Veteran's Fishing Day

Friday, May 31, 2019

DEXTER STATESMAN/Josh Ayers

A veterans fishing day was held Friday morning at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield. The Kenady – Hanks American Legion Post 59 and Auxiliary in Dexter, Missouri Conservation Department, Stoddard County Ambulance and numerous volunteers made this day possible. Approximately 60 veterans were on hand from around Southeast Missouri. More than 120 took part in a fish fry after a morning of fishing. All fish caught were released back into the water.

Harold Hart of Bell City along with Stoddard County Conservation Agent Michael Collins hold up a large catfish.
World War II Vet Cloyd Cook sits down by the water.
Debbie Ash of Puxico holds up the catfish she had just reeled in.
Jessie Barnes of Bernie waits patiently for his first fish.
Photo courtesy of American Legion Chaplain Lester Barker Jr. Some members of the Missouri Conservation Department noticed a problem: this sign indicated no fishing was allowed at the cemetery. However the agents decided to waive the no fishing regulation for the day.
Chaplain Lester Barker, U.S. Army Ret. leads the prayer before the meal.
Members of the Stoddard County Ambulance District on hand for the event from left: Jamie Holcomb, Jordan Adams, Stoddard County Conservation Agent Michael Collins, Michael Pulley and James Martin.
Lee Bowen, USMC Ret., (left) and Chaplain Lester Barker, U.S. Army Ret. pause for a photo before the meal.
Dee Wamble (left) and Maxine Shell were two of the Kenady-Hanks American Legion Auxiliary Unit 59 on hand preparing desserts.
Volunteer Kourtney Brown breads fish before sending it to the fryer.
Volunteers pictured from left Linda Harris, Jenny Brown, Jackie Bevill and Sherry Whaley cook the hush puppies before the fish fry.
Gus Gockel from the Cape Veterans Home holds up his fish.
Yvonne Sale of Cape Girardeau pauses for a photo.
Dale Garrett (left) and Jim Aikley both of Poplar Bluff enjoy the morning.
Chaplain Lester Barker Poses, U.S. Army Ret. Poses for a photo with veteran James Beaird.
Cletius Meadows of Poplar Bluff enjoyed both the weather and fishing.