Over the weekend a I worked with a Non-profit organization called Fishing with Vets (https://www.fishingwithvets.com/), based in Minnesota. My cousin Aaron co-founded the organization with his long time Veteran friend Jeremy who wanted to give back to other veterans by providing opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The organization started in 2015 and only did a few trips a year. Now they are up to 9+ trips a year, some with up to 40 veterans. All the veteran’s meals, lodging, necessary fishing/outdoor is provided by the organization. Aaron reached out to me a few months ago asking if I would help organize a small trip to Colorado to provide an fly fishing experience. After hearing the background of the organization, I was happy to help.
I reached out to my parents Bill and Cyndi to see if they would be interested in helping host a weekend at the cabin. Bill, Cyndi, and Mark (the co-owner of our cabin) help provided & prep all the food, got beer donations from a local brewery Rails End, were fantastic hosts, and got passes donated by the Tarryall Fishing Club to fish private water near our cabin. I wouldn’t of been able to help pull this weekend without them. Dennis runs the Tarryall fishing club and is also a veteran. He was also excited to help the guys out and provide a great weekend for them.
I was the “guide” for the weekend, so I coordinated getting gear by working with Golden River Sports – they gave a generous discount on the waders and boot rentals. My brother Alex, friend Tyler, and Mark all lent their rods and reels to be used for the weekend. Another friend Mark reached out asking if we needed any help with the weekend, his dad, Scott owns ARS companies, which is a construction-based business in Denver. I let him know we could use some help paying for gear rentals, they donated enough to cover gear rentals and more for the weekend.
Last, but not least – the veterans, Mike and Mike – the main reason for the trip. It was a pleasure to hang out with these guys, learn about their life, experiences, and teach them how to fly fish. Neither of them had ever fly fished before and luckily, the fish cooperated, they were able to catch many Rainbow and Brown Trout, even a Sucker fish! Besides being quick learners and awesome first-time fly fishers, these guys do so much for their fellow veterans. Mike and Mike run a non-profit softball league/Tournament called Minnesota Softball Military Appreciation (http://www.mnmilitarysoftball.org/). Their organization raises money to donate to various Veteran non-profit programs – such as Fishing with Vets. They also work with non-profit organizations who help provide housing to struggling veterans to help them get on their feet. I found them to be truly inspirational, not just because they’ve served to protect our country, but that they continue to serve their fellow veterans today. They are truly exceptional humans.
Here is a list of the organizations they donate and or planning on donating too.
- In the past years they have given to the following
- Fishing with Vets
https://www.fishingwithvets.com/ - Hometown Heros Outdoors
https://www.hometownherooutdoors.org/ - MN Warrior Hockey
https://www.mnwarriors.com/ - Tee it up for the Troops
https://www.teeitupforthetroops.org/ - Wounded Warrior Project
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ - For 2019 they have chosen the following
- Haven for Heros
https://www.haven4heroesmn.org/ - We got your 6 Outdoor Adventures
http://wegotyour6outdooradventures.com/ - Soldiers 6
https://www.soldiers6.com/
The whole weekend was overwhelmingly rewarding. I’ve been wanting to give back to others through fly fishing since I started two years ago. This year I was finally in a place where I could help provide a great experience. Teaching Mike, Mike, and Jeremy how to fly fish, seeing their smiles and joy out on the water was one of the best ways I could think to thank them for their service to our country. Without all the contributions and help from others in the community, this weekend wouldn’t be possible, and it was amazing to see everyone step up and help where they could.
If you enjoyed learning about the cause and want to participate or donate – reach out to me or go directly to their websites https://www.fishingwithvets.com and http://www.mnmilitarysoftball.org/ or facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/fishingwithvets/ or https://www.facebook.com/MNMilitarySoftball/ . MN Military softball is still waiting on their non-profit status, however it should be official soon. Fishing with Vets has non-profit status 501C3. Read more about their programs on their websites.
Some pictures and video recap from the weekend.
