“I have been on several Warrior outings and never have I experience such warmth and attention from the first minute we got there. To [have the CWO members] meet us at our vehicles with open arms and handshakes was one of the best greetings I have or will ever experience. Everything was set up perfectly with personnel already knowing who they were going to team up with. That’s what I call great communication and planning. As far as our Captain and Co-Captain, Terry and Tory… I know of all of you is that you are great men and women just from being around you, but I have to give them the recognition they deserve. Those two gentlemen were nothing but professional, happy, informative, passionate, and just all around outstanding. If you see them running around there, please thank them one more time from my family and I.
The housing facilities where top of the line and we thank you so much for that. It is nice to have just sat and relaxed out there. We were not rushed to do anything we did not want to do. Tory and Terry were ready whenever we were to take us out jug fishing and allowed us to participate in it answering any questions we had and just concentrate on having a great time. The planning of the food was also excellent. Being able to come in to the main cabin and get a snack whenever you got hungry was awesome. And the cooking…..awww. My family had never tried catfish but that day, there was no way we were not going to try it especially since we helped catch it. You rock at cooking it. Thank you so much. From beginning to end, truly an awesome and joyful experience…
Once again, thank you so much for what you do and the passion you do it with. May all of you be blessed and Thank You for serving our Nation previously and now.”
With all my family and I appreciation,
SFC Alfredo Cerda
“My wife, Keelan (son) and I would like to Thank You and your great Team for the support you all did for my family. It was a great experience for Keelan and I, in learning how jug fishing and take catfish off the lines. My wife had a great time talking to all the individuals that stayed back why we went out. Keelan also learned a lot about bowfishing (Team Garquest). Hopefully we can go on the next one. Again from my family to you all (Cross Water Outfitters), thanks!”
-Master SGT Bennie E. Grubb
“I cannot express how great of a weekend we had. The Cross Water Outfitters staff truly out did yourselves!
I have worked for staff operations for a very long time. I know how much planning, developing, reviewing and rehearsing goes into events. Hands down you achieved a SUPER rating for being able to organize this event.
Zachary and Madison had a great time. Honestly, for the first time ever, my son actually commented positively on enjoying a devotion! The throwing of the glove down by John really opened his eyes. For me, you reassured the spirit through your graphical representation. It was all just amazing!!!
Zachary says, “Thank you! I had so much fun!”
Again, I can’t express how nice it was to have a stress free environment…and with kids! I only wish my significant other could have been there, but she is out of country at the moment.
I couldn’t have met a better group of people. I would love to stay in touch and possibly be more involved with your program. It might take me a while as I transition from the military. Thank you and your organization, the staff members, the sponsors and all the fish that God made available to sacrifice themselves.
God bless you all!”
Respectfully,
SGT Adam G. Scarr and Family
(Pictured Left to Right: LTC Lane Stockeland and SGT Adam Scarr)
“I would summarize the weekend as this:
1) Faith: The weekend was an event that emphasized that which is most vital and important, faith
in Jesus. Even though the event touched on two other aspects that I will address below, Fellowship
and Fun, Faith was the key ingredient in that the clear message through the devotionals is that what
is most important is living in faith through a relationship with Christ. The message of faith never grows
old and even those who have been believers for many years need to be reminded that faith is the key. So the
weekend was a good reminder of that and the Holy Spirit was able to remind those who attended of that.
2) Fellowship: It was good to fellowship with fellow believers and especially fellow men who love the Lord.
I have found that when we live in isolation and choose to disconnect from the family of God, that is when
trouble starts to brew. It was simply good to fellowship over the weekend!
3) Fun: It is important to have fun at these events. Fun helps prepare the mind to receive the faith message.
If an event is dull and no fun, the faith message is hard to receive. The relaxed atmosphere, come as you are
approach and fishing activities all led to a really fun event.
On another note: I would encourage you to keep having events like this. I think it could really expand
and perhaps next time arrange for Fort Hood Public Affairs to do a cover story, if that is possible and
approved. I also think that an event like this can be possible for any Army unit on Fort Hood and not just
for WTB. All units need to make possible the opportunity to voluntarily attend a spiritual fitness event
like this.”
