Warriors on the Water Ltd. will hold a free event to celebrate veterans and first responders on Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include a variety of food, live music, games and activities, and it will be hosted at Jim Neary's Live Bait and Tackle, 212 Spruce Grove Road, Kirkwood.

The selection of food that will be offered by Warriors on the Water Ltd. will include a pig roast, hamburgers and hot dogs, all of which has been donated by local businesses. Games, face painting and an arts and crafts table will be available to children throughout the day.

Several nonprofit organizations will be in attendance, including Heroes on the Water, the Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Canine Partners for Life and Woerth It Hollow. Each organization will answer questions and provide information on the respective service that it offers, such as fly fishing, kayaking, canine companions and equine therapy. Jim Neary's Live Bait and Tackle will offer free boat rentals and equip participants with rods and bait during the event.

"We're really proud to feature other nonprofits during the day. Our belief is that we're stronger as a community," said Gina Neary, founder of Warriors on the Water Ltd. "Whether you're a veteran or not, you can come show your support and have a good time with your family." Each veteran, first responder and active member of the military will receive a free gift bag at the event, which will include a gift card that has been donated by a local business.

Gina first organized the event in 2019 and continued to hold a small-scale version of it during the COVID-19 pandemic in compliance with safety protocols. She said that this year will be the first event since before the pandemic that it will return in full force. "We're excited for this year now that restrictions have been lifted and we can get back to normal," Gina added. "We want to let everyone know that we're here and invite them to come see the lake and what we're all about."

Warriors on the Water Ltd. was officially founded in 2018, although Gina and her husband, Jim, have been looking for ways to support veterans for more than 20 years. Jim is a Marine Corps veteran himself and began offering free boat rentals and recreational activities for other veterans at the Octoraro Reservoir. Gina created Warriors on the Water Ltd. as a way to raise funds and plan events to support veterans in the community. The nonprofit organization also coordinates community meals at veterans' retirement homes throughout the year.

"We want people to come out and take advantage of the beautiful lake and the peace here," Gina said. "Being able to go fishing or kayaking on the lake for the day can be very healing. In this day and age, people need a place to go and relax."