Disabled American Veterans Tournament- Thank you

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I'd like to comment on the DAV tournament hosted by the Corydon Hotel and supported by KAWA, Gary Wert, the Outdoor Channel this past Sunday, June 20th on the Allegheny Reservoir.

Gary- you really did a really fine job; we locals yocals are all proud of your accomplishment. I think you missed your calling, you would make one heck of a promoter.

KAWA- I have to say that this was the best organized event I've ever fished. Thanks alot, we had a blast. On a scale of 1-10 you pulled off a 15. Every detail was planned and executed to perfection.

To all the sponsors,volunteers, and supporters too numerous to mention- many many thanks. None of this would happen without your efforts.

To Tom and Sue what can I say, you guys are #1. Super job, super effort, supper result. Congrats to all the winners.

[eyedoktr]

I have to agree wholeheartedly. To get 106 teams and have everything run as smoothly as it did was ,to me, amazing. I wish I could have stayed around for the festivities. This was my first DAV tourney but I will definitely be there next year. I'll also take Tthe following monday off so I don't have to drive the 2.5 hours back to Rochester and can stay around awhile.

Gary, you are the ulltimate MC. Give the guy a microphone and a stage, and you can't shut him up. LOL

To list all the people that made this such a success would take forever (and I'm sure I'd forget many), so to all. THANK YOU.

[whodoneit]

Suprising that for all the hype ahead of time, that there is not any reports happening.
What were the weights, # of fish caught,big fish, winners,how did gary and jiggin 5 do.

[where you be]

Holleywoodeyes were are you, look forward to hearing how everything went for you guys.

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I agree, taking off Monday may make a whole lot more sense than Friday when it comes to this event.

[WILLOW- CREEKER]

Fred thank you for the compliment.

We were very fortunate to win this event. Sue and I only had three in the box when we made the run back to one of the spots we had fished in the morning with only 20 minutes left to fish, and to pull three keepers including our two biggest for the day in the last 5 minutes was unbeilevable, and Sue was really on top of her game that day, and put two dandy's in the box, I can't say enough about her, what a trooper.

There are many fabulous teams out there and to even be mentioned in the same category as them is quite an honor.

Congradts to all the winners, and a special thank you to Pat and Kim Giordano, and The New Giordano's Corydon Hotel for doing everything that they did to make this event what is was, and also Gary Wert and Ed Shults Chevrolet along with the Outdoor Channel and all the other sponsors as well.

Thank you to all Vets who make every day a proud to be an American day, with out you none of this would be possible.

Tom Means

[K.A.W.A . Mike]

Thanks to all who participated in the Disabled American Veterans Walleye Tournament. It was a huge success. To the Fisher People and spectators thank you. Congratulations to our winners. Our Web site is down at this time we will post the results as soon as possible.
Thanks again, Kinzua Allegheny Walleye Association.

[Gilligan]

We were happy to participate and be part of a great event, only if we could catch something on that pond that would measure!

Anyone that knows Charlie and Tim also knows their affection and commitment to our servicemen especially our disabled veterans. I hope the tournament continues to grow and get the attention it deserves.

[hollywoodeyes]

Sorry to all that it took me so long to respond.

$8,000.00 raised for the Disabled American Veterans! I love you guys and ladies!!!!!!
I had the greatest time! Great turnout. 107 teams. I am proud to have fished with each and every one of you! Here's the score:

1) Tom Means/Sue Wilcox 9.12 lbs. $2500.00
2) John Maholic/David Maholic 8.03 lbs. $1500.00
3) Mike Maholic/Brandon Sluga 7.42 lbs. $1000.00
4) Brian Mealy/Dan Page 7.41 lbs. $650.00
4) Glenn Boser/Cody Frantz 7.41 lbs. $650.00
5) Randy Shine/Linda Ordiway 7.05 lbs. $500.00
6) Dewayne Cawley/Steve Colley 6.93lbs. $400.00
7) Fred Ward/Amy Ward 6.54 lbs. $325.00
8) Ed Acklin/Chris Streich 6.07 lbs. $250.00
9) John Carney/Bob Edwards 5.71 lbs. $200.00

As you may have noticed there are only 9 spots showing. KAWA paid a 10th spot even though we had a tie for 4th. Stupid me lost that teams names and weight. Sorry guys!
John Carney/Bob Edwards big fish of the day 5.71lbs. $1000.00

KAWA paid 11 spots cause of the tie. They also paid approx. $600.00 for 2nd big fish and $400.00 for 3rd big fish.
I cannot say enough about Tim Fields and Charlie Brandt and Mike Kittner about all the hard work they did putting on this fine fine event. As was stated above they and all the wives and freinds worked their butts to make this event a HUGE success!!!
Thanks also go out to Pat and Kim Giordano and The Corydon Hotel for all their help. I've never eaten so many good meals and been treated so well.
Thank you also to The OUTDOOR CHANNEL and Mr. Bill Beaver. Bill youare a master at your craft. No wonder you have won 2 Emmies!
As for my fishing I caught 5 5lb. walleyes but the TV people said I had to do catch and release! LOL!!!!!!!!!
Great time. Great friends. I can't thank you all enough.
The show will air on August 28th. I will inform you of the time when I know.
HOW ABOUT THOSE LADIE ANGLERS!!! 3 IN THE MONEY!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK LADIES! I'm thinking of dumping my partner for one of you.
Good looking and can put fish in the boat to boot! Watch out Tom,Fred and Randy i'm after your women! LOL!!!
Thanks to all again. Look forward to seeing you at the KAWA at Chautauqua in July. Congrats again to Tom and Sue as well as all the placers. Thank you to all our vets for the sacrafices you have made for our country.
How bout that misty morning with our national anthem playing. Bill from the OUTDOOR CHANNEL said it was the most beautiful and eerie thing he has ever seen. Definitely brought a tear to my eye. Always does.
God bless our vets. God bless you all. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

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Bill was right, there was something very special about the anthem that morning. We launched early and I was somewhat pre-occupied thinking about the tournament. The competitive juices were flowing as I surveyed the 105 other teams. As the anthem began I stood and watched as everyone else stood to honor our flag and our veterans. As the anthem played I was filled with emotion. The 105 competitor boats became 210 kindred spirits, the importance of doing well became a distant second to the importance of participating. Maybe it was the fog, maybe it was a combination of a lot of things, but in my minds eye I saw the men in the fog and felt their presence. It was a very special couple minutes I will never forget. I've stood in the boat many times before as our anthem has played, it's always been a special time for me, but this was different. I hope the Outdoor Channel captured some of that "moment in time" on film.