Anna and Kelly Eickenbrock enjoyed the Patriot Fish Fest held at Woodland Resort January 10 & 11, brought to the region this year by American Heroes Outdoors and Kyle Blanchfield. This year’s was sponsored by Smokey Hills Outdoor Store and Ice Castle Fish Houses. For information on future events like this go to www.americanheroesoutdoors.com

Anna and Kelly Eickenbrock enjoyed the Patriot Fish Fest held at Woodland Resort January 10 & 11, brought to the region this year by American Heroes Outdoors and Kyle Blanchfield. This year’s was sponsored by Smokey Hills Outdoor Store and Ice Castle Fish Houses. For information on future events like this go to www.americanheroesoutdoors.com

Among the couples fishing together at the weekend’s Patriot Fish Fest at Woodland Resort were the Eickenbrocks from Grand Forks, ND.

Wife, Anna is a Chaplain and First Leutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. Presently she serves as Chaplain for Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. She’s currently working on getting her Doctorate.

Husband, Kelly is a retired Army Sgt. 1st Class after 21 years of service and works as “Chaplain Support” doing whatever he can to support his wife in her work and the couples’ 501 C3’s “Operation Tooth Brush for Homeless Veterans” and “Our Heart For Children.” He was recognized not too long ago by “North Dakota Nice” for his contributions.

Both Anna and Kelly had fished here before and a couple of years ago, in 2023 Kelly got the prize for catching the largest Northern in the contest.

At this year’s Patriot Fish Fest they both fished and enjoyed the company of fellow veterans and ice fishing folks. Anna led the opening prayer for the closing evening’s ceremonies and Saturday, Jan. 11.

If you want to see Chaplain Eickenbrock in action, she provides services at LaGrave on First the 3rd Sunday of each month. Or ask for her visit if you’re ever a patient at the brand new Altru Hospital. These two are delightful, positive, caring individuals who are dedicated to many good and worthy projects, including this annual fishing tournament held annually on Creel Bay, Devils Lake.