Mr. Tred Barta,

I would like to have the opportunity to speak with you directly if you have a moment in the near future. I understand that you have a great deal of things on your plate and that your rehabilitation is first and foremost for both you and your family. However, it is very well known the many things you have done for both the sport fishing industry and conservation of our fisheries around the US and abroad. You truely are a remarkable man. I have watched many of your fishing shows (not so many of the hunting as that's just not my cup of tea) and have always been at taken back at the respect that everyone has for you regardless of your views, oppinions, and how blunt you can be at times (which I personally like the way you don't beat around the bush or sugar coat things). You have amassed a great deal of supporters and friends in your efforts in the marine world and I commend you for that.

With that being said, i would like to speak with you about Saltwater Soldiers Inc., a non-profit organization serving our American heroes and their families, primarily through offshore fishing trips and how we may be able to work together to achieve support for our troops and veterans as well as for conservation efforts. I think that if we throw both of these issues into the mainstream we can achieve a great deal of good for both causes which truely can go hand in hand.

Please give me a call or send me an email at your convenience. My personal cell number is (703) 928-9513 and my email is Michael.Branson@SaltwaterSoldiers.org depending on which way is easier for you at this time. It truely would be an honor to speak with you and to see if there is any opportunity for our works to cross paths in the interest of promoting eachothers causes together. Given your immense success, your incredible contacts, and, from what I have gathered from your fishing shows and the articles on Sportfishermen.com, your dedicated and supportive friends around he US and abroad I feel that I could learn a great deal from you.

As you are extremely passionate about conservation and educating our next generation on the pleasures and responsibilities of fishing, I am as passionate about helping, supporting, and rewarding our American Heroes for the sacrifces, service, and dedication to our great country that they and their families have so selflessly made in our favor.

Once again, please take a moment to reach out and speak with me even if just for a moment. I would like to alos wish you a Happy New Year and offer you and your family our prayers as you fight to recover from your medical issues at hand. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration and god bless!

regards,

Michael Branson
Saltwater Soldiers Inc.