Fishing With Vets: A mission of camaraderie and healing through the outdoors
by Karin L Nauber
In the early fall of 2014, a simple Facebook post planted the seed for what would become a powerful force in the veteran community. One veteran, frustrated by how his ice fishing gear had deteriorated after years of braving Minnesota winters, took to social media with a heartfelt request: he needed help to get back out on the ice, where fishing helped him find peace.
Within days, a group of like-minded individuals gathered their spare gear and sent it to the veteran, allowing him to return to the ice that winter. That single act of kindness, sparked by one man’s post, became the catalyst for something much larger. It was the beginning of Fishing With Vets.
The Early Days
By December 2014, Fishing With Vets was officially incorporated, with a strong social media presence and its sights set on achieving 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
The organization began with a simple but effective “open seat” concept, explained Vice President Jason Wegscheid. “The open seat program meant that veterans could join anyone willing to take them out fishing,” he said.
It was an easy way to give veterans the chance to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors.
The simplicity of this program quickly caught the attention of professional fishing guides, who began volunteering their time.
“Guides started stepping up, offering veterans and their plus-ones a chance to enjoy guided fishing trips,” noted Wegscheid....