VFW hosts veterans fishing event

Arlon Fowler, right, reels in a fish Monday at a private lake west of Fulton.
Arlon Fowler, right, reels in a fish Monday at a private lake west of Fulton.

A group of Mid-Missouri veterans from the Mexico Veterans Home were treated to a relaxing day of fishing Monday.
Bill Anderson, a volunteer who was helping bait hooks, stood on the banks of a lake beside Arlon Fowler, a Vietnam veteran. Anderson said putting on events like this one is a way to show gratitude for those who put their lives on the line for freedom.
"I think it's a very small way for people to show their appreciation to the veterans," he said. "Arlon gave 20 years to the military. What a wonderful way for (us) to support someone like Arlon, who in my eyes is an American hero."
Fowler, who caught several fish Monday morning, said it was a perfect day to fish. It was also his first time being treated to a complimentary fishing trip in Callaway County.
"This is my first time," he said. "When I came down here, I was nuttier than a fruitcake. It's great."
Larry Underwood, post commander of the Fulton VFW, said the veterans were invited to fish on his brother's property west of Fulton.
"He has this about twice a year," he said. "Anyone that has a lake can get it done. They just have to schedule it."
The trip was one of several which happen throughout the year, said Tammy Precht, a nurse at the Veteran's Home. Getting the veterans out and about is vital for helping the veterans cope with physical and emotional stress, she said.
"To (help them) maintain normalcy, it's important," she said. "Who doesn't like to go fishing on a perfect day? It's nice to see smiles."
Veterans can be especially prone to depression, Precht said.
"They go through times where they're feeling down," she added. "It's important to help them, these guys are extremely important. They're the reason why we have what we have today, and I have much respect for them."
One of the veterans attending Monday was Bert Thompson, who served in the Korean War. Trips like this are helping him enjoy life.
"I'm beginning to get used to being able to go out," he said. "For a while there, I just wouldn't ever go out."
Darrin Reimann, a recreational therapist at the home, said staff and volunteers do everything possible to make sure veterans are able to fish, despite any limitations they may have.
"If they've fished all their life, there's no reason they shouldn't keep fishing," he added. "We have everything to overcome the physical limitations and make this happen. Without volunteers, it wouldn't be possible."
Many of the events for the vets are arranged by donors who want to give back, Reimann said.
"We had a couple come in a month ago that offered to have the veterans fish on their 10-acre lake in Mexico," he said. "We get all kinds of things donated. Picnics, fishing trips, going out to eat lunch. Last week, Ameren donated us a suite at the Cardinals game, and we'll be heading up to Hannibal next week for the dinner boat cruise."
Even those who may not have access to a lake or a suite at the Cardinals game can still chip in and help the veterans, Reimann said.
"(People who want to help) can give monetary donations," he said. "That way we can use it whenever needed at any given time. My state budget would never cover everything we do; the rest really comes down to monetary donations."
Although he has been working with veterans for over a decade, Reimann said these trips are his favorite part of the job.
"I've been doing this for 15 years, and these outings are special," he added. "Getting them out of the home, cooking lunches, this is above and beyond what we do for the day to day schedule."