ECHOTAIL - Key Persons

Robert C Blanchar was an Aircraft Engine Mechanic Supervisor for the F-16C/D. He was also an Iraq war veteran having done three tours of duty in Iraq at Balad Air Base. While in Iraq in addition to performing supervisory duties for the F-16C/D, he also assisted combat-wounded American soldiers, Iraqi soldiers, and Iraqi citizens. Rob is a lifelong resident of McFarland, WI and Co-Founded Take-A-Vet Fishing in 2012 along with his son, Justin Blanchar and Jay Garstecki. Their mission was to provide a day of giving back to the veterans who served our country. An event was planned in which guides were provided to take Veterans fishing for a half day followed by a recognition ceremony and luncheon that included the vets and their families, guides and numerous volunteers. It was a day of saying thank you to Veterans, some of whom never received the thanks they deserved. It is also the same format that is used to this day as Take-A-Vet Fishing events expand from state to state.