Warriors on the Water will hold its seventh annual Armed Forces Day picnic Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, hosted by Jim Neary's Live Bait & Tackle, will be held on the Octoraro Reservoir, 212 Spruce Grove Road, Kirkwood.

The picnic is for military members, veterans, law enforcement personnel, corrections officers, and first responders. "It's for the whole family of that person," Jim Neary explained. "I'm talking about spouse, children, siblings, and parents."

Everything is free. Jim will provide fishing rods, tackle, live bait, lures, boats, and kayaks. Volunteers will bring bass boats to take people out on the reservoir. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has given a special dispensation so that a fishing license is not required at the event.

Ken Pitts of Homes for Heroes will sponsor a bass pond for children to fish. Blue Rock Fire Rescue in Millersville is donating the tub, and Quarryville Fire Company will fill the tub with water.

The Havre de Grace detachment of the Army National Guard will bring a Humvee and give rides. DJ Warren will be spinning tunes. There will also be tables for veterans who are vendors to set up their wares.

Displays will pay tribute to those who have passed away in the last year and to veterans and first responders who died in the line of duty.

Jim is promising a big feast. "Pig master" Jason Phillips will roast a swine the night before the event.

Matt Slavin of Albertsons Companies Mid-Atlantic Division will donate salads, hamburgers, hot dogs, and condiments. Neighbors will contribute desserts.

"The food is tremendous, and there's always enough to come through a second or third time," Jim said.

Warriors on the Water is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Jim is the vice president, and his wife, Gina, is the founder and CEO.

Although this will be the seventh official Armed Forces Day picnic, the Nearys have hosted 12 similar events. Warriors on the Water was born 13 years ago from a discussion between Jim, who served in the United States Marine Corps, and another former Marine, William Faulk.

"We were trying to figure out what we could do for our veterans," Jim said. "I said, 'We are right here on the lake (Octoraro Reservoir); we should do something here.'" The initial plan was to take veterans for boat rides.

Soon after that talk, Adam Gagne, president of the Pennsylvania chapter of Heroes on the Water, called to ask if Jim would host an event for veterans. That experience prompted Jim and Gina to start Warriors on the Water.

"It started with two tents, and I wheeled my charcoal grill down to make hamburgers and hot dogs. That was it," Jim said. "Now it's gotten to the point where it's really big."

Bigger than Jim ever expected. "I didn't realize how many local veterans we have until I started this," he said. "We get everyone from guys who are home on leave to Vietnam vets and everything in between."

Warriors on the Water was designed to honor and help people who have dedicated themselves to helping others. "Like our motto says, 'Reeling Towards Healing,'" Jim explained, describing the organization. "Come out to the picnic and enjoy yourself. We will assist people who are physically challenged or suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). You're among friends. You can do as much as you want or as little as you want. It's very (therapeutic). It's very low-key. A lot of people come out and listen to the music and talk among themselves and make connections."

Jim said he is grateful to his many sponsors, including Heroes Media Group, Whitetails Unlimited, and Oxford Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Warriors on the Water will also host picnics at the Octoraro Reservoir on Saturdays, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 20, and Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those events are similar to the Armed Forces Day picnic, except free food will not be provided. Registration is not necessary. For more information, go to https://warriorsonthewaterltd.com or call 717-529-2488 or 717-314-2800.