Basic HTML Version
80
TOBACCO OUTLET BUSINESS
JULY/AUGUST 2012
prepared for the 60-minute ride back to
Beaufort Inlet.
While the troops were out fishing,
their family members started arriving
later in the morning and participated
in sightseeing boat rides, a children’s
fishing derby and carnival games
including a dunking booth, bouncy
house and face-painting stations.
Portside Marina donated the use of
a large ferry for family boat tours and
families were also shuttled over to
Duke Marine Labs, where they went
on a tour of Carrot Island courtesy of
Paula Gillikin of the Rachel Carson
Estuarine Reserve. This tour proved
to be one of the more popular family
activities as the wild ponies that reside
in the area were a big attraction. Many
children were also able to fish for the
very first time as MAD volunteers had
fishing rods rigged up and ready to go
with bait, hooks and floats.
As the boats began to return later
in the day, the troops were greeted
by MAD volunteers who helped
them off the boats and cleaned
their catches. “Back at the docks,
the MAD 7 volunteers cleaned and
bagged fish so our service members
could safely transport them back
home,” says Martin, who reports
that the event concluded with an
amazing pig-pickin’ and chicken
supper at City Park prepared by
eight different cooking crews,
affectionately known as the “Hobo
Junction Gang.”
“Our volunteers prepared five whole
hogs, over 1,000 lbs of chicken, plus
all the sides and desserts,” reports
Donna McDowell, the leader of the
Food and Beverage team at MAD.
“Feeding a group this size takes months
of preparation, but in the end to see
the happy faces of the finest people
our nation has, well, that is just a great
feeling.”
“Rouseco would like to thank all
current and former members of our
military for their sacrifice,” agrees
Martin. “We look forward to seeing you
next year.”
For more information on military
appreciation events and to learn how
you can volunteer, please visit: www.
militaryappreciationday.org.
TOB