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The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is once again hosting a free trip for veterans to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota this summer. July 11th through the 17th 2022.
This will be our fourth trip in the past five years and the sixth that the Center has offered for veterans that are disabled or dealing with PTSD and other specified traumas since 2018. “This is a great way for us to give back and provide support to veterans that have given so much to us,” says Executive Director John Gidley. “Thanks to a generous donation by Cenovus Energy/Superior Refinery we are able to once again offer this opportunity to Veterans as one small way to thank them and honor their service to our nation.”
There are many issues facing veterans today. In an effort to assist in healing and building healthy relationships within the community, the Center is offering these BWCA trips for veterans. Participants will enjoy a week of fishing, canoeing, and camping with fellow veterans. By bringing veterans into the wilderness away from noises and stress of the world, the hope is it will help them heal, recover and relax.
In order to educate the public, the Center relies on veterans to provide their stories and artifacts. We appreciate the trust veterans place in us to tell their stories and want to give back to the veteran community.
Duane Lasley, a retired Captain with the U.S. Army from Duluth went on the trip in 2018 and is now volunteering his time as a group leader on the trip. He states, “I was fortunate enough to go on a past trip and it was an amazing experience. I am doing what I can to help others enjoy a similar experience.”
The Center will be taking a small group of veterans and two group leaders up to Ely, Minnesota, where they will spend a night at a local resort before heading into the BWCA the next day. All of the outfitting equipment will be provided for each participant. On the sixth day, the group will return to the resort before a return trip to Superior the following morning.
Interested veterans can apply for the trip through the Center’s website at bongcenter.org/boundary-waters-canoe-area/ click on attached document or stop by the Center for an application. Applicants wishing to be part of the first review of applications need to submit all materials by Friday, May 13. Space is limited so apply today!
Individuals, businesses, or organizations that are interested in donating towards this program may contact Executive Director John Gidley at the Center.
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