The Kenora and Lake of the Woods communities are hosting a Canadian Forces Afghanistan Veterans…Just Fishing event on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Kenora Harbourfront in appreciation for soldiers' willing service and sacrifice to Canada.
The 30-soldier group will receive an all-expense paid, fully-guided one-day fishing tour with a traditional shore lunch on a remote Lake of the Woods island. Upon the soldiers’ return to shore around 2:30 p.m., local dignitaries, community and business members will publicly display their thanks at the Kenora Harbourfront. A nearby resort, Smith Camps, will then host the veterans at an evening roast-beef dinner and meet and greet.
The brainchild of Kenora’s John Monteith, Fish Hunter’s Guide Service owner, the event has snowballed into a magnificent display of public support and appreciation for the region’s Afghanistan veterans. Monteith’s local Canadian Forces connection is W.F. (Woody) Linton, the Honourary Lieutenant-Colonel for Kenora’s Army Reserve unit, 116 Independent Field Battery.
"I was approached by the owner of a local fishing guide service (Monteith) who stated he wished to do something to recognize the efforts of our forces for our country. Working on the very successful Canadian Forces day here in June of 2009 that had many organizations participating, we were able to draw upon these resources to form this year’s event," said Honourary Lt.-Col. Linton.
The City of Kenora with support from private donors and business owners are offering their services for the day.
“As Canadians, we are very proud of our armed forces and we are proud of what they’re doing in Afghanistan,” said supporter R.M. (Bob) Kozminski, President and CEO of Winnipeg’s Keystone Ford Sales Ltd. “As a small token of our appreciation, we want to treat them to a day at the Lake of the Woods.” ....
