Looking back over the years I have come to realize that there have been many heroes in my life. Not only have they been my heroes and our family’s heroes but they have also been American Heroes - going back to World War II and both before and since that Great Infamous War. Grandfather, Father, Great Uncle, [Especially] Uncles and Uncles-in law , Brother, Cousins and Mentors. Since the official Father’s Day is not that far behind us I’d like dedicate this column to the “Special Heroes” in my life, who have left such a tremendous impression on me and have given me and others much to be proud of - at home and abroad.

Since this column is an Outdoor Column and many of my first experiences with my heroes have been connected with outdoor adventures such as hunting and fishing, I must say that it is very important that children learn about the outdoors, hunting, fishing, safe gun handling practices and other passive outdoor activities from responsible adults. As opposed to being exposed to the violence and misinformation that we see on TV, the media and the movie industry - that many young Americans are so fixated upon today.

I don’t think that I will mention their names at this point in time. Many who are still with us today don‘t usually like to talk about their war experiences. But we all somehow know of their experiences. However, I will mention some of the names of those who have passed into eternity. The others are known very well by family and close friends.

My Uncle Quindo, [my Mother’s Brother], who I only know from treasured family pictures, holding me in his arms as a small child. He was killed in a tragic air collision between two bombers during WWII and is buried in England along with many, many other American Heroes. My own Brother also named Quindo who did his time in Viet Nam and always took the time to go hunting and fishing with me and our family.

My other Uncles, mostly still living, who were war heroes in one way or another. One Brave Marine who was shot twice by rifle fire while coming ashore at Tarawa, a Pacific Atoll of about eight square miles and the site of a U.S. Victory over the Japanese in 1943. And who has gone on to a very rewarding life within the community and family. Another, a tail gunner, who had to share his personal oxygen supply at a high altitude when their bomber was hit and a huge portion of its tail was blown away along with the oxygen supply for the entire crew. The plane was able to return to base on “a wing and a prayer” so to speak. Another who was transporting Marines back and forth between ship and shore when their transport craft was hit and the entire stern was destroyed -taking the lives of 37 young Americans. And another who was a WWII under-water welder who back then wore a helmet similar to a diving bell that was bolted to the diver’s body suit (not for the faint of heart or someone with claustrophobia). And a cousin who was a Marine “point man” in Viet Nam. There were others that I’m sure we’ll never know of their heroic acts. They are all heroes in my book.

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I dedicated a previous column to the Pine Bush High School’s Excellent “Outdoor Adventure Programs.” Specifically the gun safety and marksmanship programs. On Tuesday June 12th the Pine Bush School Board voted to accept a donation of ten (10) air-rifles from the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. The air-rifles will be used in the “Outdoor Adventure Program’s” Marksmanship Classes. Students are taught how to safely handle and shoot the air-rifles in a supervised program. PBHS Physical Education Teachers and adult volunteers are utilized in a one on one situation with students, who handle and fire the air-guns at paper targets approximately 33 feet away. Rules of the range are exercised and enforced by a range officer usually Teachers - Ms. Kathy Haller or Mr. Jim Caputo. Studies have shown that children who are properly trained in firearm safety and marksmanship are far less likely and rarely use a firearm improperly or illegally.
The PBHS Faculty and School Board are true pioneers in this venture and should be emulated by both the NYS and National Education Communities.

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The United Nations (U.N.) now wants to get into the gun-control business, yours and mine. On July 14th the U.N. is going to be discussing ways to disarm the world of small arms. They failed to rid the world of nuclear weapons so now they are working to disarm the world’s civilians.
A “small arms destruction day” is planned by the U.N. for July 9, 2001. Plans are underway for government agents to ignite huge bonfires of handguns, rifles and other firearms in major population centers worldwide. The New York State Tyranny Response Team is planning a Rally at Park near the U.N. Building in NYC. Visit the TRT-NY web site at www.TRT-NY.org
I plan to take a bus down with others and be part of the Rally. Stay tuned for more info in my next column.
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Pot Shots - Some anti-gun folks have become so focused on getting firearms out of the possession of honest law-abiding folks that they have completely ignored the fact that there is an element out there that totally ignores the law. Even if all firearms were confiscated from honest citizens by our government [will never happen] the criminal will still have guns. Why is it that we never hear these same anti-gun folks and so-called public servants speak-out on behalf of crime victims and against felons? But they seem to be spending a lot of valuable time and energy trying to take firearms from law-abiding folks. This doesn’t make common sense.

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Free Fishing Days - June 23-24, 2001. Anyone can fish NYS waters on these two days and a fishing license is not required. It’s the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing. For more information - contact a NYS regional DEC Fisheries Office. In our region (#3) the phone number is 845-256-3161.

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Largemouth Bass Season opened the 3rd Saturday in June [the 16th]. If you practice catch and release, please make sure that you return the fish to the water as soon as possible so that it can recover. Please be prepared to snip the line close to the mouth if it is hooked deep and check the 2000-2001 Fishing Regulations Guide for more detailed information.