In what has now become an annual major event, Fins for Freedom is once again celebrating Armed Forces Weekend on May 17 by providing military service men and women the opportunity for a day filled with off shore sports fishing and other events.
“We invite others to join in our efforts to show our military men and women how much we appreciate what they do for our nation,” said Michael Mavrinac, president of Fins for Freedom.
He and other officers of the non-profit organization outlined, ways others can participate in the Armed Forces celebration ranging, from contributions for gift baskets to offering their vessel and captaincy for a day’s adventure.
Dan Brady, treasurer of the organization, which was formed specifically to provide the day of fishing from privately owned craft, noted that more than 80 military members and veterans have signed on for the trips. The organization has set a goal of reaching 100 military members for the event, and is in need of more fishing boats to enable that to happen.
Anyone with a vessel 26 or larger who wants to be part of this great event can contact Brady or any member of Fins for Freedom or register their vessel at finsforfreedom.org
Now in its fourth year, officers, including Mavrinac, Brady, vice president Jake Campi and secretary Dave Thompson, all say the response they have gotten from military members after previous Fins for Freedom fishing days are their inspiration for continuing the program every year and adding more to it.
From experienced fishermen who never get the chance to go out in a private fishing vessel to retired sailors who have never fished since childhood, the day with other military celebrating on the water is an never to be forgotten event. “Our goal is to get something into the hands of every service member,” Brady said, “we give it all away. That’s why we are a non-profit organization; it all goes back to our military.”
Persons wanting to learn more about the program or wanting to be part of this year’s events should contact finsforfreedom.org
Once again, the NJROTC students at MAST, the MARINE Academy of Science and Technology, at Sandy Hook, will be on hand at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor throughout the day to assist the military fishermen, hand out gifts and help with all the final arrangements.
The day culminates with a major dinner in which the military and veterans can share their stories not only of their day but of their experience as active or retired men and women of all the military forces.