A Man on a Mission

In 2001 Tom Frink was not unlike most recent high school graduates. He had enrolled at the local junior college and was holding down a part time job working at a tackle shop in southern California. However, Tom was disenchanted with school and really unsure of where his future was headed.

His dream was simple enough. Purchase a nice bass boat and become a professional bass fisherman. Early on Tom realized he had a knack for fishing, winning several tournaments in high school and sharing ideas both on and off the water with up and coming pros such as Aaron Martens and Luke Clausen.

But how is a guy with no set career direction and a part time job supposed to make ends meet, let alone purchase a bass boat capable of running with the big boys? And if he did get the boat how in the world would he find his niche in this competitive and rising sport?

While pondering how he would pursue his dreams he suddenly found himself being called on a mission. Tom, along with the nation, was shocked by September 11th. The military was a viable option he'd been considering all along. Suddenly it took precedence. There was no more time for worrying about school, fishing, or how he would afford either. His country was under attack and he responded.

Tom Frink strapped on his boots and became Senior Airman Thomas Frink of the 823rd Security Forces Squadron. Stationed in Valdosta Georgia Tom prepared for war. Three times he ventured overseas with the Airforce to protect this great nation. His nation. His dreams.

He completed both Army Airborne School and Airforce Sniper School during his time with the Airforce. While deployed he not only worked on base but also off base discovering weapon caches, networking with the locals, and working security detail at the airport.

When Tom returned home he had a better grasp on which step he wanted to take next. And the nation he had admirably defended was ready to help. Through the GI Bill Tom found a way to afford college and through his time at war he found a desired career path. Tom enrolled in the Pre-Nursing program at Kennesaw State.

And with the extra income that he earned serving his country. You guessed it. Tom purchased a top of the line bass boat.

Undoubtebly the perks and pay offered by the military played a part in Tom's decision to join. However, one thing he had no way of predicting was the military's soon to be interest in the sport that he so loved. In 2009 National Gaurd stepped up as the title sponsor of FLW's College Fishing.

Now enrolled as a fulltime student, Tom Frink, along with partner Jake Akin, has qualified for the 2011 College Fishing National Championship. As one of only 25 teams qualified for the championship the duo stand a pretty good chance of winning it all. "It all" also includes a bid into the Forrest Wood Cup, only the biggest event in all of competitive bass fishing. Tom was a man on a mission and it looks as though he may have found his niche after all.