Thanks and blessings
CHAPLAIN (LTC) LANE M. STOCKELAND
Deputy Division Chaplain
“Trips such as the Crosswater Events are extremely inspirational. It is always a plus when you do not have to worry about the stresses of the Military, or stresses dealing with healing with the Military. My hats off to the hospitality of the Crosswater Staff for performing all of their compassionate duties with perfection…”
-SSG Michael Clifford
“I have been on 30 events with the WTB (Warriors in Transition Brigade). CWO was the best event I have been on.” The event was planned and scheduled with flexibility. CWO Staff were continually upbeat and wanted to ensure the soldiers had a good time. Well planned/coordinated logistical support. The small things made the difference between a good and great event…”
-Major David Shoupe
“Cross Water Outfitters represented Christ and the Kingdom well, with a spirit of excellence! The activities were all well organized, with a focus on team building. Relationships as well as friendships were established during this event and spiritual fitness was a main focus. Most of all the Love of Christ was shown and shared; I believe that lives were impacted for the kingdom…”
-SFC Ronald Bettis
Being out there on the water makes me feel closer to God. I must tell you that is the first time I have ever stood on a boat like that. I had so much fun. I wish it could have lasted longer. Being around people that are so filled with the Spirit that I can feel it when I walk by them. Every one of you are amazing. And I love you all so much. It has done so much good for my son. I see a change in him that I had not seen in years. Thank you all so much for allowing me and mine to be a part of something that I will hold dear to my heart forever. And the kindness you showed me. God is good!”
-Nancy S.
” I had a very good time. It was awesome being around a group of guys that were clean in mind, body, and spirit. I have struggled much with my new injuries and trials in my life due to the combat injuries physically and mentally. It has always been hard for me to accept these. The first day there when I was on the boat just knowing that you are good men supporting me for my sacrifices that I have made for my country. Everyday that has gone by since this last weekend I wake up with a different attitude about who I am now. As John Tubbs said it on Sunday morning “I am in my new norm”. I really am grateful that there are men out there who sacrifice their own time, energy, efforts, and money to show their gratitude for the members in the armed services. Thank you Cross Water Outfitters for your awesome example and humble spirit of joy, love, and peace. It had a major impact on me. “
-SSG Ian Campbell
“Cross Water Outfitters has been an inspiration to me and has provided me an opportunity for Christian fellowship and accountability while experiencing the outdoors. It has provided an opportunity to serve in ministry but also an opportunity to be served. My involvement with this organization has reconfirmed the importance of Christian fellowship as an active discipline towards spiritual growth. I have personally witnessed the strengthening of family bonds through the dynamic of small group interpersonal relationships unique to this ministry design. The personal investment of one’s time, resources and talents are offered as gifts in service to Soldiers serving our nation. The integration of fun, fellowship and faith in conjunction with a productive catfish catching system combines for a profound experience due to the shaping operation of God at work. ”
-Chaplain Kyle Welch
“The verse in Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” perfectly describes what Cross Waters ministry means to me. During these trips as a Captain and a member of the crew of the Cross Water fleet we have an opportunity to minister to the soldiers who have served this nation, doing whatever is needed to make their trip a joyful, peaceful and rewarding event. We have a chance to listen to the soldiers stories and share our experiences with them as they transition to civilian life or return to active service.These trips mean looking for opportunities to serve the spiritual and physical needs of the soldiers and their families, and watch as they rebuild relationships, rediscover the meaning of peace and fulfillment and prioritize their lives. When one returns from these trips the Captain and the crews, as well as the soldiers and their families feel fulfilled, relaxed and revitalized by the experiences they have encountered. These trips are a once in a life time chance to experience the joys of God’s creation along with the companionship of men who have learned the true meaning of life.”
-Rick Schroeder, CWO Member
“Cross Water Outfitters (CWO) has been a huge blessing to me over the last four years. I come from a very checkered past and CWO has made me feel a sense of worth by giving me the opportunity to serve others through this amazing ministry.
The events are put together so well and ran so smoothly that it is evident God is at work in CWO. The ultimate focus is to introduce people to to Jesus or encourage them to take their present relationship with Him to the next level.
The CWO staff are derived from people from various backgrounds and ages, all with one common goal…to see people gain a relationship with Christ. I am excited about the future of CWO and I’m highly grateful for the opportunity to serve our amazing Creator through this awesome ministry.”
In His Service,
Todd Smith, CWO Member
“I have PTSD and tend to be a loner and feel uncomfortable in groups. When Kyle (Chaplain Welch) first invited me on a CWO trip I declined. After some thought and encouragement from my Wife I decided to try it.
Participating with CWO has led me to a completely new circle of friends who treat each other like family.
I have struggled with my relationship with the Lord for many years and the fellowship with CWO has brought me to a new understanding.
Now instead of being apprehensive about the trips and fellowship with members I look forward.
Thank you so much for allowing me to become a member of such a great organization,”
Bill Biggs
“Great fellowship, delicious food, and the fishing was even better!
Jugline fishing for catfish on Lake Conroe over the Jan. 18-20 weekend was one of the best experiences of its kind that I’ve had in my life.
Inspirational, educational, and a lot of fun with new old friends…or old new friends! Teammates, working together and helping each other ( and catching a few 50+ pounders
along the way)
Can’t wait to do it again. I’m Hooked ! Thanks for a wonderful time! ”
-Don White