Veteran’s Day isn’t the only time servicemen and women should get recognition. Many of the issues and setbacks veterans face include homelessness, PTSD, physical medical issues, and suicide. This past weekend at the Woodland Resort, American Heroes Outdoors Television held its annual Patriot Fish Fest.

Patriot Fish Fest at Woodland Resort is a fishing tournament open to all. Cash prizes and plaques are awarded to those who catch the largest walleye, perch, pike, and “other fish.”

Veterans have the opportunity to join in fishing with others and are provided with the necessary equipment to hopefully catch some big fish. The event attracts fishermen from Devils Lake, Dunseith, Grand Forks, Minot and elsewhere. Fishermen who registered take a veteran on their boat and work together fishing.

It is not just a gathering to award prizes and have a drink and have supper. The two-day event also features an honor guard ceremony the “Missing Man Table.” The table is reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremony symbolizes that they are here in spirit.

Andy Schneider, a board member of American Heroes Outdoors and Sheriff of Grand Forks County, spoke to the Journal about organizing this event for almost a decade. “What we’ve been able to do the last few years is pair them with locals, and they’ll take them out [to fish]. It’s kind of a way for the local guys to give back to veterans, as well,” he said. “The goal of American Heroes Outdoors is to help those that have served heal while enjoying the outdoors. We give them a chance to get out with people that appreciate them.”

Kyle Blanchfield, owner of Woodland Resort, said they hope they can get more people to come out to next year’s Patriot Fish Fest. “It’s open for everybody. You don’t have to be a veteran. You don’t have to be a first responder,” he said. “You can just come and enjoy the tournament, enjoy the whole picture… It’s a great time. It’s all about fun.”

The winning fish were determined as follows:

1st place walleye was 10.8 lbs.

1st place perch was 3.12 lbs.

1st place northern was 7.63 lbs.

1st place “other fish” (white bass) was 3.37 lbs.

If you are a veteran who is facing a crisis of any kind please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then press 1.

Also, you could consider fishing this tournament next year. For more information about it, go to www.americanheroesoutdoors.com – photos from this Patriot Fish Fest and past years’ are on their website.