On August 16, 2025, Hometown Hero Outdoors Team North Dakota hosted a special “Making Memories” fishing trip at Van Hook on Lake Sakakawea.
This was a member plus one trip, designed to give participants the chance to share the outdoors with a child or grandchild. The goal was simple but meaningful: to create memories together on the water.
The weather was far from perfect. High winds and rolling waves swept across Lake Sakakawea, making fishing conditions tough. Thanks to the skill and determination of volunteer guides Justin McNichols, Brad Kraft, and Corey Telehey, the boats launched and the trip continued as planned.
Not many fish were caught, but that was never the point. The true success came in the laughter, the conversations, and the time spent bonding in the outdoors.
This adventure would not have been possible without the support of community partners. Special thanks go out to Focused Beam Engraving, Sleep Inn, and Jon Johnson Meats for helping bring this trip to life.
At Hometown Hero Outdoors, our mission is to provide veterans, military service members, and first responders with opportunities to heal through outdoor recreational therapy. Trips like this fishing adventure on Lake Sakakawea show the lasting impact of time in nature. Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the memories made are what truly matter.
From Team North Dakota, thank you to our members for your service and thank you to the sponsors and guides who made this trip possible.
