyndeep@aol.com or 940-458-0233.
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