Operation Muskie

Operation Muskie happens once a year on Lake Of The Woods.  Recent overseas veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are selected for an all-expense paid fishing trip in our beautiful neck of the woods.  Vets put in their application for this exciting chance at catching the big fish, and 20 are selected to go.  Everything on the trip is free for them, and I use this term loosely considering what they've done for our country and that freedom is not free.  It's a gift to them and a chance for them to relax and be taken care of.

Their first day starts out with a breakfast in Warroad and then a motorcycle escort to the border.  They meet up at Young's Bay to head in boats to their lodging at Baystore, where the idea first got started.  Their mission is "Putting Thanks Into Action".   After the opening ceremony at Baystore, they head out for the fishing.

Here are the vets milling around our store, waiting to board their boats and get the party started.  Businesses all around our area provide items for their trip.  They get free bait, fishing gear, rods, maps, meals, etc.

It was really neat to see the boats heading out, all lined up.  I have no idea what these men and women see in a day in other countries.  I can't imagine what it is like to return home and see the people that take their fight for granted. I'm  proud our resort participates in this event and gives back in some way.  Maybe some day it will be 50 veterans instead of 20!

Tyson had no idea who they were or what was happening, but he smiled and waved anyway.  Our young patriot!

I'm sorry I don't have more pictures or details of Operation Muskie.  They are on Facebook and also you can look at the website for more:  operationmuskie.com   You can go to this website and see all the fish they caught and who was there.  It gives a little more detail on how it got started and who is involved.  ( I don't like to put names online for privacy reasons.)  It's a big deal for the vets who are able to participate and a great experience too!  You will notice their faces are all smiling in every photo.