Annual SSG Christopher Potts Fishing Tournament Begins Friday

Friends and family of Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts every year for the past eight years have hosted a fishing tournament in memory of the 38-year-old who died on his birthday in 2004 while conducting traffic control operations in Taji, Iraq.

Potts was serving in the 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery Regiment, Army National Guard, and he left behind a wife and two sons.

An avid fisherman, the Tiverton resident loved to spend time fishing with his family, said Capt. Michael Littlefield. And in his memory, the Aquidneck Island Striper Team has been honored to host the Annual SSG Christopher Potts Fishing Tournament,

The fishing starts on Friday, Sept. 5 and tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Riverside Marine, Sam’s Bait & Tackle and Lucky Bait & Tackle. More information can be found at www.AIStriperTeam.com or facebook/ssgchristopherpottsfishingtournament.

There will be food, prizes, raffles and music at the benefit, which is being held at the Portuguese American Citizen Club in Portsmouth on Sept. 13 from 2 to 6 p.m.

The striper club said it needs support with food, raffle and prize items.

“Whether it’s fishing equipment, gift certificates, a monetary donation or food for the benefits, we would greatly appreciate your generosity for whatever you can contribute,” Littlefield said.

Donations will be accepted at any of the participating tackle shops or through www.AIStriperTeam.com.

Donations may be mailed to Riverside Marine, c/o SSG Christopher Potts Fishing Tournament, 211 Riverside Drive, Tiverton, RI 02878.

If you prefer, they can make arrangements to pick up donations at your convenience. For sponsorship opportunities, contact:

Captain Mike Littlefield 401-525-0813

Ralph Craft 401-297-6062

Ted Zack 401-662-6052