Sardis Lake Hosts Fourth Annual Wounded Veterans Fishing Event

Vicksburg, Miss….The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Sardis Lake Field Office partnered with the Panola County sheriff’s office and local volunteers to host the fourth annual fishing event for wounded veterans.

The six participating wounded veterans were treated to dinner by Slick McDonald on July 20, the evening prior to the beginning of the fishing event. On July 21, their day began with a breakfast provided by Jason Chrestman, Lonnie Chrestman and Howard Brower. Following breakfast at 7 a.m., the veterans teamed with volunteer guides Jeremy Aldridge, Stephan Sullivan and Chaney Starnes to begin fishing at Pats Bluff Campground on the scenic waters of Sardis Lake.

The day was full of excitement as the veterans caught about 200 crappie, having kept only 44 solid slab crappie due to length restrictions. 

 After a thrilling day on the water, the veterans and volunteers gathered at Pats Bluff campground for dinner. 

This event shows appreciation to wounded veterans for their service and sacrifice and affords them the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation. Participating veterans were Christopher Glory, Jessica R. Glory, Barry Morreale, Mike Holiday, Dustin Williams, and Cameron Boyette. Volunteers for this event were Dennis Darby with Panola County Sherriff Department, Blake Shipp of Guaranty Bank, Jason Chrestman, Leo Chrestman, Lonnie Chrestman, Slick and Trina McDonald, Howard Brower, Logan Potts, Jay Davis and David Goss.

The staff of Sardis Lake thanks all for making this year’s fishing event another success. 

The primary mission of the Mississippi lakes is to provide flood risk reduction. With approximately 1.3 million visitors each year, Sardis Lake also contributes approximately $26 million into the local economy. For more information visit our website at www.mvk.usace.army.mil.