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Launch of the MOPH Wounded Warrior Fishing and Golf Classic
by John Bircher, MOPH Public Relations

As the sun slowly disappeared over the horizon, it cast a peaceful array of bright red, yellow and orange hues on the waters of the Sea of Cortez, whose waves gently lapped the sandy beach of Puerto Los Cabos. Yapping dogs and dust in the air announced the arrival of a Chevy Suburban, piloted by Captain Alex Edwards, carrying the last of the crew of MOPH wounded warriors who would be embarking on his boat in search of big game fish. Waiting in the courtyard of the "La Marina Inn" were the other members of the expedition, already relaxed from their earlier flights and fortified by a wide assortment of tropical beverages. But wait -- who are these guys and why are they here?

As the 41-year young Captain of "The Angel and the Badman," a Cabo based, 48-foot sport fishing yacht and winner of a number of the world’s richest marlin fishing tournaments, Alex Edwards often wondered what he could do to show his appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our nation's servicemen and women who had been injured in war, but wasn't sure where or how to start. Why not capitalize on his experiences and share his love of fishing by taking some wounded warriors out to compete in a sport fishing event in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and also throw in a day or two of golf?

Armed with little more than an idea, Alex approached the boat's owner, Dr. Richard Mott, who concurred immediately, saying only "Let's find a way to make it happen." The only proviso by Dr. Mott was that he be allowed to cover all expenses related to the trips; the participants would be invited as his guests. The next step was a meeting with the MOPH leadership in San Diego during the unveiling of the Purple Heart Forever Stamp event. Out of that meeting, the "MOPH Wounded Warrior Fishing and Golf Classic" was born. In concept, 4-6 wounded warriors of all ages and regardless of disability, would be identified by the MOPH and invited to participate in a 6-day, combined fishing and golf trip to Cabo San Lucas, several times during the year.

The first trip was organized in order to continue the organizational dialogue with the MOPH Management Team, Dr. Richard Mott, and Captain Edwards and explore the feasibility of rewarding wounded warriors with disabilities the opportunity to go deep sea fishing and play golf at a world class resort.

To test the concept, the MOPH identified members representing various degrees of disability, to make a test run in January, 2012. Commander Hutton selected Patriots Boyd Barclay and Dennis Wallot to ensure the boat could accommodate veterans with prosthetics. In consideration of MOPH's "Year of the Volunteer," Commander Hutton also invited the "2012 Patriot of the Year" Bruce Dwyer. Unfortunately, a last minute call from Boyd Barclay revealed that he had developed pneumonia and couldn't participate. To help promote awareness of the MOPH as well as inform veterans about this opportunity, Edwards contracted with a film production company to accompany the crew and produce a documentary film about the positive and rehabilitative benefits of deep sea fishing. According to Edwards, "this country needs to focus on heroes from our past and present wars and reward their service."

When George Armstrong, the 84-year old owner of La Marina Inn and himself a WWII, 82d Airborne Division veteran, learned that Purple Heart recipients would be coming to Puerto San Cabos, he insisted that they be his personal guests at the Inn. George was only one of our new friends in Puerto Los Cabos; others included videographers Richard and Dee Chudy of CabosBest.com, who filmed the excursion, First Mate Steve Hewitt, and marina neighbor Ed Stewart, owner of the "Reel Nauti," who volunteered the use of his yacht for the filming crew.

With all participants now assembled, the first "MOPH Wounded Warrior Fishing and Golf Tournament" was finally under way. Before the sun had even risen the next morning, the crew was already on the road for the first of two days of golf at the Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club, an exquisite desert style course designed jointly by Jack Nicholas and Greg Norman, accompanied by Sergio Castillo, Director of Golf. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, with its rugged, unspoiled coastline, the course provides spectacular ocean views from every hole, while dramatic elevation changes and cacti dotted roughs provide a challenge for even the most accomplished golfer.

