Pictured below is Brig. Gen. Charles Yeager. I was lucky enough to sit at his table at the Fish First Banquet.

General Yeager is a living American hero.  How often do you get to shake the hand of a man with these decorations?

Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Purple Heart Presidential Medal of Freedom Congressional Silver Medal

I couldn’t afford to buy the signed print he had generously donated, but I did score an American flag that was flown over the White House on March 5, 2010. I’ll post a picture once it’s framed.

Also up for grabs were 10 brand new North Fork salmon sticks that were tied up into rods by Brian Timm with help from Anglers’ Workshop. Beautiful work guys.

One of the highlights of the evening was the thanks giving to Jack Kaeding and Dan Balch. You can see Jack’s comments here.

All in all, it was an event we were thrilled to be a part of with people we are proud to call friends.