Save Our Native Species Inc.
S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie Fishing Club
(A 501 C (3) not for profit organization)

S.O.N.S. Take Vets Out Fishing

VETERANS-- THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

On Wednesday August 28^th SONS of Lake Erie Volunteers met the “At the Lake Ministries” specially equipped boat the Jo-Ann M.at the ferry boat landing on Liberty Pier. Two van loads of military veterans from the Erie VA Hospital and the Soldiers and Sailors home arrived for a outing on the Jo-Ann M sponsored by the SONS. Sixteen vets and their support staff along with SONS Volunteers who were also veterans boarded the vessel after a safety briefing and short prayer led by the boat’s captain Rev. Rob Wilson. The boarding which included 9 wheel chair patients went quite smoothly with the assistance of Captain Dan Wilson, SONS volunteers and staff from the agencies. The Jo-Ann M motored out onto Presque Isle Bay where the vets were treated to a fishing experience. After the outing they were treated to a picnic lunch that was prepared by SONS volunteers.

Also this year we awarded 60 vouchers for a fishing trip on the head boats Edward John and Perch pirate. The recipients of the vouchers were chosen by a lottery in which over 300 veterans were given a free chance. This method allowed the winners to choose a date and time that was most convenient for them to go fishing. Funds for
veterans fishing trips were applied from donations to the SONS of Lake Erie by the many veteran's social clubs through their Small Games of  Chance Programs.

You can learn more about " At the Lake Ministries" at http://atthelakeministries.org/

 
Jo-Ann M is a re-constructed former commercial fishing boat operated by "At the Lake Ministries"