201212_UTMinuteman_W.. - Keep Trees

Utah Guard Sponsors
Fish and Fun for Disabled
Story and photos by Maj. Bruce Roberts
SAND HOLLOW, Utah — Saturday, June 2, marked a
much-anticipated event for dozens of people with physical
disabilities from Southern Utah. The annual Fish and Fun, held
at Sand Hollow State Park, partners local fi shermen and disabled
persons ranging in age from 8 to 72.
The idea originated with Steve Miller of Cedar City, who
wanted to combine his passion for fi shing with his desire to do
something for those in need.
“We need to do something for the disabled, we are so spoiled
getting to fi sh every weekend,” said Miller.
Miller started reaching out to fi shing buddies with boats,
experience, and a desire to help, and the fi rst Fish and Fun was
born in 2007.
One of the fi rst people Miller asked to help with the event
was Sgt. 1st Class Shane Johnson of Recruiting Team Five.
Johnson got his team involved and the Utah National Guard has
been the biggest supporter of the event ever since, helping with
manpower, boats, food and organization.
“The Guard has been huge,” remarked Miller.
Over the last six years
Miller and Johnson have
recruited more than 30
other sponsors, contributing
everything from fi shing
tackle and bait, to awards for
participants.
While Miller has been
limited by the number of
boats available, forcing him
to cap participants at 55,
he always has plenty of
volunteers. Typically many of the employees from the group
homes that house the disabled will come to join in the fun with
the people they work with every day.
Greg Haslam is program manager for Stonebrook Group
Home in St. George, which had several of its members in
attendance, commented on what it means to the disabled persons
who get to participate.
“A lot of them don’t have the means to get out much.
Anytime we have the opportunity to do something like this, we
want to take advantage of it.”
Other volunteers included the members of the Charlie
Company Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP). They helped
set up the pavilion, move equipment into place, and man the
barbecue for the awards portion of the day. “It’s great interaction
for the RSP”, said Johnson. When not helping out with the event,
RSP cadre took advantage of the opportunity to conduct a little
training, giving a class on patrol formations and practicing Drill
and Ceremony in preparation for Basic Training.
Utah National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion
members present awards to all participants in the 6th annual
Fish and Fun. (Above) Two of the organizers, Master Sgt.
Shane Johnson and Steve Miller (right), pose for a photo with
a happy participant.
Utah Minuteman 29