They say that any day fishing is better than a day at the office. Two Soldiers in the 17th Fires Brigade who were treated to an all-inclusive day of fly fishing on Aug. 10 can attest to that. 

In an effort to honor Maj. Harry Sherwood, who served as the brigade's liaison to the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army on Joint Base Lewis-McChord for two years, the AUSA chapter donated a day of fly fishing to 17th Fires.

"He did exceptional in this assignment, and this past July he was transferred," said retired Maj. Gen. John Hemphill. "His favorite sport was fly fishing, so this seemed like a great gesture to honor him."

The package, which was obtained at the Steilacoom Kiwanis Wine Fest silent auction, included a fly fishing excursion and a State of Washington one-day military freshwater/saltwater fishing license for both Soldiers.

Col. Kenneth Kamper, 17th Fires Brigade commander, handled the selection of the two Soldiers, though his criterion wasn't explained to either of the specialists chosen to go.

"I fish more than probably anyone else in the battery, and I love to talk about fishing," said Spc. Eric Petit. "I wind up talking to my first sergeant and even the colonel, so I have a suspicion that had something to do with it. I was floating on air when they told me I got to go!"

The other Soldier chosen is new to the unit and, like Petit, an avid fisherman.

"It was pretty fun," Spc. Caleb Frank said. "I'd never fly fished before, or even fished in salt water. I was interested in going so I could learn. Really, it was a great learning experience."

Mike Henderson of Steilacoom Kiwanis took the Soldiers out for the day.

"Unfortunately, it turned into more of a boat ride as the fish were not biting," Henderson said. "But I did give them fly-fishing lessons, and they are considering buying fly rods and giving it a try on their own."

In addition to the lesson, the day also included lunch on tiny Eagle Island, which Petit described as being just big enough for a house.

"I caught the only fish - which wasn't big -- but when there's only one caught all day, it's the biggest catch of the day," joked Petit. "But we really did learn a lot about not only fly fishing, but the entire Sound. He was very knowledgeable and it was enjoyable just to be out there and tour around the islands. I'm grateful to everyone that made this possible."