Story By Josh Watkins
I grew up in the quiet rural town of Coulterville, in southern Illinois. My story isn’t one of grandeur or fame, but one of dedication, sacrifice, and a deep connection to my brothers in arms and the outdoors. For 20 years, I served as a Military Police Soldier in the U.S. Army, and through those years, I learned the true meaning of leadership, camaraderie, and resilience.
Throughout my career, I held several leadership positions—Team Leader, Squad Leader, Drill Sergeant, and First Sergeant, to name a few. My journey is culminating in an incredible opportunity to help reform the U.S. Army Outdoors Team, serving as a representative to assist with marketing and recruiting efforts. Yet, my story is about more than my time in uniform. It’s also about the passion that has kept me grounded through all of life’s challenges—fishing.
Fishing has been more than just a hobby for me; it’s been a source of peace and purpose. Through fishing, I’ve connected with others, shared my story, and found a way to honor those who are no longer with us. My career, however, wasn’t without its trials. I deployed to Iraq once for 12 month and Afghanistan twice for another 24 months. In those places, I faced the harsh realities of war. I lost six of my brothers in arms who were more than friends; they were family.
To honor their memory, I’ve transformed my fishing boat into a tribute to them. Six silhouettes adorn my boat, each representing one of my fallen brothers. These silhouettes are a reminder that they are always with me, no matter where life takes me.
In addition to the silhouettes, I’ve placed six identification tags on my boat, each bearing their names, the locations where they fell, and the dates of their ultimate sacrifice. This tribute isn’t just for me—it’s for their families, friends, and anyone who sees my boat. It’s a way to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten and that their legacies live on.
Looking back on my time in the Army, I’m proud of what I accomplished. My leadership and dedication were shaped by the incredible people I served with and the lessons I learned along the way.
Now, as I step into the next chapter of my life, I carry those memories and that responsibility with me. My boat is more than a tool for fishing—it’s a symbol of remembrance, of the bonds that can never be broken.
As we finish this season and prepare for the 2025 season next March, I’ll continue to carry these heroes with me everywhere I go. My goal is for you—my brother or sister in fishing—to stop me when I’m out and about and to take a moment to learn about the incredible men whose names are honored on my boat. Their sacrifices deserve to be remembered, and I will do everything in my power to ensure their stories are told.
This journey has been about more than fishing or military service—it’s about honoring those who gave everything and about reminding others of the sacrifices made by our military personnel. Their legacy is my guide, and I will carry it with me wherever life leads.
I’m looking forward to sharing all of that and my journey in fishing through this column.
Josh Watkins – Angler Profile
