Earlier this year, the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) held its 8th annual bass tournament for sixty disabled veterans at Huckleberry Harbor in Shawano, Wisconsin.
The day began with an impressive Honor Guard ceremony conducted by the Shawano AMVETS Post 10 on the docks, serving as a solemn and respectful tribute to our nation’s heroes. After the ceremony and the singing of the National Anthem by Ashley Nikolai, the sound of fifty-five bass boats and two pontoons filled the air as they carried the sixty veterans with disabilities to their chosen fishing spots.
Generous sponsors and donors provided a variety of raffle prizes, which were displayed. A variety of delicious food and refreshing drinks were also available for the group eagerly awaiting the announcement of the tournament winners.
At 2:00 pm, the boats returned to Huckleberry Harbor for the weigh-in. The crowd, filled with anticipation, gathered around the weigh-in station, eagerly awaiting the results.
Team 3, consisting of Thompson and Glaza, won 1st place in both the “Dash for Cash” and “Biggest Fish of the Day” competitions with their 3.43 lbs. bass. Team 27, made up of B. Pollack and D. Pollack, secured 2nd place in the “Dash for Cash” competition with their 3.17 lbs. bass.
In the competition for the heaviest total weight of a three-bass limit, Team 3, consisting of Thompson and Glaza, clinched 1st place with a total weight of 7.44 lbs. They were closely followed by Team 16, Pagen Koph and Paul Prickette, who secured 2nd place with a weight of 7.42 lbs. Team 26, comprising Ben Oleson and Zackery Reed, took 3rd place with 7.14 lbs. 
Team 23, Randall Lamke and Jim Prickette finished in 4th place with a weight of 6.96 lbs. Team 46, Pawkowski and Joey Petrich, came in 5th place with 6.48 lbs. In 6th place were Team 8, Sharer and Habeck, who weighed in at 5.76 lbs. Team 22, Bob Pidgeon and Nate Weyh, finished 7th with a total weight of 5.47 lbs. Team 41, Boivin and Poppe, took 8th place with 5.25 lbs. Teams 49, Tourtillot and Oertel, and 17, Isaacson and Winker, tied for 9th and 10th places, each weighing in at 5.11 lbs. Each team demonstrated dedication and teamwork, showcasing the true spirit of competition!
At 4:00 pm, the American flag was returned to full staff, and the colors were retired for the day. This solemn moment allowed everyone to reflect on our veterans’ sacrifices to secure our freedom.
The camaraderie and fellowship among the veterans, fishermen, and volunteers were remarkable and continued well into the evening. They seemed to have an instant connection as if they had known each other for years and were like one big extended family.
We want to thank the fishermen who participated in the 2024 tournament. We also want to honor the veterans for their service, bravery, and sacrifices for our country. Congratulations to all the teams for a job well done!
A special thank you goes out to our sponsors: AMVETS Post 10, Strike King, Marshfield Drones, Skeeter Boats, Nueske’s, Charlie’s Market, Evray Baits, Cynor’s Custom Baits, Pigeon River Lures, Wade Phieffer & Adams County Basscasters for providing the rod and reel for veteran Hidde, and Bob Boda for the patriotic musky tackle. We also want to thank Shawano Paper Mill, Domino’s Pizza, Wade Phieffer & Adams County Basscasters, Kwik Trip of Shawano, Random Lake Rod & Gun Club, and all the donors who contributed to this event.
We appreciate the invaluable support from the Shawano County and City Police Department, Shawano Fire Department, and Ambulance Service for their invaluable support.
Thank you to April Hidde and her daughter for their beautiful pictures and to the USSA dedicated volunteer staff for their intricate and tireless work in making this event memorable for those who helped ensure our nation’s freedom! God bless!
If you are interested in getting involved or know of a deserving youth or veteran, please contact us at [email protected].