On November 20, about 150 soldiers from Ft. Hood, Shepherd Air force Base or Tinker Air Force Base will be out fishing on Lake Texoma thanks to the efforts of “JD” Jerry Dorsey and his friends. This is the fifth year Operation Welcome Home on Lake Texoma has provided a free fishing trip for soldiers.
Putting on this event takes a huge commitment from area residents and local businesses. JD and his wife usually orchestrate the entire event but this year it has been tough. Knee surgery this summer has slowed him down a bit. Friends have stepped up to help fill the void. Little Mineral Resort will donate lodging for the soldiers for Friday and Saturday. The entire resort is reserved for the soldiers. The Vietnam Veteran Association will line the marina, the walkways and dock area with American Flags.
Tyson Foods will donate part of the food. Lakeside VFW, American Legion, the Elks Club and Georgetown Baptist Church provide meals. Friday night there will be a big Bar-b-que dinner for the soldiers and a fish fry on Saturday night. The Vietnam Veterans Association will provide breakfast the morning of the fishing trip.
Local fishing guides donate the fishing trip. Some guides are even giving up paid trips to participate in Operation Welcome Home. The guides who have already signed up to participate are Lil Mark Banister, John Britt, Mike Blakely, Steve French, Britt McKinney, Ed Fowler, Joe McMurtry, Mike Scott, Guy Martinez, Dan Hands, and Jerry Dorsey. Donations from local businesses and area residents pay for caps, t-shirts and koozies for the soldiers to take home with them. A local supplier has agreed to supply the shirts and caps at their cost, but donations are still needed to cover the cost.
JD tells me he has about 13 guides and boats lined up but could still use a few more. If you would like to participate in this worthwhile event, please let Jerry know as soon as possible. This is such a great opportunity for these soldiers to step outside the stressful military environment. Even if it is just for a few days it makes a difference. This is our chance to say “Thank You” for all that you do to keep our country out of harm’s way. Please give if you can. Donations can be mailed to Jerry Dorsey, 305 Pecan Place Lane, Pottsboro, Texas 75076.