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Soldiers, anglers take to the water at Griffin Lakes
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Byron Bubba Stephens presents a check for $1,000 to the Alpha Battery, 1/118 Field Artillery Battalion family readiness group after the first Warrior Bass Fishing Tournament at Griffin Lakes. - photo by Photo provided

Bass Anglers Plus Inc. hosted the first Warrior Bass Fishing Tournament at Griffin Lakes.

Twelve soldiers from the Georgia Army National Guard Alpha Battery of 1/118th Field Artillery Battalion, based in Springfield, with 12 anglers from local counties took part in a catch-and-release bass tournament.

The event kicked off with the national anthem and fireworks display at around 6:45 a.m. The families started coming out at 10 a.m. to enjoy a day for the kids with activities including live music by Brian Fuller of Effingham County and lots of food as well.

The Effingham County Sherriffs Department escorted a dozen-plus motorcycles leading off with the American flag, and POW/ MIA and all five branches of the military services flags at 12:30 p.m. Anglers and soldiers came in with their catch at 1 p.m.

First place went to Jeremy Zeigler and Alex Godwin, and second place and big fish went to Humberto Guerrero and Josh Heaton.

A $1,000 donation was made to the Alpha Battery family readiness group.

“The winners of the event were everyone who came out and participated in the event and family fun day at the beautiful facility Griffin Lakes, along with the beautiful weather,” said Byron “Bubba” Stephens Jr., president of Bass Anglers Plus, Inc. “Bass Anglers Plus Inc. would like to take this time to thank Stanley, Darlene and Bo Bashlor for allowing us to host our event at such a beautiful park, and a special thanks to all the volunteers, the Effingham County Board of Commissioners, the Effingham County Recreation Department and the Effingham County Sherriff’s Office, and a special thanks to Kenny and Liz for providing the stage for the event and to all our sponsors.”

For more, visit the Web site at www.takeasoldierfishing-ga.org.