Story and photos by Lisa Carolin
Father’s Day, June 17, was a scorcher, but that didn’t stop two van loads of local veterans from participating in Heroes on the Water, the annual event held at American Legion Post 31 on Cavanaugh Lake in Sylvan Township.
“It’s going to be toasty warm so drink lots of water,” advised Jeff Hunt, whose kayak club provided the vessels. “Wear your safety vest at all times. You can jump off the kayaks, but let someone know first.”
Thanks to a great turnout of American Legion volunteers, there were more volunteers than veterans.
“The veterans are escorted on the lake to go fishing for a few hours, and the legion fixes lunch,” said Craig Maier, financial officer for the Legion, a veteran and Lima Township supervisor.
Volunteers assisted veterans in launching their kayaks, and then met up with them on the lake to offer fishing tips. There was also the option of fishing from a pontoon boat.
At 2 p.m., whether or not they caught any fish, a lunch that included blue gill, hamburgers and hot dogs, potato and macaroni salads, and cupcakes, awaited the fishermen. Maier promised that no one would go hungry.
