Operation Desert Kayak Fish

UPDATE: ALL PLANS FOR OPERATION DESKAF HAVE BEEN PUT ON INDEFINATE HOLD.

Our man on the ground in country has stated there are two specific issues that will preclude KASA from executing Operation DESKAF in 2008. As many of you know, we didn't begin collecting monies for this operation as we felt until we had an in-country assessment we couldn't begin taking donations.

While KASA very much appreciates all the offers for help, and offers of donations, we also want you to know we believed it was our responsibility to not begin taking funds until we knew we could go.

So - as of June, 2008, the DESKAF is on hold. We're monitoring the situation in Iraq, and we're hoping the situation will change and we'll be able to ramp up and go.

So - keep your eyes peeled to this space, and watch for press releases if that occurs.

Again - we thank all the sportsmen and women who have expressed their desire to help KASA support the U.S. Military in Iraq.

Meanwhile, we hope you'll continue to assist us with our Heroes on the Water program. If you're unaware of our activities there, please click on the "Heroes on the Water" link above.

Best -

KASA

Operation Desert Kayak Fish is one of KASA's most exciting projects.

Slated to occur in the 3rd quarter of 2008, KASA will be bringing a little piece of home to the troops in Iraq. Working in conjunction with the United States Army, and the military's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program, KASA will be bringing a fleet of kayaks to Iraq. There, in one of the safe zones, we will offer our active duty military members the opportunity to kayak fish for the native species of fish, among which is the fierce fighting barramundi, a close relative of the snook.

KASA will be providing all the equipment, including the kayaks, accessories, and the fishing rods, reels, and lures needed to land the big one!

The program for the day will include a kayak fishing tournament, followed by a concert in the evening by a soon to be announced entertainer.

After the tournament has ended, KASA will be leaving the kayaks, accessories (seats, paddles, pfds) and fishing equipment in country, where the MWR  folks will take it over. Then, military members in country who are certified KASA Kayak Angling Instructors will teach more soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines how to kayak fish, using KASA's Kayak Angling course to give those troops who take the course a life skill that they can then use when their service in Iraq is over.

KASA is actively seeking sponsors for this program!

If you are interested in joining us in supporting our troops in Iraq, either with donations of cash or equipment, please send us an email at Ken@KayakAnglersSA.org

A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."

That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

-- Author Unknown