Berkley is recognizing the Wounded Warriors with a raffle for a Berkley pro jersey at the Berkley Booth (No. 114) during the Bassmaster Classic Expo in Shreveport, La. All proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warriors on the final day of the Classic. The Expo runs Friday through Sunday (Feb. 24-26).
Berkley has also awarded a Wounded Warrior with an all-expenses paid trip to the Classic. Cpl. Justin Gaertner of the U.S. Marines, an avid bass fisherman, received the trip, along with a complete fishing package to help him reclaim his time on the water.
The 21-year-old Gaertner served in Afghanistan, and the day after Thanksgiving 2010, he was patrolling for mines in the Marja district of Afghanistan when an improvised bomb, stuffed in a glass jug, exploded beneath his feet.
“We are thrilled to honor our American heroes,” said Berkley president and CEO John Doerr. “Cpl. Gaertner is an exceptional example of sacrifice and dedication to our country, and recognizing our veterans and their heroism is the least we can do to show our appreciation. I hope everyone has a chance to stop by the Berkley booth to help out the cause.”
