Freedom Alliance
Dear Editor: The 2024 Freedom Alliance fishing trip, hosted by Cast Alaska Charters and Lodge, was another successful event filled with joy, gratitude, and many new memories. On behalf of our lodge, we would like to thank the community, sponsors, and volunteers for making this possible.
With your continued support and immense generosity, we were able to provide 15 wounded veterans with a successful fishing trip, delicious food, and fun activities. They spent their time sharing stories, building new friendships, and enjoying their vacation together.
It was truly an honor for us to host such a remarkable trip. The overwhelming response and contributions from individuals and organizations alike have left us deeply grateful. Thank you to the Sitka Fire Department, Police Department, and U.S. Coast Guard for providing a great welcome on Sunday as they arrived in Sitka.
For all those who donated both meals and food, thank you. Thank you to Pete at Ernie’s and Mary and Patrick at the Mean Queen for providing dinner and drinks on the first night of the trip. What a way to start their vacation. To Jessie Natkong with Jessie’s Uptown Hot Dogs, and Greg and Tammy with Sitka Swirl, thank you for your generous donations. We had an awesome dinner at the lodge thanks to you. Thank you to Vince and the rest of the crew at the American Legion for putting on such a phenomenal dinner. What a special night that was. Thank you to Corey and Ben at Halibut Point Crab and Chowder, Ken at Channel Club, and Tim at the Nugget for ringing in the trip with more delicious food and drinks. We are so appreciative of all your efforts.
Thank you to Capt. Mike Romine, Joe Bellmore, and the Sitka Point team, Capt. Jack Weaver and Tanner Huntley, Capt. Mac Janik and Rob Shaub, and Capt. Chatham Conner for giving the veterans an unforgettable fishing experience. Thank you to Alaska Pure Sea Salt, Fish Eye Coffee, Sweet Sisters Caramels, Mingling Herbs, Theobroma Chocolate, Sitka Sisters Seasoning, the Pioneer Bar, and Chuck Hoehn, head of Customs and Border Patrol, for your generous donations towards the gift bags.
Last but certainly not least, thank you to the crew who donated their time in making this trip possible and successful. To Mike Nares, program officer at Freedom Alliance, thank you for all your work coordinating and making this trip happen every year.
To Mary Suminski, LaVonne Grun, Dave McGonigal, John Whittaker, Jacobi Van Amburg, Kristen Seaman, Janet Armer, and all others who contributed: your time and dedication do not go unnoticed.
Cast Alaska Charters and Lodge, Sitka
