Earlier this year, Doug Willert of Dairyland Veterans Outdoor Retreat (DVOR) invited Hometown Hero Outdoors and Got Your 6 to come together for a shared mission: give veterans a weekend to get outdoors, spend time with people who understand them, and build new connections.
From July 31 through August 2, 2026, members and staff from all three organizations gathered in Wisconsin for a weekend of fishing, food, camaraderie, and time away from the pressures of everyday life.
What started as a joint fishing trip quickly became something bigger.
Ten veterans representing Hometown Hero Outdoors and Got Your 6 arrived Friday evening as members of two different organizations. By the end of the weekend, they were leaving with new friendships and an even stronger connection with their brothers and sisters in arms.
A Weekend Built Around Connection
The weekend began Friday night with introductions, brats and all the fixings, and a chance for everyone to meet the DVOR staff and boat captains who would be leading the weekend’s fishing.
Saturday morning started with breakfast prepared by Doug and the DVOR crew before the groups headed in different directions for their first day on the water.
Members of Got Your 6 spent the day float fishing on the St. Croix River, while the Hometown Hero Outdoors group headed to Yellow Lake.
Fishing was good at both locations, but Yellow Lake produced the most unusual catch of the day: a lamprey.
More important than what was caught was the opportunity to spend an uninterrupted day outdoors together. Conversations happened naturally from the boats, along the shoreline, and between casts.
After returning from the water, everyone gathered for a steak fry followed by a spirited game of bags. Teams were selected through a random draw, mixing participants from all three nonprofits and adding a little friendly competition to the evening.
Switching Waters for Day Two
After another group breakfast Sunday morning, the participants switched fishing locations.
Hometown Hero Outdoors members took their turn float fishing on the St. Croix River, while the Got Your 6 group headed to Yellow Lake.
Across the two locations, anglers brought in a mix of bass, walleye, and even a tiger musky.
But as is often the case on HHO trips, the fish were only part of the story.
The weekend created time for veterans to relax, talk, listen to one another, and connect without pressure. For many participants, those simple moments of camaraderie were what made the trip memorable.
One participant described the weekend as.
“Great interaction between three organizations without drama or stress. Everyone worked well together, ensuring that a good time was had by all.”
Another highlighted the value of simply spending time together.
“Camaraderie, talking and listening to others’ stories while engaging in outdoor activities.”
For another participant, the quiet time on the river stood out.
“Drift fishing was such a wonderful and peaceful experience. The guides chosen are fun and positive people!”
The collaboration itself also left an impression.
“Great collaboration, and I hope there is more of this type of work to benefit veterans!”
Three Organizations Working Toward the Same Goal
Hometown Hero Outdoors, Got Your 6, and Dairyland Veterans Outdoor Retreat each have their own programs and communities, but weekends like this demonstrate what can happen when veteran-serving organizations work together.
Outdoor activities provide the setting, but the real value comes from the relationships built along the way.
Whether participants were fishing the St. Croix River, chasing walleye on Yellow Lake, sitting down for dinner, or competing over a game of bags, the weekend gave veterans an opportunity to connect with others who understand the experiences that come with military service.
Sometimes, a few days outside with the right people can make a meaningful difference.
Thank You to the Supporters Who Made the Weekend Possible
A trip like this takes the support of people and businesses who believe in giving back to those who have served.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who contributed to the weekend:
- Vortex Optics — Barneveld, Wisconsin: branded merchandise, 10x binoculars, and a rangefinder
- Fleet Farm — Oconomowoc, Wisconsin: branded sunglasses and fishing bobbers
- Cathy Toso — Oconomowoc, Wisconsin: Kwik Trip gift cards, fishing lure key rings, and can opener key rings
- Chuck and Julie Brookshaw — Webster, Wisconsin: cash donation
- Indy’s Sawdust Shop / Kent Jones — Trego, Wisconsin: carved wooden flag
- Steve and Julie Faulkner — Northfield, Minnesota: cash donation
- Nancy Reseland — Billings, Montana: cash donation
- Gary and Lori Verhasselt — Darby, Wisconsin: four Kwik Trip gift cards
Their generosity helped create a weekend centered on friendship, time outdoors, and connection among veterans.
Three nonprofits came together for one weekend, but they shared one mission: supporting the men and women who have served.
