An array of prizes will be awarded at the Veterans and Friends Fishing Tournament

In keeping with his longstanding commitment to veterans, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, working with his Veterans Cabinet, has decided to launch a Veterans and Friends Fishing Tournament at Lake Cahuilla Regional Veterans Park on Saturday, April 17, 2021. It will be the first of its kind.

The event’s Title Sponsor is The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians. Tribal leaders donated a two-night stay at its resort and two rounds of golf for prizes. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has donated four tickets, Yellow Mart donated merchandise, and the General George S. Patron Museum has also donated four tickets as prizes. More prizes may be added.

Prizes for the fishing tournament will be awarded for the biggest trout, biggest cat fish, and biggest other fish. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the tournament begins at 9 a.m. Admission for Veterans is free and all others just $5.

Perez remains the only County Supervisor to have a Veterans Cabinet. Members have served in Vietnam, Cold War, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Members served in the US Army, US Marines, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard and the national guard, federal reserves, and state guard.

They advise the Supervisor on Veterans polices, morale, and wellness. They helped Supervisor Perez and consultants develop the first Veterans Survey amongst County of Riverside Veterans and host a summit sharing the results. Findings identified ranged from improved care at the VA hospital, access to improved PTSD care, employment opportunities,  benefit and assistance programs for Veterans and families.

Members helped design the Veterans Park monuments, buried a time capsule at the monument, and planned and participated in the program dedicating the park and monuments.

Pat Cooper, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Darin Schemmer, Communications Director for Supervisor Perez,  are assisting Veteran Cabinet Members Steven Waggoner, Dan Smith, John Easton, Mike Pierson, Ed Robles, Bill Young, and Tom Freeman with Fishing Tournament plans.

Perez has drafted a number of polices while a county supervisor to benefit Veterans, our military and dependent families. He asked the regional park at Lake Cahuilla be named to honor veterans and also worked with his Veterans Cabinet to build a monument honoring all branches of our military. He has hosted a concert with California Baptist University Symphony for Veterans, used the county lobby team in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to support federal and state laws that benefit Veterans, and has supported our National Cemetery and military museums such as March Field, General George S. Patton, and Palm Springs Air Museum. Perez also served on the Veterans Committee in the state Legislature while he was Majority Leader.

Military Service Organizations such as The National Guard Association of California, American Legion Post -Indio, Veterans of Foreign War-Indio, Air Force Association- Palm Springs, Memorial Honor Detail- National Cemetery-Riverside, and the Navy League-Palm Springs are also cosponsors.

Lake Cahuilla Veteran Regional Park is a partnership with The Bureau of Reclamation, Coachella Valley Water District, and the County of Riverside. With hiking, fishing, a swimming pool,  playground,  and equestrian facilities it’s a great resource for everyone. It’s also the official home of the the County of Riverside County Veterans Memorial.

This Veterans Regional Park is a place of rest and relaxation for our Veterans.” Perez said. “Those that served, their families, and friends will gather here to celebrate service, remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, and enjoy a morning of fishing. We also want to thank our title and cosponsors for their generosity and donations..”

Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Volunteers with the American Legion Post in Indio are serving the refreshments that include hot dogs and hamburgers.

For more information on the first Veterans Fishing Tournament, contact Darin Schemmer at 760-863-8211.

 

Image Sources

  • Lake Cahuilla Trout Fishing: Riverside County