A Legend Air Force speed boat sits on a trailer before being put in the water at Wateree Lake, S.C., Aug. 3, 2012. Ray Heredia, U.S. Air Forces Central and 9th Air Force video teleconference engineer, owns and uses this boat for bass fishing tournaments, guided fishing trips and Air Force recruiting.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Ray Heredia, U.S. Air Forces Central and 9th Air Force video teleconference engineer, studies his fish finder on his Legend Air Force speed boat, Wateree Lake, S.C., Aug. 3, 2012. Heredia has been competing in bass fishing tournaments since 1994.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Ray Heredia, U.S. Air Forces Central and 9th Air Force video teleconference engineer, drives his Legend Air Force speed boat, Wateree Lake, S.C., Aug. 3, 2012. Heredia has been competing in bass fishing tournaments since 1994.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Ray Heredia, U.S. Air Forces Central and 9th Air Force video teleconference engineer, casts a lure as he fishes from his Legend Air Force speed boat, Wateree Lake, S.C., Aug. 3, 2012. Heredia has been competing in bass fishing tournaments since 1994. He uses the boat for bass fishing tournaments, guided fishing tours and Air Force recruiting.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Ray Heredia, U.S. Air Forces Central and 9th Air Force video teleconference engineer, fishes from his Legend Air Force speed boat, Wateree Lake, S.C., Aug. 3, 2012. Heredia has been competing in bass fishing tournaments since 1994. He uses the boat for bass fishing tournaments, guided fishing tours and Air Force recruiting.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
by Airman Nicole Sikorski
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/7/2012 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Racing through the water up to 75 mph, is Ray Heredia, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central, video teleconference engineer, driving his U.S. Air Force-influenced 2013 Legend Alpha-Tactical speed boat.
Heredia purchased the first Air Force-inspired boat from Legend Boats in June 2012.
"When I talked to the boat company they had one that was U.S. Army style," said Heredia. "I looked at it and thought, 'Wow this is a nice boat.' (I told the owner that I liked the features), but I don't like the color scheme. I'm Air Force."
Since his retirement from U.S. Air Force as a master sergeant in 2006, Heredia has had more time to fish which he has been doing all of his life and has been competing since 1994.
Heredia uses the boat year-round for bass tournament fishing and guided fishing trips. A day-long guided trip of eight hours with Heredia costs $350 and a half day costs $250.
"I'm hoping that this boat will give a positive light to the Air Force. It's an eye catcher. Everywhere I go, people stop to look."
According to Heredia, the boat is also a potential tool to guide youth towards a prosperous future.
"I've gone to schools and to the Sumter Boys and Girls Club. I've talked to them about fishing, and I've talked to them about life. I have even mentioned the military as a path for them towards success."
The boat waits on a trailer at Heredia's house, and has traveled to Lake Wateree, Santee Cooper and Lake Wiley.
Commercial sponsors help Heredia to compete in bass fishing tournaments throughout the year.
Comments
8/16/2012 7:11:04 AM ET Way to go Ray. Miss fishin with you bud. Hope to see you on the water some day.
Lupe, Lackland AFB
8/16/2012 5:38:29 AM ET .Right now the deck is stacked against many veterans returning to the United States. In 2008 alone foreclosure rates in military communities increased by four times the national average. The unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans is a staggering 15 percent compared to 9 percent for the general public.We can say how much we appreciate there servicebut now we need do something about it.Please contact your Congressman and tell them that the Vets need help..
Larry Richards, HendersonAR.
8/12/2012 10:46:42 AM ET That's my son alright love him when he is Fishing he's in another World of Love he started out Fishing Years ago at a younger age with his Grandfather Sammie Keely from then on he was Hook Love you Son keep it moving very Proud of You.. Love Mom ...God Bless you
