Residents can show their support for military veterans while participating in the ‘Blasting for the Brave’ sporting clays tournament in Pace on April 4.
While competing a shooting clays tournament at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center, the ‘Blasting’ event will raising funds for the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing of Northwest Florida.
“Project Healing Waters has 200 chapters throughout the country,” said event organizer Fenoy Butler. “They help wounded military veterans learn how to fly fish.”
The non-profit organization works with any retired or current military veterans injured in the line of duty. In addition to providing basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and fishing rod building classes, chapters of the PHWFF also helps veterans learn how to fly fish regardless of disability, at no cost to the participant.
Proceeds will also benefit the NAS Whiting Field CPO Association.
Butler, a Pensacola resident currently station at Whiting Field, was inspired to bring this event to Santa Rosa County after his brother, Ferris helped organize a ‘Blasting for the Brave’ benefit in Maryland.
“I just borrowed the idea from him,” Butler said.
Ferris lost both of his legs while serving a tour with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Ferris now serves as an board member of the Maryland chapter of PHWFF.
Fenoy said he and his brother, who plans to be at the event, enjoy shooting sporting clays in their free time.
“It’s a hobby,” Butler said. “(The sporting clays) are supposed simulate birds without shooting them.”
Butler welcomes area residents to participate in the event which will also feature prizes and auction items donated by area businesses. The event will feature breakfast items from the Milton Quality Bakery and lunch from Guthrie’s Chicken.
Participants are asked to bring their own ammunition to the event, which is not included in the registration fees. For more information on the event email Fenoy Butler at fenoyii@gmail.com.
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This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: ‘Blasting for the Brave’ scheduled for April 4