Veteran’s Corner

Tom Krabbenhoft

I enjoy hearing about Veterans causes, concerns and charities. Veterans are lucky to have so many groups that benefit us. I love it even more when I can write about them.

One I’ve just heard about is Walleye Master Charity Events, a 501 C3.
For eleven years now they’ve held an annual “Pay It Forward” this year will be their twelve.
“The purpose of Pay It Forward is to honor, recognize and celebrate all veterans.’
What is “Pay It Forward”?
Is a grand Lake of the Woods experience, at Zero costs to the Veterans.
This year’s event will take place Mon – Thurs, Aug 25 – 28, 2025. Veterans arrive Monday afternoon. Opening dinner at Sportsman’s Lodge around 5:30pm with guest speakers.
Tuesday, the day starts with breakfast at the resort the veteran is staying at. At 8am, veterans step aboard a charter boat for a day of fishing on Lake of the Woods. The boat typically returns to dock at 5pm. A walleye fish fry on the banks of the Rainy River at River Bend Resort with guest speakers.
Wednesday, breakfast, fishing and dinner with speakers at Border View Lodge.
Thursday, veterans enjoy breakfast at the resort they are staying at and head for home.
The guest speakers are chosen to be impactful and meaningful to the guest veterans.
Every detail of the trip is built around the veteran having the most positive experience possible.
The magic comes from veterans spending time with other veterans in this environment we created with hand-picked guest speakers. It just works. Hosts believe this event has saved lives and has also made many veterans’ lives more quality.
Thanks to Lake Of The Woods Tourism and others for putting this on.
If you can donate or would like more information go to www.payitforwardlow.org.

Send your veteran-related news to me at 11btwk@gmail.com.