Fishin’ Buddies 4 Veterans

We are a network of veterans and anglers joining forces to combat a national epidemic, suicide among our Nation’s veterans and military personnel. Our goal is to help them heal through fishing and support them through their good and bad times. A few of us here are living proof of the positive effects that fishing has had on our lives. This has provided the inspiration needed to spread the word. Fishing provides peace, serenity and escape from the everyday hustle of life and those hidden wounds many of our Nation’s veterans carry around. We are trading our pills for reels and going from battle buddies to fishing buddies. Whether you came here for help or to help, we welcome you with open tackle boxes. We got your six; nobody is left behind. Relax, reflect, rejuvenate, recover, and restore. Ready-Aim-Cast

Fish on For Freedom

Fish on For Freedom is a charity, not for profit event, that will be held in our home waters of Ludington as a token of thanks from our community to the men and women that have sacrificed so much making this nation what it is today. Although a big part of the event is the activity of going out fishing on the waters of Lake Michigan, we are also designing this event to be about the camaraderie of our guests spending time together and the support our community can show towards the military veterans.

The fishing event itself will take place with a tournament style. Once fishing wraps up in the early afternoon, all the participating boats will gather outside the Ludington pier heads to proceed back into the harbor together. This will give community members a wonderful chance to line the Ludington harbor and welcome back the participants and thank them for their sacrifices for our country.

Field of Dreams

Field of Dreams is made up of an extremely dedicated group of men and women who love the outdoors, and want to share their wealth of knowledge and means of opportunity with others. We’re incredibly grateful to be able to give back to members of the military, their families, and special needs kids in this way.

It started simply, with a fishing trip planned for two special needs kids. Each year we received more requests to attend, and now our annual fishing day caters to over thirty special needs kids and their families. Since that first year we’ve widened our scope of invitees to include men and women who are enlisted in the military. We take these very deserving individuals on outdoor adventures ranging from bear hunts in Manitoba, Canada, big game hunting in Africa, and everything in between. Every year, thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff and amazing sponsors and donors, we’re able to expand the number of excursions we offer and veterans we help.

Even when a physical disability of a child or veteran limits mobility, we help to find ways to overcome these challenges and provide opportunities for adventures in the field. We are incredibly proud of the impact these experiences have in the lives of everyone involved, and we wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the support of our community. Check out our sponsors page to learn more about our wonderful support team, visit our Donations page to learn how you can help us make the Field of Dreams experience a reality for more very deserving individuals

English River Outfitters

We believe there is healing in nature; therefore we emphasize an outdoor experience where veterans can fish, hunt, and hike in the woodlands surrounding our facilities. Veterans with physical disabilities are able to participate fully using our all-terrain wheelchairs. The veterans we serve participate in sporting activities that challenge and empower them, all while immersed in Iowa’s natural, refreshing wilderness.

Empowered Dream Hunts

Joe and Laurie Ramsey established Empowered Dream Hunts in 2007. With Joe’s love for the outdoors and hunting, Joe noticed that there was a need to help those with challenges, disabilities, or illness, so that they can have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as well. As a family, the Ramsey’s have worked together in finding hunting recipients, raising funds to cover the costs, and providing a keepsake DVD to the recipient. Joe and Laurie consider the recipients and their families to be a part of the Ramsey family through these wonderful experiences. Empowered Dream Hunts always promotes family involvement through the entire dream hunt process. The recipient’s family is encouraged to assist in fundraising efforts. They are also invited to come along and experience the hunt with their family member (recipient). Being with family makes the hunting weekend much more memorable and special.

Deer, Turkey and Ducks Outdoors

D.T.D. Outdoors specific purpose is to raise funds in support of:

  1. Educational Programs
  2. Wildlife habitat enhancement and aquisition
  3. Preservation of the hunting tradition and shooting sports for future generations.

In addition, D.T.D. Outdoors will work with local and state agencies to tackle the issues that are in dire need of care. D.T.D. Outdoors will also focus on the immediate needs of Wildlife Enhancement for Monroe County, MS and provide handicap children, United States Military Veterans, and the underprivileged more hunting opportunities that are current residents of Monroe County, MS.

Darby’s Warrior Support

The DWS Mission is to provide physically and emotionally injured post 9/11 Special Operations Combat veterans with all-inclusive Arkansas hunting and fishing opportunities in an environment that comforts, encourages and fosters rehabilitation, recovery and transition.

Cross the Divide

Many of our Nation’s Warfighters struggle with the challenges of military service and reintegration back into civilian life. Cross The Divide provides veterans and their families opportunities to reconnect with nature and each other to experience wholeness, healing and growth.

These services are offered free of charge to all our Warfighters. They include experiences such as backpacking trips, llama packing experiences, health and wellness seminars, hunting and fishing trips, and relationship-building opportunities.

Our Mission:

Helping veterans and their families navigate the challenging terrain of life, promoting healing, hope, strength and growth by reconnecting to each other as well as reconnecting with nature.

Processing

Donation to The LinkUp

  • *