As American’s, we take for granted so many privileges including the right to keep and bear arms, freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly.  We can walk down the streets at night knowing that we’re safe.  On this 4th of July, American’s everywhere will shoot off fireworks and express our joy of freedom.  We pay tribute to the soldiers that protect us and to the ones that have sacrificed their lives.  One group of soldiers that protect us is the National Guard.  These soldiers are fellow co-workers, friends, and neighbors.  Some we work beside while others we fish beside in bass tournaments.  These are citizen soldiers and bass fishing weekend warriors that love to compete against other anglers to decide who the best angler is.  Jodie Haralson is one of these bass fishing weekend warriors and a soldier in the National Guard.  He loves to fish; he loves the competition and challenge of competing in bass tournaments and devoted to protecting our country.

Haralson joined the Marines right out of high school and has been in the Arkansas Air National Guard for 14 years.  He has volunteered six times to be on active duty.  The last tour of duty was 186 days.  The E7 Master Sergeant from Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a career soldier and plans to stay in the service until he retires.  Until then, Haralson will continue to sacrifice one weekend a month and two consecutive weeks when not called into active duty. 

What’s it like being deployed overseas?  “It’s not exactly what you think or see on TV,” Haralson continued, “not every soldier is kicking down doors and shooting their weapons.”  While the news shows only the graphic side of the war, Haralson commented on the support staff that keeps the soldiers supplied and safe.  “It takes every member of the unit from air support, supplies, and communications to keep the operation going safely,” said Haralson.  Interestingly, Haralson believes serving overseas is getting better.  “When I first got in the service, we did not have Face Book or the internet available to us,” Haralson continued, “now, we do and it gives us something to do in our down time.”  No doubt, Haralson was probably checking out new lures or reading about fishing tournaments if he was on the internet.

When Haralson is not at work or on active duty, he goes fishing for fun or in bass tournaments.  “This year, I haven’t got to fish as many bass tournaments as I wanted too because of being overseas in active duty,” Haralson continued, “I missed all of the good fishing during the spawn and post spawn; although, I heard about it from all my fishing buddies back home on Face Book and the internet.”  That includes one of his fishing buddies Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Fred Roumbanis.   Haralson usually competes in the American Bass Anglers Bassmaster Weekend Series tournament trail, Triton tournaments, and local tournaments.  “I like the ABA tournaments because of the incentives for Triton Boat and Mercury outboard owners,” explained Haralson.   Haralson spent some of his free time overseas ordering his boat, a Triton 21 HP Elite powered by a 250-hp Mercury outboard and fishing tackle.  “I ordered my boat from Copher’s Boat Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas,” Haralson continued, “in fact; I have ordered all my boats from Copher’s.  I feel it is important for people to purchase their boats through local dealers like Copher’s.  Of course, I purchase my boats from Copher’s because of their great customer service.” 
Haralson is currently on the pro staff of Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Power Poles, and Copher’s Boat Center.  His favorite body of water to fish is Lake Dardanelle on the Arkansas River in Arkansas.  He is a power fisherman who likes river fishing and casting around grass and riprap with plastics or crankbaits.  But it’s not being a member of any fishing pro staff that makes Master Sergeant Jodie Haralson special.  It’s his willingness to sacrifice everything to serve our country in the Arkansas Air National Guard.