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September 9, 2025
Association of Northwest Steelheaders Announces New Leadership
October 1, 2025
By Don Hyde
Columbia River Chapter President
On September 13, 2025, the Association of Northwest Steelheaders Columbia River Chapter — proudly hosted a day of salmon fishing for 86 veterans, including WWII veteran Harry Humason. This annual tradition, which is provided at no cost to participants, brings together volunteers, boat captains, sponsors, and the community to honor those who have served our country.
Gratitude and Reflection
This event required extensive planning, outreach, and coordination. The Columbia River Chapter’s ability to orchestrate such a large-scale operation with precision and heart is truly inspiring. The day was more than fishing — it was a celebration of community, service, and the joy of shared time on the water.
Thanks to the generosity of 27 volunteer boat captains, each veteran enjoyed a day on the Columbia River equipped with boats, fuel, gear, and plenty of camaraderie. From predawn launches to afternoon weigh-ins, the event was a demonstration of both skill and spirit.
The Event in Action
Boats launched between 2:00–5:00 a.m., with volunteers arriving at 3:00 a.m. to prepare coffee, registration, and breakfast for early arrivals. By 6:00 a.m., veterans began arriving and were guided through registration and boat assignments. By 6:30 a.m., the fleet was ready to head out.This year saw one of the best turnout rates in over a decade, with only seven no-shows. Captains returned their veteran guests by 1:00 p.m., greeted by a hearty lunch and a warm ceremony honoring their service.
This year saw one of the best turnout rates in over a decade, with only seven no-shows. Captains returned their veteran guests by 1:00 p.m., greeted by a hearty lunch and a warm ceremony honoring their service.
The day resulted in 12 Chinook salmon weighed in, with many more released or lost to the river. Every veteran left with filleted fish packed on ice — a lasting memento of the day’s adventure.
A Day Made Possible by Community Support
This year’s event was made possible by the generosity of local businesses and volunteers:
- Anderson Environmental Contracting (AEC) — Provided funds for event T-shirts and snacks for every veteran.
- BI-ZI Farms — Donated fresh fruit.
- All Comp Roofing (Chris Burris, Owner) — Covered all boat parking passes and park rental costs.
- Franz Bakery — Donated ALL of the breakfast items for all attendees.
- Prairie Tavern — Catered lunch for veterans, volunteers, boat captains, and deckhands, serving pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad, and drinks.Frito Lay — Provided cases of assorted chips.
- Frito Lay — Provided cases of assorted chips.
- Miranda Perry — Donated two beautiful carved wooden prizes for the largest Chinook caught.
- The Fallen Outdoors, Portland and Vancouver VA — Coordinated veteran participation.
- Talon Rods for the fishing rods and net handle.
- Cowlitz Fence Company for donating the sponsor banner.
- Chapter members and volunteers — Provided countless hours of labor for setup (twice, once for registration/breakfast, and again for lunch) to feed 150 people, registration, breakfast service, veteran escorting, teardown (twice), and lunch service.
- Chapter members Brent Soule and Keith Hyde — Donated all event ice.
To our veterans — thank you for your service. To our sponsors, volunteers, and boat captains — thank you for making this day possible. Our chapter never ceases to amaze me with their ability to get these events done and make it look so easy.
