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Fishin' is the mission

  • Published
  • By Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
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.