Reeling in the years: Veterans fishing outing marks 50th anniversary
Not everyone hooked a fish during the annual Disabled Vets Fish Outing in Port Washington June 28, but based on the smiles and laughter of all involved, it didn’t matter.
Because it wasn’t about the fish; it was about doing good for those who served their country.
“I think it went great. It was really awesome to see the Veterans’ faces light up this morning,” said Tony Wagner, program manager for recreation therapy.
Though smoky skies prevented the more vulnerable from making the trip, about 40 Veterans served by the Milwaukee VA Medical Center enjoyed the morning on Lake Michigan, casting lines, chatting with volunteers and connecting with comrades.
And Port Washington turned out in force to reignite the event, which had been shelved the past three years due to the COVID pandemic. About 40 boat captains — some professional charter fishermen but many just avid anglers — volunteered to take Veterans out on the water.
Meanwhile, volunteers ranging from middle school cheer squad members to retirees, worked behind the scenes. They helped Veterans with mobility issues throughout the day and provided a sumptuous fish boil and buffet lunch after the outing.
They all came together to make the day something special.
“They really care about this; it means a lot to them,” Wagner said of the volunteers. “It was really nice to hear stories about guys who have been doing this for years … talking about the boats and the relationships they’ve made.”
Veteran Steve Wachs agreed, saying the volunteers made the day both enjoyable and therapeutic.
“It was great, fantastic,” he said. “It was a good experience. Everyone had a pleasant attitude. It was a really nice day. It got me away from all the garbage that’s going on where I live and made me feel more at ease.”
Veteran Cynthia Hamilton agreed. The first-time angler reeled in three fish.
“Today was just marvelous,” she said. “It was amazing, interesting — all of that. I want to go back again.”
This was the 50th anniversary outing, which was begun by Port Washington Veteran Tom McQuaid who vowed, after his release from the Milwaukee VA Medical Center due to injuries sustained in a boat fire, to take some of his fellow Veteran patients fishing.
What started with one boat and two Veterans now encompasses 40-50 boats and some 200 volunteers.
Dick Laske, captain of the boat Lost Time, has been volunteering at the event since the 1975. The U.S. Army Veteran does his share of volunteering for Veterans groups and has been an avid supporter of the annual outing.
“It’s great,” he said. “Anything I can do for the Veterans, I will do.”
“It’s so wonderful. It’s a labor of love,” said longtime event chairwoman Mary Schuknecht. “Last time, I was totally worn out when it was over, but it was the best worn-out feeling you could ever have.”
Brian McCambridge of Iron Workers Local Union 8 has been volunteering at the event for 32 years. While he loves to fish, he also said it’s important to help Veterans, noting that many of his fellow iron workers served in the military.
“What we have today is because of the Veterans,” he said. “We know how important it is to get the Veterans out of the hospital and for us to give something back.”
As the boats returned and the Veterans sat down to lunch at American Legion Post 82, they told stories about the fish they caught and the ones that got away. Trophies were awarded for the biggest fish caught in four categories: lake trout, rainbow trout, coho salmon and chinook salmon.
For Wachs, it was a momentous day as he caught an 18-inch salmon.
“This was the first time I ever caught a big fish. Before, I’ve only caught minnows,” he said, noting his arms were sore from reeling in the fish.
All the fish the Veterans catch is prepped, smoked and returned to the hospital. If there’s too much, it’s donated to shelters and food banks.
For Schuknecht, this is her last year as chairwoman. She said it was time to turn the reins over to the next generation.
But she plans to keep volunteering, because she sees the good the event does written on the faces of the Veterans.
“If I can see the guys smile, I’m in heaven. That’s what it’s all about,,” she said. “It’s such a small thank you for everything they’ve given up in their lives to keep us safe.”