Tomah VA Annual Fishing Tournament
The Tomah VA fishing pond was constructed in 1959 with donations from the Wisconsin American Legion, 7th District and has been stocked annually at no cost to VA due to continued community partners.
Every third Wednesday in May, many local organizations work together to sponsor a fishing tournament for inpatient Veterans. On Wednesday, May 15th, the Tomah VA Medical Center hosted their annual fishing tournament for all inpatient Veterans. This event is just one more way the Medical Center aims to improve the patient experience and allow inpatient Veterans to continue in activities that they used to enjoy. This year the campus pond was stocked with 1,452 rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass and yellow perch.
The Tomah Middle School who has been supporting this event since 1994, organized 100 7th grade students to help escort the Veterans to the pond and assist them with the activities. Throughout the tournament, fish are measured and then released back to pond. Veterans also enjoyed a fish fry after the event with catfish donated and fried by local organizations. Awards were presented to Veterans for most fish caught and biggest fish.
Amy Olson, Recreation Assistant, and event organizer stated, “Our Veterans always look forward to the annual fishing tournament which is the official opening of our VA fishing pond each year.” This event was made possible due to Tomah VA Medical Center’s committed community partners and volunteers including Friends of the Upper Mississippi, Genoa National Fish Hatchery and Great River Road Interpretive Center, La Crosse Fish & Wildlife Services, American Legion Auxiliary - state department, American Legion - Department of Wisconsin, Vernon County American Legion, as well as many Medical Center employees. “Our rural community really comes together to support this annual event,” Olson stated.
Throughout the summer, staff and volunteers assist Veterans with regular fishing at our VA pond. Volunteers keep fishing poles ready for use, worms are purchased with donated funds and always available when the fish are biting. Roads and Grounds staff work with the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) Program Manager to manage the pond area for best quality fishing. They are even creating a worm bed right on campus for a more sustainable option. There are many great opportunities for your organization to assist in caring for Veterans or doing a service project at your nearest VA or national cemetery.
If you or a group you are involved with is interested in volunteering, please visit www.volunteer.va.gov to learn about ways you can give back to your area VA.