Veterans enjoy a special ‘Day on the Lake’

Published April 25, 2018
Veteran Roberta May holds her catch above her head during the weigh-in for the biggest fish during the Warrior’s Day on the Lake event April 21.

Veteran Roberta May holds her catch above her head during the weigh-in for the biggest fish during the Warrior’s Day on the Lake event April 21.

Boat Captain Daniel Moreno prepares to take Veteran John Martinez fishing at the start of the Warrior’s Day on the Lake event.

Boat Captain Daniel Moreno prepares to take Veteran John Martinez fishing at the start of the Warrior’s Day on the Lake event.

Sacramento District Park Ranger Sylvia Guerrero greets Veteran Havilah "Stretch" Johnson as he arrives at the Day on the Lake event.

Sacramento District Park Ranger Sylvia Guerrero greets Veteran Havilah "Stretch" Johnson as he arrives at the Day on the Lake event.

The 7th Annual Warrior’s Day on the Lake took place Saturday, April 21, at Success Lake, located just outside of Porterville, California. With a name like Success Lake, you would expect events held there to be nothing less than super, and according to hosts, participants and volunteers, the event hosted by Central Valley Vets went off, well … successfully.

The annual event is aimed at providing veterans with boats, drivers and all the gear needed to show up and be treated to a free day of fishing. This year, forty veterans were able to make it out to Success Lake and participate in the fishing contest and festivities. Thirty-three volunteer captains came out offering their time and boats, with each captain escorting one or more of our wounded warriors out on the lake.

The boats blasted off at 8 a.m., and the fishing contest continued until 11:30. When it was over, Roberta May had caught the biggest fish of the day. She received a plaque touting her 5.53-pound fish that she could show to family and friends. Second place went to Brent Binkley, who reeled in a 3.45-pounder.

After the fishing contest, the veterans were treated to lunch and had the opportunity to win several prizes. One lucky veteran even went home with a brand-new, 50-inch flat-screen TV. But whether they came for the prizes, the friendship or the fishing, the smiles on the Veteran’s faces were the catch of the day.