National Guard Sponsership ???

[lacy10]

I was just sitting at home thinking about all the Sponsors out their and the way they pick who they Sponsor, and was wondering if I am the only one who believes that to be Sponsored by the National Guard( and representing this Country ) you should be a National Guard member or at least served in the Armed Forces, No big deal but just wondering what everyone else thought

[Mr Gambler]

I have been thinking the same thing for about 2 years

[Brian D.]

+2

[Steve L]

Sure it's a big deal or you would not have taken the time to post. All sponsors pick representatives for different reasons and that is a liberty that they enjoy thanks to the fighting men and women who have chosen to wear the uniform. I think your hunch may be correct. First, most sponsor money comes from the private sector. The National Guard money is our tax dollars. I think it should be a prerequisite for National Guard team members be active or former military service. The reps from NASCAR and FLW are very nice people, but who do they do to recruit? They are coached very well to thank all active duty members and veterans if they happen to be in front of a microphone. I think it's a great gig for those who enjoy the sponsorship, but I think these tax dollars could be better spent. I was recruited in high school in 1968. They were active duty personal and already on the taxpayer payroll. I think during these tough economic times our tax dollars should be better well spent.
The thoughts of a 2 tour Vietnam veteran.

[Steve L]

Sure it's a big deal or you would not have taken the time to post. All sponsors pick representatives for different reasons and that is a liberty that they enjoy thanks to the fighting men and women who have chosen to wear the uniform. I think your hunch may be correct. First, most sponsor money comes from the private sector. The National Guard money is our tax dollars. I think it should be a prerequisite for National Guard team members be active or former military service. The reps from NASCAR and FLW are very nice people, but who do they do to recruit? They are coached very well to thank all active duty members and veterans if they happen to be in front of a microphone. I think it's a great gig for those who enjoy the sponsorship, but I think these tax dollars could be better spent. I was recruited in high school in 1968. They were active duty personal and already on the taxpayer payroll. I think during these tough economic times our tax dollars should be better well spent.
The thoughts of a 2 tour Vietnam veteran.

[Daren Prociw]

I agree 100%, they should be active or retired to be sponsored.

[BassManDan]

No, no, no, no....

You're all totally wrong! It's more like being a defense contractor, you're employed by a civilian organization but you are paid by the military.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Fast 492]

+1

[NoCAL]

I agree in principle however I also think they should sponser someone who has a good chance of winning or being in the top five at every stop. That way the NG boat gets more camera time and more advertising. The best possible solution would be to have a NG or retired military who has the talent to always be near the top. If your boat is sitting at the dock on the last day, you are not representing the military. Personally I think Ehrler does a great job representing the Guard.

NoCAL

[Fast 492]

No problems with your point, yes you want your team to finish high in the standings, but when you put as much money into the organization as the National Guard does, you could use wrapped boats for the camera boat or as they already do, have the Anglers wear their logoed shirts and hats....They get plenty of airtime....

[cLanderman]

Why does it matter? Skeet Reese doesn't work for Lucky Craft, and Tiger Woods isn't really a Nike employee. You sponsor individuals because you believe they will give you a return for your money, not for any other reason. Just because this is a Government entity does not make it any different.

[gofish42189]

It's still a business and it's all about the best advertisement.

[JOHNNYWALKER04]

Ok all, my name is CPT Johnny Walker an Active Duty National Guard soldier and a sponsored Co-Angler for the guard. I can personally speak from both a Marketing/Advertising stand point for the Army National Guard since I have been in the Guard for 8 years with 2 years assignment to the Marketing and Advertising department of the Guard plus 2 years experience fishing for the guard while I continue to serve in the Washington Army National Guard full-time. As a caveat to that the National Guard fishing team is sponsored through an outside source and not hand picked by the Guard.

Example of what happens: National Guard wants to market and advertise with FLW to create new accessions and interest into the Guard… so they contract with FLW to make that happen. In turn FLW does it’s best to supply the Guard with the best team and exposure possible similar to Wal-Mart, PTSI, BP, Folgers Coffee, etc…

While I worked in the marketing world for the National Guard I learned a great deal about how to make the most of dollars and get the most exposure from the least funding in comparison to the other Armed forces… I can tell you... if you want to think about where your tax payer money is being utilized and the return on investment from the expenditures. The most boom for the buck comes from having the most successful sports events, athletes, Anglers, Drivers, etc… representing the Guard. Just think, would you rather have your tax payer dollars spent on individuals or events that get no air time? I mean the mission is to promote the guard and increase accessions into the guard, not give some fellow a great fishing sponsorship for nothing. On that note… anyone out there ever been a professional traveling angler and know it’s hard! Just because you’re in the military doesn’t make you a good choice for National Guard Professional Sponsorship… for example would we get the same exposure from replacing Dale Earnhardt with some soldier, guy or gal, who races Go-carts… I’m not trying to be rude but want to make a realistic comparison here. If SGT, we’ll call him “Exampleâ€

[Fast 492]

You are exactly what I would expect, a member of the Gaurd and a sponsored fisherman, you are definatley an example of how it can be done. I feel if you want the governments money for a National Guard sport sponsorship you should join the the National Gaurd, 1 weekend a month is not alot to ask wouldn't you agree, that is the motto I believe. If you race go-carts, fish or show dogs acroos the nation it shouldn't matter, join us, support us and we will help support you in many more ways than you can ever imagine....

