Nationwide Bass Tournament Honors 82nd Airborne Veteran Lost to Suicide

Sgt. Dylan Holley, an 82nd Airborne Division veteran whose love of fishing inspired the nationwide Hooked on Hope Memorial Bass Tournament, held September 1–30 in his memory.

“I’d tell you it looked bigger in person, but we all know that’s a lie.” Dylan may not have been impressed with this particular catch, but even a tiny bass meant another good day spent on the water.

Sgt. Dylan Holley serving with the 82nd Airborne Division in Kabul during the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Far from the water and the fishing he loved, Dylan was doing what he had committed his life to doing—serving his country alongside his fellow s

The SGT Dylan Holley Memorial Bass Tournament turns a soldier’s love of fishing into hope during Suicide Prevention Month.

FAYETTEVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES, September 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A Million Thanks and the Say His Name Foundation are hosting the inaugural SGT Dylan Holley Memorial Bass Tournament, a nationwide virtual fishing tournament created in memory of an 82nd Airborne Division veteran who died by suicide on September 17, 2023.

Held September 1–30 during Suicide Prevention Month, the tournament invites anglers across the United States to fish in honor of Sgt. Dylan Holley and the countless service members, veterans and families affected by military and veteran suicide. Anglers can fish nationwide and use the FishingChaos app to submit their catches.

Dylan served eight years in the United States Marine Corps as a combat engineer before joining the United States Army, where he served with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Fishing was one of the constants in his life. He fished before work, during lunch and whenever he could find the time.

The tournament’s theme, “Hooked on Hope,” transforms that love of fishing into a nationwide call for remembrance, connection and suicide prevention.

“Fishing has always had a way of bringing people together. It creates space to slow down, talk, listen and simply be present with one another—and sometimes that connection can save a life. Dylan loved to fish, so bringing people together through fishing feels like a meaningful way to honor him. My hope is that every person who participates will remember Dylan, reach out to someone they care about and understand that none of us should have to face our hardest moments alone.” - Michele Holley, Executive Director of A Million Thanks

The month-long virtual tournament is conducted through the FishingChaos app, allowing anglers to compete from eligible public waters across four United States regions. Adult and youth divisions are available, and youth anglers may participate at no cost with a registered adult.

Participants submit qualifying bass catches through the app rather than traveling to a single tournament location. This nationwide format allows anglers, veterans, military families, 82nd Airborne alumni and supporters from across the country to participate wherever they live.

The tournament’s memorial T-shirt will carry an even deeper meaning. During registration, participants may submit the name of a service member or veteran they would like to honor. Every submitted name will be printed on the back of the tournament shirt, creating a powerful tribute to those lost to suicide and ensuring they are remembered as more than a statistic.

Every name has a story. Every story ended too soon.

Beyond competition, the tournament is intended to encourage conversations about veteran suicide and remind service members, veterans and their families that they are not alone.

The tournament will award cash prizes to the top anglers in each region. Anglers will also have the opportunity to compete in a separate side pot for the largest bass caught during the tournament. Adult registration is $45. Register for the tournament at https://app.fishingchaos.com/tournament/dylanholley

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations wishing to support the tournament and its suicide-prevention mission. Contact info@amillionthanks.org for sponsorship information.

ABOUT A MILLION THANKS

A Million Thanks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting communities with service members, veterans and their families through meaningful acts of gratitude and service. Since its founding in 2004, the organization has delivered more than 21.5 million letters of appreciation to members of the military community. Learn more at amilionthanks.org

ABOUT THE SAY HIS NAME FOUNDATION

The Say His Name Foundation honors service members and veterans lost to suicide by preserving their stories, supporting their families and raising awareness of military and veteran suicide. The foundation encourages communities to look beyond the statistics, say their names and remember the lives they lived. Learn more at dylanholley.org

Michele Holley
A Million Thanks Inc.
+1 844-645-5849
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