The following morning, the participants again arose before dawn and headed to the marina for the first of two days of fishing. As Captain Edwards headed out into the open ocean, Captain Ed Stewart trailed in the Reel Nauti with part of the film crew. Almost as soon as they were out of the marina, six lines were in the water and the hunt for fish was on. First up in their harnesses were Wallot and Dwyer and within a few minutes Wallot had the first strike, a good sized Dorado. Dwyer was next and again found a beautiful blue, green and yellow Dorado at the end of his line.

As Wallot and Dwyer continued to reel in Dorados, Hutton was not as lucky, managing only to snag several Black Skipjacks which, despite putting up a good fight, are not good to eat and were immediately released. Although he did finally land a Dorado, by the end of the second day of fishing, Hutton's skill in landing Skipjacks resulted in a lot of good natured harassment and earned him the nickname "Commander Skippy." Even though the really big ones eluded them over the course of the two days, the participants thoroughly enjoyed the sun, salt spray, fellowship, and test of bringing in some of the smaller game fish. Even better, they proved that the hardships of disabilities could be easily accommodated on the boat.

On the last day it was back to the Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Beach Club, but this time with the emphasis on filming of the documentary, including a series of filmed personal interviews with the participants and Captain Alex.

As the heart of the documentary, the Patriots talked about their own military experiences, joined by Captain Edwards who explained the wonderful experiences future participants could expect to encounter, and what he hoped to accomplish by such trips.

For his part, Bill Hutton explained the missions of the MOPH and the MOPH Service Foundation and why an event like this may change the way warriors heal from the "horrors of war." According to Hutton, "it is events such as this that helps to heal the body, mind and soul of those exposed to combat conditions. We all know that no one returns from war the same as when they left."

That night, the crew gathered at the La Marina Inn for their last evening together. For dinner, they were treated to their previous day's catch, prepared in a number of different and delicious recipes. No one was sure whether it was the freshness or type of the fish but, regardless, all agreed that it was the best they had ever eaten.

Before retiring to pack for the trip back home, Commander Hutton summed up the sentiment of everyone when he said, "We want to thank Dr. Richard Mott for both the use of his luxurious fishing boat and for his incredible generosity. We also want to thank George Armstrong for providing his hotel for the accommodations and to Sergio Castillo for arranging the complimentary golf days. But we especially thank Alex Edwards, Steve Hewitt, Rich and Dee Chudy, and Ed Stewart for spending the week providing us with great assistance, laughter, and instruction but, even more, their friendship."

PUERTO LOS CABOS WOUNDED WARRIOR TRIP
From Bill Hutton, National Commander, MOPH

Dear ladies and gentleman, I wanted to take some time to express my sincerest thanks on behalf of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for conducting an event which may change the way warriors heal from the "horrors of war".  Without sounding melodramatic, it is events such as this that helps to heal the body, mind and soul of those exposed to combat conditions.  We all know that no one returns from war the same as when they left. 

Mr. Mott, your kindness and generosity in inviting us down at your expense for the first wounded warrior experience is the quintessential showing of American patriotism.  The hospitality shown aboard your fishing boat, the "Angel and the Badman" was exemplary.  Your Captain, Alex Edwards, as well as his crew, Steve Hewitt and Rich Chudy were phenomenal.  From the moment Alex and Steve picked me up at the airport, we became instant friends.  Rich and his wife Dee, filled the circle of friendship with their caring and compassionate personalities coupled with their tremendous sense of humor.  Mr. Mott, words can not express how fulfilling this trip to Puerto Los Cabos was for those of us who attended.  We are forever indebted to you and your crew. 

