06/09/2026
Honoring a War Hero, a Patriot and a Friend
Today we honored and celebrated a veteran and friend who after a short illness had recently passed.
Kenn Pekar, a Vietnam Veteran and two time Purple Heart recipient, had fished with us in the past and enjoyed participating in our program.
Kenn was an avid fisherman and hunter. More importantly, through his words and actions, he was a man profoundly proud to be of and to have served his country.
After his passing, his family contacted our organization and donated his fishing gear to us so that we could “Cast It Forward” to others.
Joining us on the water to celebrate Kenn’s life were his good friends Tommy Harris and Rick Newton. In addition to being a renowned lure painter and innovator in the fishing industry, Mr. Harris is himself a decorated Vietnam veteran. Mr. Newton fished with Kenn many, many times and their friendship developed through their time spent together on the water.
We fished all morning using only lures custom painted by Mr. Harris, and in tribute to Kenn, fished with lures he owned and worm harnesses that he had personally tied.
In an unbelievable and fitting end to our morning, the very last fish we caught was on Kenn’s hand tied worm harness.
This memorable fish measured 29” long and weighed well over 9 #. We were all equally in disbelief and awe as to what had just transpired. The connection we felt to Kenn at that moment was undeniable.
We miss our friend, but take comfort in the fact that he lived a full life, was loved, liked and respected by all, and left a legacy that to those who knew him will never forget.
Hewescraft Boats
Church Tackle
Cisco Fishing Systems, Ltd.
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Today’s trip sponsor: Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT)
Today’s veteran trip was made possible through the support of the Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT).
“NEOPAT has made the promise to do whatever it takes to support and serve our local military members and families and to remember those who have gone before us”.
We offer our deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to NEOPAT for their support in our mission and for making today’s veteran trip possible.
