Edwards Airmen tackle awesome day of deep-sea fishing as thank-you

  • Published
  • By Diane Betzler
  • Staff Writer
ANACAPA ISLAND, Calif. --  Four Edwards Airmen received special thanks for their service after returning from a deployment to the Middle East.

Tim Burress, a field engineer for JT3, wanted to do something special for the returning Airmen, so he recruited a couple friends and together they raised enough money to finance a one-day deep-sea fishing trip that took place May 26.

The Edwards warfighters were treated to a full day of fishing near Anacapa, a small volcanic island located about 14 miles off the coast of Ventura, Calif.

Mr. Burress, who is no stranger to raising money for causes he believes in, contacted local citizens and business owners and asked for their help in supporting an all-expense- paid deep-sea fishing trip for the Edwards Airmen who just got back from their tours in combat areas.

"The First Sergeants Association contacted several people returning from the Middle East and 11 Airmen responded saying they would love to take part in the outing," Mr. Burress said.

He started working on the fundraiser about six months ago and arranged for Dave Worthham, captain of the Erna B, to donate the use of his 60-foot fishing vessel.

Mr. Burress generated enough donations to cover the cost of the fishing excursion and licenses for each Airman.

"The gear, (rods and reels) was donated to the Airman for use that day by the Channel Islands Sportfishing Shop," Mr. Burress said.

He said Palmdale orthodontist Dr. Timothy Buckley covered the galley fees for the group and the required licenses were paid for by The Gun Shop in Lancaster, whose owner, Ron Carmichael, also pitched in to help coordinate the event.

"Fuel for the excursion was graciously paid for by the Los Angeles Parrot Head Club," said Mr. Arnett, who is also a Parrot Head Club member.

The Parrot Head Club is a nonprofit organization made up of singer Jimmy Buffet fans who do fundraisers throughout the year for needy causes.

"This year we wanted to include our veterans on our list of causes," Mr. Arnett said.

Tom Watt, owner of A Place to Shoot, an outdoor shooting range in Saugus, Calif., also pitched in to cover the cost of fuel.

Of the 11 returning Airmen only four were actually able to work the outing into their schedule.

"It's really hard to come up with a date and time that works for everyone when you're dealing with so many," Mr. Burress said.

The group met on a hazy Thursday morning at the Channel Islands Sportfishing Center in Oxnard, Calif., and set out from the dock just around sunrise.

The Edwards Airmen who were able to join the outing and brave the high and windy seas were: Master Sgt. Christopher Easter from the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Det. 5; Staff Sgt. Ryan Wright, 95th Communications Squadron; Capt. Elizabeth Evans from AFOTEC Det. 5 and Capt. Joel Lozano, Air Force Flight Test Center Contracting.

Mr. Burress said their journey began with high winds and rough seas, but said their seasoned captain got them through that and found a calm area just off Anacapa Island where the fish were plentiful and biting.

"Sergeant Easter won the day's jackpot with the largest catch of the day, a vermillion Rockfish commonly called a Red Snapper," Mr. Burress said.

He said Captain Evans fished a close second when she caught a large Boccaccio, which is also known as a Salmon Grouper.

"It was an awesome trip, the guys were amazing, we had a blast," Captain Evans said, adding that the ship's deckhands were very nice and helpful. "We caught two scorpion fish and the crew immediately took over handling them."

She said the crewmembers removed the venomous spined heads as well as the spines on the fishes back and fins, making them safe for the Airmen to handle.

"It was fascinating to watch and it was so nice of the guys who took us out to watch over us they way they did," she said.

Captain Evans said she felt bad that not all the Airmen who were invited were able to make it. Captain Evans had just returned from serving four months in Kuwait.

"Staff Sgt. Ryan Wright and Capt. Joel Lozano rounded out the team of anglers," Mr. Burress said. He said everyone was able to catch his or her limit of rockfish.

"The crew went out of their way to ensure we all caught fish," Captain Lozano said. The captain said it was a great trip and a perfect day.

"The crew kept thanking us for our service. I felt really appreciated," he said.

"Afterwards we hit the galley for cheeseburgers and pastrami sandwiches, while the deckhands of the Erna B cleaned all the fish during the trip back to the dock," Mr. Burress said.