A veteran plies the water for fish during last year’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area trip hosted by the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. A second trip is now in the works. It is dedicated to assist veterans in healing and building healthy relationships while fishing, camping, canoeing and having fun in the wilderness. Photo courtesy of Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center
The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting a free trip for veterans to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota July 9-14.
This will be the second year that the Center has offered the trip for veterans that are disabled or dealing with PTSD and other specified traumas. “Last year’s trip was amazing, it was one of the better trips I have ever been a part of,” said Hayes Scriven, executive director of the Center. “We wanted to give back in another way to the veteran community and we were able to do that in a unique way.
“We are aware of the many issues facing veterans today. In an effort to assist in healing and building healthy relationships within our community, we are offering this BWCA trip for veterans.” Nothing but fishing, canoeing and camping the entire time. By bringing veterans into the wilderness away from noises and stress, it is hoped that it will help them heal, recover and just relax.
Duane Lasley, a retired captain with U.S. Army from Duluth went on the trip last year and is now volunteering his time for the trip. H “I was fortunate enough to go on last year’s trip and it was an amazing experience. I am doing what I can to help others enjoy a similar experience,” he said.
The Center will be taking a small group of veterans up to Ely, where they will spend a night at Veterans on the Lake Resort before heading into the BWCA on July 10. The trip is being outfitted by Canadian Waters. The group will return from their trip on July 13 and spend another night at the resort before heading back into civilization.
Interested veterans can apply for the trip on the Center’s website bongcenter.org or call the Center at 715-392-7151.
About the Center
The Mission of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is to preserve and honor the memory of Major Bong and all veterans of World War II and subsequent conflicts and to provide educational resources for the Twin Ports area community and beyond.
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