The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) and Glasslined Technologies, a local manufacturer in Greene County, hosted 14 Purple Heart recipients during its inaugural Wounded Veterans ‘Cast and Blast’ event on Sept. 18-20, at Lake Oconee.
This represented an opportunity for veterans, including their family members or guests, to enjoy an all-expenses-paid, three-day event of meals, accommodations, fishing and clay shooting.
Veterans and their guests were welcomed to a Monday afternoon of fishing on Lake Oconee and shooting clays at Old Hudson Plantation, followed by an evening kick-off dinner at the Lodge on Oconee. Following the meal, Glasslined Technologies CEO James Lakeman thanked each of the veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Tuesday featured a four-boat fishing tournament on Lake Oconee, with anglers vying for several awards to be presented later in the event.
Later that afternoon, more than 43 guests, including several South Vietnamese combat veterans, family members and friends, event organizers and dignitaries boarded the Spirt of Oconee, a 39-foot, double-decker houseboat owned by Reynolds Lake Oconee for a three-hour dinner cruise.
Awards provided by Bass Pro Shops, Walmart and Ace Hardware were presented to several anglers from the day’s fishing and shooting tournaments and participants heard from numerous dignitaries. The common theme throughout the night was a message of sincere thanks and gratitude to the veterans for their service.
“The Georgia Chapter of SCI is committed to supporting our men and women in uniform and this is a way for us to show our appreciation,” Vietnam veteran and Georgia SCI Wounded Veterans Events Vice President and Chairman Dick Caillouet said. “We want to show these veterans and their families that we care for them. One consistent message I receive from them is that we are indeed helping and changing people’s lives.”
Over the years, Georgia SCI has touched more than 1,000 active-duty military and veterans through its humanitarian efforts and events geared toward getting service members outdoors.
“Our Cast and Blast event is all about thanking these heroes for their sacrifice and service,” Lakeman added. “We’re honored to host this special group and provide an opportunity to connect with nature.”
The event was made possible by numerous volunteers and support from Georgia SCI, Keenan Nottingham and other Lake Oconee Fishing Guides, Bass Pro Shops, Glasslined Technologies, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Chick-fil-A, The Lodge on Oconee, Publix, and hero service members.