Glasslined Technologies Beams 2023 Cast + Blast A Great Success
The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) and Glasslined Technologies, Inc. hosted 14 purple heart recipients during its Inaugural Wounded Veterans ‘Cast and Blast’ Event at Lake Oconee, September 18-20, 2023. Georgia SCI has hosted many similar events for more than a decade, providing a full 3-day event of fishing, shooting and fun for wounded veterans and their guests. This three-day event, which has become the Inaugural event for Georgia SCI on Lake Oconee, is an opportunity for veterans, including their family members or guests, to enjoy an all-expenses-paid 3-day event of meals, accommodations, fishing and clay shooting.
Veterans and their guests were welcomed to a Monday-afternoon of fishing on Lake Oconee and shooting clays at Old Hudson Plantation followed by an evening kick-off dinner at the Lodge on Oconee where upon entrance, they were greeted by the general manager and staff. An amazing meal ensued, and veterans, guests and volunteers were given the opportunity to get to know each other. It didn’t go unnoticed that American Flags were placed in the area with a follow up introduction by SCI and Glasslined Technologies’ leadership, CEO James Lakeman, to the veterans thanking them for their service and sacrifice.
Alarm clocks sounded early the next day as the veterans set out for a 4-boat fishing tournament on Lake Oconee. The Georgia Chapter supplied sunscreen, drinks, and snacks for the anglers as they headed out to fish. Friendly competition waged, and the anglers were vying for several awards to be presented later in the event. The first few fish were caught almost immediately as anglers were competing for those fishing awards. The action included steadily reeling in striped bass, spotted bass, and catfish over the next several hours. Following a fantastic morning of fishing with some of Lake Oconee’s best captains, veterans and volunteers ate lunch and were given the remainder of the afternoon to relax prior to the evening’s events.
Later that afternoon, more than 43 guests, including several South Vietnamese combat veterans, their family members and guests, Georgia SCI volunteers, Glasslined Technologies leadership and dignitaries boarded the Spirt of Oconee, a 39-foot double decker houseboat owned by Reynolds Lake Oconee. Cruise-goers said the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the invocation before casting off the dock to start the three-hour dinner cruise. It should be noted that two retired US Marines supplied entertainment throughout the dinner cruise. It should also be noted that the Vietnamese guests joining the dinner cruise brought a custom cake for the event and guest enjoyment. The cake was an outstanding addition to the feeling of the event and patriotism of all on board. It showed an American Soldier at the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC in prayer with his hand on the Wall and the American and Vietnamese Flags in the background. There were soldiers from both sides behind the flags from all sides. Those who witnessed the cake and took many pictures were left teary-eyed and quiet but felt an increased sense of Patriotism and adrenalin. Participants enjoyed the beautiful weather along with a stellar sunset and the camaraderie continued throughout the night.
Nearing the end of the evening, participants were introduced to one South Vietnamese veteran who detailed his experience being one of the last Vietnamese to board the last helicopter leaving Vietnam on the last day of the War. He mentioned that had he missed this helicopter, he would have been killed. Additionally, there was much discussion between the American veterans and the South Vietnamese veterans about their combat experiences even though they didn’t know each other back then… but they do now. This very powerful interaction left attendees quiet and teary-eyed.
Awards, generously provided by Bass Pro Shops, Walmart and Ace Hardware were presented to several of the anglers from the day’s fishing tournament and shooting and participants heard from numerous dignitaries. The common theme throughout the night was a message of sincere thanks and gratitude to the veterans for their service to our great country. One very special guest was a retired US Army Lieutenant General who commented to the guest on board that he was so proud of the event and the service and sacrifice of all who committed themselves to support of our great country.
“The Georgia Chapter of SCI is committed to supporting our men and women in uniform and this is a way for us to show our appreciation,” said Dick Caillouet, a Vietnam Veteran, and Vice President and Chairman of Wounded Veterans Events for Georgia SCI. “We want to show these veterans and their families that we care for them. One consistent message I receive from them is that we are indeed helping and changing people’s lives. It’s incredibly powerful.”
Our Cast and Blast event is all about thanking these heroes for their sacrifice and service," said sponsor James Lakeman, CEO of Glasslined Technologies. "We're honored to host this special group and provide an opportunity to connect with nature."
In addition, during the Award ceremony, many of the Wounded Veterans commented that these eventsactually change their lives because they witness the love and support from other Americans in a ‘real’ way and in real time. We had multiple American Wounded Vets engage in discussion of what these efforts mean to them. One explained that this is the first ‘real’ example of American support he has seen over the years. He had three tours in Vietnam and two Purple Hearts with much physical damage still causing problems and pain. His comments were much appreciated by all in attendance, and some have volunteered to help with future events.
