ROGERS, Ark. (March 5, 2011) – Pfc. Kyle Lowdermilk of Greenwood, Ark., and Pfc. Tyler Bacon of Conway, Ark., won the National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Bass Fishing Tournament held on Beaver Lake Saturday. The team, fishing with pro Scott Martin, caught three bass for a total of 7 pounds, 10 ounces to take the title and bragging rights amongst their peers.
“The fishing was slow today,” said Lowdermilk. “We were throwing jerkbaits and a new swimbait and it was a great day of fishing. It was a great all-around trip, and it’s the experience that counts.”
“A lot of the time soldiers are deployed because we have committed to our country and have other duties and responsibilities and don’t get a lot of down time or time with our families,” said Bacon. “To have these guys take us out and show us the ropes is awesome.”
Most of the participants in the bass fishing tournament are members of the Arkansas National Guard and most have had at least one tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.In this tournament, Walmart FLW Tour pro anglers took teams of two fishing to compete amongst their peers. Each team was allowed to bring in three bass. FLW Outdoors is operating the tournaments in conjunction with the National Guard to show appreciation to our service members of the National Guard.
“My highlight of every tournament is having the chance to take out soldiers,” said Martin. “They’ve all got their own stories and everybody has their own sacrifices. It gives me a great sense of appreciation for what they do.”
A total of 13 service men and women, seven teams, participated in the tournament. Rounding out the teams was:
2nd:Master Sgt. Thomas Aldridge of Little Rock, Ark., and Chief Warrant Officer Cornelius Charles of Sherwood, Ark., fishing with pro Payden Hibdon, 3 fish, 7-8
3rd: Sgt. Ransom McCrary of Rogers, Ark., and Sgt. 1st Class Jason Wilson of Rogers, Ark., fishing with pro Brent Ehrler, 3 fish, 7-4
4th: Staff Sgt. Eugene Moore of Little Rock, Ark., fishing with pro Cody Meyer, 3 fish, 6-7
5th: Maj. Vic England of Bentonville, Ark., and Stephanie Jackson of Bentonville, Ark., fishing with pro Wes Thomas, 3 fish, 5-9
6th: Pfc. Morgan Seamster of Rogers, Ark., and Pfc. Tippon Wison of Rogers, Ark., fishing with pro Brett Hite, 3 fish, 3-13
7th: Staff Sgt. Matt Bumgarner of Forrest City, Ark., and Staff Sgt. Dustin Curtis of Russellville, Ark., fishing with pro Jonathan Newton, 3 fish, 3-0
The Soldier Appreciation Tournament was held in conjunction with the Walmart FLW Tour on Beaver Lake.