I would like to thank Frank Van Hoy and his son, Tom, for making the original contact with Mr. Mott and Alex while in San Diego last year.  This meeting culminated into a six (6) day trip which included two (2) days of golf and (2) days of fishing January 5-10, 2012.  This first trip was to explore the possibility of sending wounded warriors with disabilities to determine if they could engage in activities such as rigorous deep sea fishing and golfing.  Although Boyd Barclay was unable to attend this trip (scheduled for next one), Dennis Wallot did attend.  Dennis was able to participate in all events showing that a prosthetic leg was not a hindrance to performance.  The crew, once gain, made all outings fun and exciting.  Also on the trip was our Military Order of the Purple Heart Patriot of the Year, Bruce Dwyer and the MOPH National Public Relations Director, John Bircher.  Both of these individuals added significantly to the overall success of this trip.

While in Puerto Los Cabos, we were hosted at the La Marina Hotel which is owned by George Armstrong.  George is an 84 year old World War II veteran having served with the 82nd Airborne.  We all met George the first day and had the pleasure of spending the entire week with him both fishing and golfing.  It is very fortunate that he has a wonderful lady by the name of Kelly who attended to the daily business of the hotel.  Kelly lost her dog while we were there and we offer our sincerest condolences. 

Our golf days were hosted by Sergio Castillo at the Puerto Las Cabos Country Club.  The golf course was beautiful and provided some very interesting play while overlooking the Sea of Cortes.  It was very difficult to watch the beautiful scenery and John Bircher at the same time.  As a footnote, it has been decided that no one in this small, sleepy town in Mexico knows how to make a bad margarita or a bad bloody mary.  Dennis Wallot tried on the first day at the La Marina Hotel to find fault with the bartender but, at last, admitted defeat.  After consuming lunch and dinner in a liquid form, he decided to test the strength of George's chairs at the table.  The end result was six of us trying to pick  Dennis up off of the ground after breaking the chair into small pieces (after pictures of course).  Dennis went off to bed letting Bruce Dwyer provide the funds for the dinner and tip.  Bruce is well loved by the locals as he boosted the towns economy significantly.  He was the most well dressed golfer on the course after visiting the pro shop.  Bruce was not only well dressed, he also learned the difference between pesos and U.S. dollars.  (the vest and hat were not 195 pesos Bruce).

Also spending the entire week with us was Steve Hewitt and Rich and Dee Chuda.  Rich is a jack of all trades.  He shot over 2,000 pictures along with video and set up a shoot at the golf course for a documentary of the trip.  Dee was the perfect supervisor making sure everything went smoothly.  Steve and Rich both provided outstanding assistance on the deck of the fishing boat.  Due to my fishing expertise and to keep the others from  being jealous, I threw back a number of very large fish.  I didn't want to appear to be the "bully of the boat".  Jealousy may rear its ugly head and some of those on the trip may want to dispute this.  Just keep in mind that I agreed to take a number of photos holding fish caught by others.  Enough said.

With the assistance of George and Alex, we were able to meet many folks who either live in the area or who have homes and boats there and travel back and forth from the United States.  One of these folks is Ed Stewart.  Ed owns a large fishing boat and spent time with us fishing as well as joining us for meals.  Ed lives in San Diego and has offered his boat for future events.  Ed was another who made this trip the success that it was and we are grateful for his friendship.

During our stay in Puerto Los Cabos, several homeowners and boat owners introduced to us by George and Alex offered their residences and fishing boats for future events.  The next event is already being planned which will hopefully include a documentary for TV.  This is an outstanding opportunity for the Military Order of the Purple Heart in conjunction with our new friends in Puerto Los Cabos  to not only assist wounded warriors but, to raise essential funds for the Order.

In closing, I once again want to thank Mr. Mott for the use of his luxurious fishing boat as well as providing an outstanding crew.  To George Armstrong for providing his hotel for accommodations and to Sergio for arranging the complimentary golf days.  To Alex, Steve, Rich, Dee, and Ed for spending the week providing us with great assistance but, even more, their friendship.  To Kelly for her assistance with planning. 

Lastly, to Dennis Wallot, Bruce Dwyer and John Bircher for showing the human side of combat veterans and for representing the Military Order of the Purple Heart in a professional and credible light.  I was honored and privileged to spend the week with all of you. 

Respectfully,

Bill Hutton,

National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart.