This past Thursday I interviewed professional fisherman and veteran supporter Jarrett Edwards. Jarrett has been fishing the Bassmaster Trail for over nine years and fishes at the NASCAR level of competitive angling. He is the youngest national TV host of his own highly popular Jarrett Edwards Outdoor TV fishing show. Jarrett and his wife Rebecca created Operation Outdoors USA to honor and show appreciation to our active duty service people and our veterans. Their activities directly support the Lone Survivor Foundation, and indirectly support all veterans!
At the age of 25, Jarrett was on top of the world, making a great living in competitive fishing. He was a newly-wed, having been married to Rebecca seven months when he felt a lump on his neck. The resulting diagnosis of cancer was dire and Jarrett went through aggressive treatment and was able to defeat the disease. On June 28, 2005 he had his last treatment and watched the news in shock as the world learned of a SEAL Team lost in action, with one survivor. He became motivated to do something to make a difference in the lives of the veterans who fought to give him the freedoms to pursue his dream. Mike Schlitz and I had the opportunity to meet both Rebecca and Jarrett at the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach last March. I can personally attest that they are great Americans! They care deeply about our veterans and have dug deep into their own pockets, donating $80,000 to self-fund Operation Outdoors USA. To date the boat has 3,215 signatures – including mine on the propeller!
Listen to the interview here, and watch for Jarrett – he’s on the World Fishing Network and the Sportsman’s Channel. He will continue touring the boat around the US until October 15 when he donates it to the Lone Survivor Foundation’s Texas ranch where it will be put to use taking veterans out for the healing experience of fishing.
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