Vet lost job needs some help.....

[cra97]

As most of you know from my introduction, I am a disabled vet. I was informed, after my boss found out I had PTSD last week, that my services were no longer required. This is the 2nd such happening in 3 months, but whatever. I was planning to take my young sons fishing during spring break in Cumberland, but that's a wash in light of the "great news" I got last week. My question is this; I need to take them fishing (as I WILL NOT break a promise to my boys on account of my inablity to hold a job) but I have no money to alot for this trip and I live in Louisville, where can I go for cheap and still find the "action" it will require to keep a 4 and 7 year old interested? I don't mean to whine, as everyone has there problems, just need some help as I have NO CLUE what to do now. They are on break next week and I am going to call the guide today and canceal the trip, which I am sorry to feel like I am screwing him over with the late notice, but what can you do. I also need a couple of REALLY CHEAP closed face rods and reels for the boys, where is the best place to get those as well? Thanks guys, you have all been very kind and helpful when I have had questions and I thank you again for any help you can be with these two. Take care and good luck fishing!!

Rob

[troutcrazy]

I used to live in Louisville and this time of the year the bluegill are really working at Lake McNeely. It's a small lake and you can find ample places to fish from the bank. It's not out in the great wide open, but you'll probably catch some fish. Another idea is to take a drive out past 265 somewhere (east or south) and find a pond...knock on the door of a farmer and ask if you can take your boys fishing...most of the time they'll say yes. I have 4 ponds I fish and that's exactly how I went about it. I also made 4 new friends.

Cheap combo's can be found at Wal-Mart...if you can't find it at Wal-Mart you don't need it.

Some of the other guys might be able to give you better advice on a place to go in Louisville. Hope you can find a new job quick.

[stratosjoe]

Cra97 I can't help you with the fishing trip but If I were you,,, me and the labor board would be having a conversation over coffee about my past employers hiring and firing practices. Then I would be talking to my counselor at the VA. From there if I recieved no satisfaction I would carefully word a letter to all local newspapers of my plight and send them in. The real world wants us to go to Viet Nam and Irag ETC and do their nasty deeds but then not pay up when some of us need some help! Keep the faith Brother...

[wishniwasfishn]

I would first talk to someone and see if it is even legal to let you go after they found out you had this disability, that sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Not that I am the type of person to sue just anyone, but when a company treats our Veterans like this, people should know about it, and quit doing buisness with them period. And if i was you, I would definetly let people know how they treated you. I'm sure you could go to the VA and at least get some legal advise on this. I would second the McNeely lake, there is plent of places to bank fish there, and the bluegill are always biting. Good luck to you, and I hope you can do something about this company and their terrible practices.

[RoadToad]

This site shows KDFWR's April schedule of trout stocking:
http://www.kdfwr.state.ky.us/troutsched.asp

You'll see there that on April 8th, Tom Wallace and Watterson Park lakes will be stocked. The next day Miles Park pond #4, Fisherman Park, and Cherokee Lake (in Cherokee Park) are to be stocked, among others. I've fished Miles, Tom Wallace, and Fisherman's before, and for about a month or so after they're stocked, it's really easy to limit out on 10-11" trout. And they all have bass, bluegill and catfish in them, too. They're all great places to take kids, because success is virtually guaranteed. I use minnows or spinners, but I see people having success on corn, worms, just about anything. Of the three, Tom Wallace probably has the best bank access, but I'm sure Cherokee is easy too, considering it's right in the middle of Cherokee Park. Wal-Mart sells spincast combos that come with a little tackle box and some basic tackle for about 15 or 20 bucks. Bass Pro Shop in Clarkesville has spincast combos to $9.99. If you need directions or any other assistance feel free to PM or email me. Good Luck!

[cra97]

I talked with "JAG" and they told me that since KY is a "no cause" state, they can fire you, let you go, get rid of you, ect without having to even give ANY reason at all. Wonderful protection we have here in this wonderful state, ehh? I could not believe it, but it was in writing when I researched it, plus the reasons were "told to me" but they unfortunately were not put in writing, they don't have to write anything but the part about not needing your services anymore. Great set-up for employers, don't even have to have a reason Sad part is, it was the government I was working for in BOTH these jobs. Civilians run the military, not matter what you believe, they have ALL the control.

Rob

[Dave Stewart]

If you were aU.S. government employee..ie...civil service then you certainly do have appeal rights to being fired unless you were on probationary status...state is not involved. It is call the Merit System Protection Board...check it out.

[cra97]

That is the problem Dave, I WAS hired as a "term" employee and in both instances it was under a year. I even called JAG and they will not return my calls to file a complaint against the government, which I am entitled to do, because the person who handles that here at Knox advised my boss on my dismissal. I cannot afford my own lawyer to fight it, and thus am trying to at least get unemployment (which does not look promising at this point either since I was technically "fired" during my probationary period (at least from what I can understand). I have no experience in this crap, I have never had a job related issue in my life and cannot believe I am having to put up with this crap now. 4 kids and a stay at home mother to support and I am ready to destroy someone for putting me through this, to be honest with you. I am at the end of my rope and just SO frustrated at this point. I have 18 years dedicated to the Army, an MBA and am jobless with no prospect to pay the rent at this point. Isn't life grand? Thanks for the thought though, I do appreciate it.

Rob

[zx150]

I know how you feel. What type of work do you do? What is your MBA in? There are LOTS of people on here that might be able to help you with a job. Let us know how it is going. I don't know you or if you are a religious man but, I will say a prayer for you and your family. Ryan.

[Dave Stewart]

RYAN: If you will go over to Wal Mart and pick out a couple of push button combo's for this gentleman's young boys and some Berkley Trout Baits, hooks, etc I will send you a check to cover it.
Dave

cra97: Don't wanna hear no crap about this either....I know a little about the military and civil service having served in the military for 26 years and also having been fired from a civil service job. I can't help you get a job but I can help see your boys go fishing. If I were not booked up all next week you all would be fishing with me. Take those boys fishing there in Louisville and chill out.

[trex1]

Cra 97.
If you want to come to Richmond Ky. We have a small lake, Wilgreen, that is idle speed only. I think I might be able to get you 2/3 night stay in their trailer. I will also see that you have a boat&motor to use. Good bluegill, bass, and crappie.
Contact: Rex Allen, 859-314-3746 Good luck,

[DavidPT40]

McNeely is pretty heavily fished. The best fishing is in the big cove back by the dam. When the longear sunfish start nesting, you can catch them pretty regularly. Its possible to get back to the cove, but its a good little walk. Follow the trail that begins at the playground, past the apartments, back to the dam. Cross the tailwaters (usually not even a foot deep), then follow the trail left. That will lead you down to the lake and some pretty good fishing spots.