Operation Musk-E-Meet returns with fishing-filled day for veterans

METRO DETROIT — Since its start almost 15 years ago, Capt. Greg Virga has held a community-backed event for war veterans in an effort to give back to those who sacrificed so much.

On Aug. 28, Virga, the Michigan-Ontario Muskie Club and the Lac Ste. Claire Kiwanis Club will hold the 14th annual Operation Musk-E-Meet for veterans.

“I started it because my dad got me started in musky fishing, and he was a World War II veteran,” Virga said. “It was kind of an honor to him.”

Around 70 veterans are expected to participate this year as the day begins at Michigan Harbor at 6 a.m.

There are participants in their 20s to participants in their 60s, and there’s a special prize for the biggest catch each hour. Maloof Jewelry & Gifts will give a watch to the veteran with the biggest catch each hour of the event.

With 15 boats and four fishermen per boat, as well as a captain, catches are measured and called in throughout the day.

“They are fired up to go fishing and be out on the water,” Michigan-Ontario Muskie Club President Scott Murray said.

What makes the event even more special is the community backing from local businesses for the event.

Vasi’s Cafe & Bake Shop in St. Clair Shores and Tim Hortons team up to provide coffee and doughnuts in the morning, while Lazybones Smokehouse, Uncle Harry’s Deli Restaurant, Tubby’s, Encore Catering & Banquet Center, Village Market and Texas Roadhouse all provide food and beverages throughout the day.

Following the conclusion of the fishing, awards and dinner will follow at 4 p.m. at the Jefferson Beach Yacht Club. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded to the anglers. The trophies are donated by Woods Trophies in St. Clair Shores.

“It’s a community event,” Lac Ste. Claire Kiwanis Club member and United States Coast Guard veteran Bryan Mazey said. “A lot of people come together to make this happen.”

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #154 will provide a 21-gun salute and color guard during the opening ceremony, and St. Clair Shores native Jenna Dell will perform the national anthem.

The Rev. Paulus Obey, who served in the United States Air Force, will do the benediction.

The morning ceremony also will honor the missing soldiers table and Army Spc. Stephen M. Okray and Army Staff Sgt. Donald L. Munn II. Both natives of St. Clair Shores died while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While it will be a day of remembrance and a day of mourning, it will be a day of celebration and laughter as veterans compete to see who can reel in the biggest catch.

“It feels fantastic; I really get the chills when I think about it,” Virga said. “I always say I’m giving back to those that gave so much.”

Other businesses and sponsors that made contributions are Wally’s Frozen Custard, Roy O’Brien Ford, Miller Marina Fuel Dock, Team Ziggy, The Orbitsuns, A’s Liquor, Mancuso’s Florist and Sweet Life Cake Shop.