Jaime Barahona returned empty-handed after a Sunday of fishing at Wilson Lake.That didn’t bother him one bit.
“I didn’t catch anything today, but just being out there is nice,” Barahona said. “You don’t worry about anything else. It’s therapy out there.”
Barahona was among 10 wounded soldiers from the Army’s 101st Airborne
Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, who spent the weekend fishing in the Shoals
in the third annual Operation HOOAH.
Hooah is a popular yell for soldiers, so organizers of the event used it as
the program’s title, but with an additional meaning: as an acronym for “Healing
Outside Of an Army Hospital.”
Ronnie McDonald helped create the organization in hopes of helping in the
mental healing aspect of the soldiers’ recovery.
McDonald said area fishermen volunteered to take the soldiers out on Pickwick
and Wilson lakes this weekend.
“These guys have a lot of fun, and they love taking these soldiers out,” he
said.
McDonald said local businesses also helped in a variety of ways, ranging from
providing free hotel rooms to donating fishing equipment. Barahona said it means
a lot to him to know Americans care enough to do this.
“It’s outstanding, them volunteering to take us out,” he said.
Col. Greg Estes was among those enjoying the weekend. Estes said he believes
it helps the soldiers to see a high-ranking officer also struggle with the
emotions connected with combat experience.
“They’re saving marriages and preventing suicides,” Estes said. “They help
us, and take the pressure off us.”
“Last year, 22 soldiers came up to us and told us if it hadn’t been for
whatever trip they had been on, they wouldn’t be here,” Carter said.
“This is definitely the most rewarding job I’ve had in my military
career.”
He said the anglers and other volunteers with the program leave an impression
on the soldiers. “It shows there’s a lot of people out here who believe in what
the military does.”
Danyel Braxton said he was amazed by the hospitality he experienced
throughout the weekend.
“It was awesome,” Braxton said. “Hats off to these guys who let us do this.
Fishing is relaxing. It’s good for the soul. You’re just out there with Mother
Nature and relaxed.”
One volunteer angler, Dona Gowen, is a Korean War veteran, so he can relate
to what the soldiers are going through.
“I was at Fort Campbell before these guys were even born,” Gowen said. “Fort
Campbell is close to my heart. It’s good to get to rub shoulders with soldiers
again. Ronnie and his wife, Martha, have done a tremendous job. This is a good
way for the community to give back, and it’s a privilege to be here.”
Operation HOOAH (Healing Outside Of an Army Hospital) allows soldiers an opportunity to re-integrate with civilian society in a relaxing, outdoor setting. This event is held annually in North Alabama.
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