WINNECONNE, WI (WTAQ) – For the third year in a row, a group of veterans were thanked for their service during Memorial Day weekend with a fishing trip.
On Saturday, 65 veterans headed out on Lake Winneconne for the Wounded and Retired Veteran Fishing Event.
“It’s a chance to get out. It’s the only time that I actually go fishing and its nice weather” said Navy veteran Paul Poellinger told FOX 11.
For some, like Cody Henry, it’s their very first time participating in the free fishing event.
“[I’m looking forward to] just enjoying it and just being out on the boat and catching fish,” Henry said.
For others, the annual trip has become a tradition.
“I was here last year,” Poellinger said.
Nearly 40 professional anglers volunteered to help out for the event.
“These guys give up their valuable time to do this on a Saturday which is very important to everyone,” Poellinger said.
Even though the veterans are thankful for the fishing opportunity, those who started this event look forward to meeting the vets every year. Many of the fishermen also say it’s a great way to meet and talk to other veterans.
Thanks to a number of donations, veterans took home fishing rods, tackle boxes and lures.
(Additional reporting from FOX 11).
