Jeremy McCarty founded Giving Back Outdoors over 4-years ago. The program is dedicated to providing opportunities for veterans, youth, first responders, individuals with mobility issues and other underserved individuals through hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing, camping, gardening and a variety of other outdoor activities. They operate in 13 different states and have been coming to Oregon offering hunting and fishing opportunities for the past few years. Lincoln County has a lot to offer and they want to get more involved.
On September 21st the group was here in Lincoln County. Veterans and first responders from around the state and beyond gathered at an Air B&B in Newport and then had an opportunity to get together with local guides and head out to do some fishing on the Yaquina River, from the Toledo Boat launch. Chad Russell, a Marine Veteran, has been working with Giving Back Outdoors for many years and helped to coordinate this year's fishig trip. Five guides donated their boats and time to take the veterans and first responders out. There were several first responders from the Dechuttes County Sheriff's Office who also made the trip to honor one of their own, Lt. Ernie Brown, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on September 4, 2022.
Lt. Brown was also a Marine Veteran and participated on these fishing trips on the coast.
His two sons came over to fish in memory of their father. Russell said "It's about commradory, coming together and letting veterans and first responders know that they matter. Give them a chance to get some respite, get outdoors and honor their service and sacrafices for what they do for us everyday."
Russell added that the night before, they broke bread and had dinner together. The lodging, food, and beverages were generously provided by sponsors, and volunteers helped make this a great day for those who attended. He was happy to report that everyone on their trip caught a salmon, and the Ernie Brown memorial fishing trip was a great success, providing respite and camaraderie for veterans and first responders. The team is looking to get more local veterans and first responders involved from Lincoln County. They are actively planning for future events. To learn more about Giving Back Outdoors or to contribute to the non-profit organization, you can go online to https://givingbackoutdoors.org/
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