SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The mission statement behind ArmyBassAnglers (ABA) is "SUPPORT. DEFEND. FISH." And Zero Tolerance Knives makes "Serious Knives for Serious Missions." It only made sense the two form a partnership to provide high-quality equipment for America's heroes once they return home from the battlefield.
"We think the two go together so well," said Chris Brooks, marketing manager of Zero Tolerance Knives. "We're very proud to announce ZT's support of ABA through a multi-year sponsorship. Zero Tolerance knives have been there consistently for our heroes when they're out in the field. Now, we're thrilled to partner with ArmyBassAnglers and its coalition of pro staff anglers in helping those heroes once they've returned home." ABA President Cody Roberson adds, "We look forward to a long, strong relationship with Zero Tolerance and to putting these incredible knives into the hands of America's finest."
Brooks continues, "Our guys in uniform have Supported and Defended; now we think it's definitely time for them to get out and Fish and enjoy some well-deserved recreation. Zero Tolerance is extremely pleased that we're able to stand behind our military with duty-ready knives when they're on the job, and now when they're back home, too. We're honored to support the members of ArmyBassAnglers who defend the freedoms enjoyed by ZT employees, the customers who purchase our products, and all American citizens."
Roberson says he's looking forward to the partnership with Zero Tolerance and says the company's unique, tested specifications will lend themselves nicely to the soldiers ABA works with on a regular basis.
"We are extremely excited about Zero Tolerance Knives joining forces with our organization," says Roberson. "We are continually seeking one-of-a-kind companies to support our Mission and Zero Tolerance fits that mold perfectly with their built-like-a-tank knives. If you know anything about soldiers, you know that toughness isn't just a character trait, it's a requirement, and we are proud to join forces with a company and product as tough and tested as Zero Tolerance Knives. HOOAH!"
ABA consists of 12 pro staff anglers and more than 100 coalition anglers, all of whom are active duty or retired U.S. military from all branches of service. The group currently fishes Bass Champs on the World Fishing Network, numerous grass roots events and Fishing for Freedom events. It gained national prominence as the Ceremonial Launch Boats for the past two Bassmasters Classics, while raising national awareness for Returning Heroes Home, Lone Star Paralyzed Veterans of America, Heroes on the Water and Veteran Outdoors.
The Warrior & Family Support Center, the non-profit ABA originally supported, is a 12,000 square foot rehabilitation center, funded solely by private donations and it provides space for wounded soldiers undergoing treatment in San Antonio, allowing them to spend private time with their friends and families when they are not actively participating in rehabilitative treatment.
The Lone Star Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a congressionally chartered veterans service organization established on August 19th, 1989, is locally involved in the support of its members or veterans in the North Texas area who served in the armed forces and have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction. On the national front, Zero Tolerance also donates a portion of its proceeds from the sale of select ZT knives to the PVA Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund.
Heroes on the Water is a national non-profit 501c3 that focuses its efforts on kayaking and fishing as a rehabilitative outdoor activity for wounded veterans recovering from their combat injures. HOW is an incredible alternative to powerboat fishing and outdoor recreation that has provided very inspiring results both in physical and emotional rehabilitation.
Veteran Outdoors is a non-profit 501c3 that completes the ArmyBassAngler's Task Force of non-profits that provide big game one-of-a-kind hunting and fishing experiences for wounded veterans with some of the country's most experienced pros and guides, all focused on the wounded hero and his story.