Salmon Derby

By: Kerrie Clos

Teaming up with Heroes for Salmon Derby
The marina is teaming up with Boating For Heroes on Saturday as it participates in the Gig Harbor Salmon Derby just outside the harbor. Showing gratitude for the service of military veterans is what it’s all about for Ron Roark (Air Force Vet), managing member of Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard. He will be hosting veterans on Merl’eau, his 35-foot SAFE Boat, when the Salmon Derby gets under way from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 8.
Jan Bruusgaard, Gig Harbor Marina VP of operations, and Mike Burris (Air Force Vet), marina project manager, will also host a veteran onboard a 24-foot Grady White.
Boating For Heroes is a Puget Sound area-based program dedicated to helping military veterans unwind from the stress of combat and the rigors of rehabilitation. The program offers returning heroes therapeutic outings on the water for fishing, pleasure boating and the camaraderie of working together on a boat – all free of charge on their specially equipped boat.
The Gig Harbor Salmon Derby is part of the Northwest Salmon Derby Series, which partners with 14 derbies throughout the region to promote fishing opportunities and events. Come on out on Saturday, just outside the lighthouse at the mouth of the harbor, and cheer on our military veterans as they angle for their prize salmon.