To the Editor:

The Wounded Warriors Fishing Derby in Ogdensburg last month brought more than 20 Fort Drum soldiers and family members to the banks of the St. Lawrence River for a day of fishing and camaraderie.

Hosted by FISHCAP, the St. Lawrence County Chamber’s initiative to promote our area as the fishing capital of the world, the Derby received incredible local support from Fort Drum, local veterans’ groups, and a host of volunteers.

It was also made possible by the following sponsors, who generously gave financial or product support and deserve this special thank-you: Jim Locy, Austin Layng Glass & Radiator Shop, the City of Ogdensburg, Dunkin Donuts, El Grande Lures, Fidelis Care, Gander Mountain, Great Northern Printing, Howie's Naughty Times Bar, Kinney Drugs, Mort Backus & Sons, Nature's Trophies, North Country Savings Bank, Pepsi-Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers, Price Chopper, St. Lawrence Chocolates, Temple Fork Outfitters, The Nut Shop International, US Reel, Walmart, and Wireless Zone.

Many individuals were also instrumental to the Derby. We are especially grateful to boat captains Ed Reyes, Don Lucas, Nate Laskiewicz, Jesse Uppstrom, Vern Smithers, Don Dobbs, Greg Barr, and Spencer Love; as well as others who contributed their time including Bill Locy, Al Locy, Ted Lawrence, John Clark, Becky Rolfe, Rita Rolfe, Jay Schurz, Jay Foster, Lou Kiah, Ralf Miller, Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson, Ogdensburg City Manager Art Sciorra, and Ogdensburg Parks and Recreation Director Matt Curatolo.

These people and companies came together on June 4 to pay tribute to the men and women of Fort Drum and introduce a new audience to our region’s fantastic fishing. The Wounded Warriors Derby was an inaugural FISHCAP event, and we also thank supporters of the entire FISHCAP initiative: the Town of Massena, Town of Brasher, Alcoa Foundation, North Country Savings Bank, St. Lawrence County IDA, the RVRDA, Corning Foundation, and the Town of Waddington.

On behalf of FISHCAP, our deepest thanks to one and all.

The FISHCAP Advisory Board
Lewis Barkley, Hank Bouchard, Chris Flint, Bob Giordano, Joe Gray, Burnie Haney, Laurie Marr, Al McGrath, Pat McKeown, Don Meissner, Matt Revenaugh, Mike Seymour, and Dave Swanson