Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Doug Watson.
Doug’s guest speaker was fellow Rotarian, Brandon Snyder
with “Hook a Hero”.  Established in 2016, Hook a Hero is a
first responder run, volunteer operated, 100% non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization dedicated to bringing passion and joy back into the
lives of Americans who serve this great country, through outdoor
activites, exciting fishing adventures, and unforgettable friendships.
  It is the mission of Hook a Hero to show these true American
heroes that their service has not been forgotten.  It is the goal of
Hook a Hero to minimize overhead as much as possible.  They
are dependent on dedicated volunteers to help keep costs low
so that as much as possible goes straight to our first responders.
  The experiences include, but are not limited to, chartered fishing
trips, hunting excursions, and many other outdoor activities.
  Sponsorships from “Yeti”, “Vortex Optics”, “Mojo Sportswear”,
“Mission BBQ” and “Hoo Rag” help make these trips possible.
  So far this year there have been 14 trips scheduled and 10 heroes
have been taken on fishing and hunting trips.  Hurricane season
delayed/postponed some trips.  Over $10,000 has been raised.
  Hook a Hero operates by a nomination process.  Nominations
can be made by anyone.  Once a nomination has been received
the nominee will be contacted to complete a brief and confidential
interview.  Selected nominees will also be required to verify service
by sending a photo of their credentials to the Hook a Hero team.
  Hook a Hero operates through donations and fundraisers.  2018
goals include at least one trip per month, fundraising $15,000, an
Appreciation Dinner in February/March, a fishing tournament in
May/June and a Clay Shoot tournament in October/November.
  Retail sales of apparel and charitable donations on the website
are also available.  If you can help support this effort to remember
the service of our first responders, please visit the website:
www.hookahero.com -submitted by Mike Arndt