860th AMXS help kids 'Catch a Special Thrill'

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  • By 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For the third consecutive year, members of the 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron participated in the annual Catch a Special Thrill for Kids Fishing Event at Lake Berryessa.

The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation and Pleasure Cove Marina, hosted the fishing event on Saturday, Oct. 15. Master Sgt. John Ralph, C-17 Globemaster III crew chief, coordinated the event for his unit.

"It's humbling to realize how just a few hours out of your day can have such a large and lasting impression on the local community and its young boys and girls," Ralph said. "For the past three years, the 860th has worked hand in hand with the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure this event is a success."

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization. Its goal is "to provide disabled or disadvantaged children ages 5 to 16 with the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing." This year marks the organization's 20th anniversary.

C.A.S.T. teamed up with the Bureau of Reclamation to put on this event for the local community. The Bureau of Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 western states. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife benefits.

Thirty-four children participated with at least one parent per child. The children were recruited from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Foster Care, Make a Wish Foundation, Children's Hospitals, School Special Education Departments, CASA and various other Family Support Networks. Each child received a fishing pole, tackle box, T-shirt and other prizes and spent the morning fishing on boats captained by local angler volunteers and 860th AMXS members - Master Sgt. Milton Prescott, Dan Rommel and Chris Clay.

"I enjoyed passing my knowledge of fishing down to the children and helping them to enjoy themselves out on the lake while learning the basics of fishing," said Airman 1st Class Ben Masi, who assisted on one of the boats.

Other 860th AMXS members cooked up a free barbecue lunch that was served to participants, parents and volunteers in the afternoon.

"C.A.S.T. really made me feel the Air Force can be a lot more of a family than just business associates," said Airman 1st Class Mike McCuan of the 860th AMXS.