Edwards Thanks the Troops Big Time

We should all thank the troops big time because if not for them, we are not fishing. In fact, we’re maybe not here in the first place.

Well, Arizona’s Jarrett Edwards knows that, and he’s put his money where his heart is. Read on – very cool.

He’s established a new organization called Operation Outdoors USA, and it started back when he was fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2005.

“Think back 5 years and you can imagine how I found myself watching from my hospital bed the countless hours of television coverage of our military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan at the time,” he said. “I thought how brave of them to fight for my freedom, our freedom, by their own choice of service.

“My wife Rebecca and I decided then we were going to do something out of respect for them. Thanks to many people over the past few months, our promise is now a reality.”

Operation Outdoors USA is the result. He said that Operation Outdoors USA is all about honoring and appreciating the many veterans and active duty soldiers in all branches of the U.S. military.

“I promise, Operation Outdoors isn’t about me, a political platform or a profitable business venture,” he said. “In fact, Becca and I are going to great lengths to pay for the boat and our related travel and promotions for the program out of our own pockets. We’ve welcomed partnerships and donations, but not at the risk of commercializing the cause. Those who are helping us are doing so simply because they believe in the cause, and their participation does make it a bigger deal for our soldiers.”

Beginning in January, the specially wrapped boat and truck will be making appearance at a variety of venues, including the popular International Sportsmen’s Expos and Fred Hall shows in the west, as well as at some military bases. While on display, both the truck and the boat are available to be signed by all past and present military personnel.

The American flag-wrapped truck and boat symbolize what Operations Outdoors USA is all about – American pride.

Also, in fall 2011, six armed services families will be awarded a week-long houseboating adventure as the Edwards’ guests on Lake Powell. Additionally, the Lone Survivor Foundation (LSF) will receive a fully rigged Phoenix bass boat that has been signed by thousands of military well-wishers for use on the foundation’s Texas property.

The Edwards purchased the boat, and in the process of buying the motor for it were surprised by Mercury donating a 250 Optimax Pro XS to go on it. That was followed by MotorGuide contributing a trolling motor and Lowrance providing all of the electronics.

“It made us feel really proud that our partners chose to donate without our asking,” Edwards said. “They, too, said it was out of their appreciation for our troops.”

The LSF Connection

The LSF is a wellness initiative founded by Marcus Luttrell for the purpose of providing therapeutic and unique opportunities to optimize recovery and healing of our country’s wounded warriors.

Luttrell, a retired Navy SEAL, survived a major Taliban ambush in 2005 in Afghanistan in which 19 special operations soldiers were killed. He went on to write a New York Times Best seller “Lone Survivor” and is now a highly popular motivational speaker. He founded the LSF to give back to his fellow soldiers.

Edwards: “I vividly remember the crawler across the TV screen reporting the missing SEAL members back in 2005. Then I picked up and read a copy of Lone Survivor at a later date. I put two and two together, realizing Luttrell’s mission was what I had seen on television. I knew then that giving back to American soldiers was what I wanted to do.”

Mil Folks: How To Fish on Powell

All who sign the boat will have the opportunity to nominate their favorite soldier by way of a 3-minute video or 600-word essay with photos. Complete instructions and additional information can be found at the Operation Outdoors web site. Entries must be received by Oct. 1, 2011, and all eligible entries will be available for public voting on the web site on Oct. 30.

The top six in votes will receive the Lake Powell vacation on luxurious 75-foot houseboats, courtesy of ARAMARK – Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas, in May 2012. Several of Edwards’ professional fishing and rodeo buddies have committed to joining the families for some fishing and water sports fun.

Also, throughout the year on Jarrett Edwards Outdoors, each episode will feature a three-minute segment from military families’ submissions as part of the weekly programming.  The houseboating excursion will also be filmed for an entire episode to air in 2012.

For more information about the program, click here.

“Operation Outdoors USA is a sincere and legitimate program …  a simple way of me and Becca saying ‘thank you’ to the men and women who are serving or have served our country with grace and honor,” Edwards said. “We look forward to shaking thousands of hands in this expression of thanks, beginning with the Denver ISE show, Jan. 6 – 9, 2011.”

More

> You may recall that Jarrett fished for 9 years on the BASS trails. After that  he partnered with his wife in their own HD video production company, and now serves as host of the Jarrett Edwards Outdoors TV show that airs on the World Fishing Network.

> 2011 Show Schedule for Operations Outdoors USA Truck/Boat Signing
– Jan 6-9 – International Sportsmen’s Exposition* – Denver, Colo.
– Jan 20-23 – International Sportsmen’s Exposition* – Sacramento, Calif.
– Feb 24-27 – International Sportsmen’s Exposition* – Phoenix, Ariz
– Mar 17-20 – International Sportsmen’s Exposition* – Salt Lake City, Utah
– Mar 9-13 – Fred Hall Boat Show – Long Beach, Calif.
– Mar 24-27 – Fred Hall Boat Show – Del Mar, Calif.
*Active and retired Military personnel receive free admission into ISE shows with proper military I.D.