How Do You Say Thank You? Take Them Fishing - Soldiers On The Sound 6th Annual Fishing Tournament

(Click on photos to enlarge - photos p.biancaniello)

How do you say thank you to people who put their life on the line serving in the United States military? If you are a member of the Smithtown Bay Yacht Club (SBYC),  you might just invite them out on your boat for a day of boating and a fishing competition.

Mike Kozyrski caught the largest fish of the day.Members of the SBYC hosted their 6th Annual Soldiers on the Sound Fishing Tournament Saturday, June 14th. 55 boats participated carrying 123 service men and women from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard for this year’s tournament. 

Kings Park resident Mark Garry is credited with the idea for Soldiers on the Sound.  Mark was searching for a way to give back to local servicemen and women as a way to say thank you for their service.  Mark joined by SBYC members Skip Hein and Roger Smith determined that a fishing tournament would be more interesting than just a big party. “I decided on a fishing tournament because it was always a stress reliever for me as a Homicide Detective. We don’t want people to forget the service and sacrifices these soldiers make.  These men and women, some married with children, go into harm’s way so we can do what we do here. It can’t be taken for granted,” said Mr. Garry

Team Old SchoolAfter a week of rain, June 14 turned out to be a beautiful sunny day.  Military persons and boaters were treated to breakfast before receiving their boat assignment. T-shirts were distributed and it was off to the boats and the parade from the Marina to the Sound. American flags and Soldier on the Sound flags were affixed to all of the participating boats. Smiles and waves and then into the Sound for the shotgun start around 10am. Two professional fishing teams were in attendance providing fishing advice Team Old School and professional fisherman and author Angelo Peluso.

Captains and crews commenced fishing and by three o’clock boaters began to find their way back to the Yacht Club where they weighed the fish thought to be competitive. Small fish were thrown back into the water. Returning boaters were greeted by a huge American flag provided and displayed by Smithtown and St. James Fire Departments.

Pink LadiesWhen the boaters returned to the Yacht Club a transformation had taken place. A group of women who call themselves the “Pink Ladies” had food, music, and raffles spread out for all the participants to enjoy.

A ‘low county boil’ and catered dishes were provided by Ruland Road Deli located in Melville. The Nassau Police Emerald Pipe Band played, and then came the raffles. 

Every participant was eligible to win raffle prizes donated by local merchants and national corporations. Raffels were distributed, not sold. Team Old School, a professional team of fishermen from Youngsville, NC towed their 22ft SeaPro to Smithtown and provided advice and shared some fishing secrets.  In addition, Team Old School’s sponsors donated two of the day’s grand prizes: Simrad donated a NSS7m Charplotter Fishfinder Combination, and Accurate donated a Fury FX 600N fishing reel.

Other prizes included: vacations, flat screen TV’s, kayaks, fishing poles and reels, Yankee, Mets and Ducks baseball tickets. Over 125 prizes were raffled off. 

The winning fish and fisherman Mike KozyrskiThe winning fish 5 lbs and 14 oz.  was caught by the Rear Commodore of the Smithtown Bay Yacht Club, Mike Kozyrski.   On the boat with Mike were Tech Sgt.Warren Langrock and Mstr. Sgt. Jessica Beall both from the 106th Rescue Wing Air National Guard.  This was Beall’s  first time attending the event which she said was, “a lot of fun”. It was the second Soldiers on the Sound event for Langrock who called it, “a blast, my favorite day.”  Both have nine years left in the military and look forward to attending future events.

Mike Smedley from Team Old School brought his boat, advice and lots of goodies donated by his sponsors. This was Team Old School’s second time attending Soldiers on the Sound in addition to it being a great event he loves the venue.  The beauty of the area and the clear waters make it one of the best places and best events he has participated in.  

“It just keeps getting better and better.” Mark Garry

Soldiers on the Sound is free for all participants. Captains, first mates and Pink Ladies are volunteers.  The event relys on the generous donations of sponsors. The tournament is open to active serviceman and prior registration is required.  Soldiers on the Sound Ltd, is a not for profit organization. If your are interested in making a donation towards the 2015 event, send an email to soldiersonthesound@gmail.com