[lacy10]

the actual point I was trying to make is that if you are sponsored by G Loomis you use G Loomis rods ,if you are Sponsored by Rapala you use Rapala lures etc. I doubt if any of the National Guard sponsored people could actually even tell you anything about the National Guard or assist you in any way to join .I just think it would be more benefecial to the Guard to have someone that knows the product and can discuss it with potential customers

[hippie]

The NG is for girls who cares who they sponsor.

[hippie]

Except for the 1's that retired or did active duty and just trying to collect for there service that goes un appreciated. Actually what they should do is take all the NG guys that are sponsored take them to ft. irwin in july or august and have them run around for 8 hours in mop gear then take them to the gas room and take off there mask and sing the national anthem then put back on and clear. Then when they think there going home tell them sorry boys and girls were deploying to Samolia.

[JOHNNYWALKER04]

I can see it clearly now... this conversation has gone from an intelligent discussion on sponsorships and multiple people making some good points into a something I can't describe without sounding rude.

I choose to take the higher road and just say I know of many angler's that appreciate what the Guard is doing and their support and interest in making positive changes in America's youth, the bass fishing sect of our communities and bass fishing on the west coast in general.

Each armed force has its on type mission and the safety of our nation is only achievable by a combined effort of all departments of defense and homeland security.

Hippie, I appreciate your service as it seems like you have experienced some deployments in your day but your being rude. When my platoon was traveling throughout the Gulf Coast and rescuing families from the top of roofs and providing humanitarian support to the families of deployed Army and Marine guys from the effects of Hurricane Katrina I heard little question of the testicular validity of the National Guards mission. I faintly remember them thanking us for the 43 families we removed from danger. I'm not sure if you’re aware but the National Guard makes up a considerable amount of the deployed soldiers in the Middle East. Our soldiers are dieing on the battle field supporting this nation’s war on terrorism and you say “it's for girlsâ€

[hippie]

Don't be such a girl Army pukes always made fun of the weekend warriors. I appreciate all service men. Like the marine always make fun of every other branch. I accept it from them grunts. They don't gain rank as fast and get all the squids handme downs and there mean fightn machines. If you never got crap at basic training aot ait school from the active duty then you had to be in some kind of homo MOS.

[JOHNNYWALKER04]

Hippie, I wish you the best and many blessing in life. I would give you some advice to limit your disrespectful rants to the people you know. I personally don't appreciate your comments and you only bring discredit upon yourself with such comments. Have a good one.

[Stretch1]

Hippie, I wish you the best and many blessing in life. I would give you some advice to limit your disrespectful rants to the people you know. I personally don't appreciate your comments and you only bring discredit upon yourself with such comments. Have a good one.

+1000

8 years Military Police United States Army Reserve

[Marc]

First off I have had the distinct pleasure to serve in the Regular Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National Guard. In fact, I served on Active Duty for 23 years with the majority of it in the California Army National Guard. I take great offense to any suggestion that anyone serving in the Guard is less of a person than a Regular Army member. I recall during the Vietnam era that this was a claim made by those who got drafted and viewed those who went into the Guard as being wimps. News flash, Vietnam is long over. Get over it.

The Guard has a long history (longer than the regular Army) of valiant service to this country, and its members sacrifice more than most in their service to their country.

I gave up a promising professional bass career to serve in the Army and Army National Guard, and although I love bass fishing and competing more than anyone I know, next to my family and my savior there is nothing I love more than serving this great country in the Army National Guard. To this day I wish I could continue to serve in the National Guard (Federal Law requires Active Duty officers to retire upon reaching 20 years of Active Federal Service, and after getting 3 years of waiver extensions by the Sec. of the Army, I finally had to retire in 1998).

I am proud that the National Guard is sponsoring the FLW tour out west, and I think it is a win win for our young anglers (boys and girls alike) to learn about the role of the Guard and consider serving. I applaud the selections made by FLW onto the Team. They have represented the Guard with honor and pride and great finishes.

Captain Johnnie Walker is an excellent example, and fine representative of a quality man who puts his country before himself. All of the other representatives I have come to know, including Rachael Uribe, Justin Lucas, Brent Ehrler, etc. are also great choices, each in their own way.

Bottom line, let's not overthink this and instead accept the fact that the men and women serving this country, including and especially in the National Guard, have provided us the freedom to go bass fishing. Better yet, the National Guard is even responsible for providing us (through sponsorship with the FLW) a professional tour in the west to bass fish.

Thank you National Guard!

ciao,
LTC(R) Andrew P. "Marc" Marcantonio Jr.
Army National Guard

[Brian D.]

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=5j2F4VcBmeo

[JOHNNYWALKER04]

Thanks for the support. I hate when threads are hijacked and I bought into it... when will I learn.

[sro114]

Great posts Johnny and Marc! Way to put things into perspective.