Heroes Arrive, Ready to Begin Saltwater Challenge
Wounded warriors arrived Sunday for annual Saltwater Challenge.
Wounded warriors arrived Sunday for annual Saltwater Challenge.
A festive scene at the airport to begin the sixth annual Saltwater Challenge.
A festive scene at the airport to begin the sixth annual Saltwater Challenge.
Handmade signs welcomed soldiers.
Handmade signs welcomed soldiers.
Edson Rodgers on the trumpet.
Edson Rodgers on the trumpet.
The veterans are hosted by the Nixon family of Chilmark.
The veterans are hosted by the Nixon family of Chilmark.
Wounded veterans come to the Island for fishing and fellowship.
Wounded veterans come to the Island for fishing and fellowship.
Sergeant Franz Walkup.
Sergeant Franz Walkup.
Quinn, Grady and Allie Keefe welcome the soliders.
Quinn, Grady and Allie Keefe welcome the soliders.
A heroes' welcome greeted wounded soldiers arriving Sunday for the sixth annual American Heroes Saltwater Challenge. Each year, wounded veterans visit the Island to fish the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby and to enjoy fellowship and Vineyard-style relaxation.
The veterans are hosted by Bob and Sarah Nixon, owners of the Menemsha Inn, Beach Plum Inn and the Home Port Restaurant.
"We like to think of it as an experiment in extreme saltwater therapy," Mr. Nixon told the Gazette last year.
At the Martha's Vineyard Airport Sunday, children and other well-wishers gathered to welcome the visitors.