12th Annual “Pay It Forward” Veterans Event Brings Healing, Camaraderie, and World-Class Fishing to Veterans on Lake of the Woods

Ninety veterans, caregivers and special guests enjoy a complimentary 3-night, 2-day retreat thanks to the generosity of Lake of the Woods resorts, organizations, and individual donors

BAUDETTE, MN — September 5, 2025 — Ninety U.S. military veterans, caregivers and special guests gathered last week on Minnesota’s famed Lake of the Woods for the 12th annual Pay It Forward Veterans Event, a complimentary, multi-day experience made possible through the extraordinary support of local resorts, organizations, and caring individuals. Over three nights and two full days, veterans connected with one another, heard powerful messages of hope, and experienced unforgettable fishing on the Walleye Capital of the World.

A meaningful welcome and opening night program

Veterans arrived Monday afternoon and checked into their assigned resorts before the opening night. The group then convened for dinner and the opening program at Sportsman’s Lodge, where Brandi, the lodge’s bartender and a former backup singer for several major acts, delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem. A hearty fried chicken buffet with all the trimmings set the tone for the evening.

Vietnam veteran Jerry Roberts, accompanied by his wife Suzanne, shared candid reflections on his service, the challenges he faced upon returning home, and the perseverance required to heal together. Roberts, a recipient of three Purple Hearts, spoke to the power of support, community, and purpose—an enduring theme throughout the event.

Two days of big fish and bigger smiles

After breakfast Tuesday, veterans boarded resort charter boats for a day on the water. Coolers quickly filled with walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, and the occasional northern pike, with robust bag lunches provided aboard each boat. By late afternoon, boats returned to the docks and veterans prepared for the evening’s program and dinner at River Bend Resort.

River Bend served its famous all-you-can-eat walleye alongside baked potatoes, thick-cut bacon, baked beans, sautéed onions, coleslaw, and dinner rolls—enjoyed on the scenic banks of the Rainy River. Veterans heard from Will Hangman, a 24-year U.S. Army veteran representing Warriors Never Give Up of Sioux Falls, S.D. He shared real-life challenges veterans face and how the organization’s faith-based outdoor experiences foster resilience, camaraderie, and healing.

The evening also featured remarks from Tom Kramin, Minnesota State President of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, reaffirming the Elks’ pledge: “So long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.” Additional speakers highlighted the powerful work of Eagle’s Healing Nest (Sauk Centre and Redwood Falls, Minn.), a non-profit offering a unique living experience centered on peer-to-peer programming and the five pillars of recovery, serving veterans and their families who are navigating PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and the invisible wounds of war.

Wednesday brought another beautiful day on Lake of the Woods—and more big fish. Gary Richards earned top honors with a walleye over 31 inches, after boating a 28-plus-inch fish the day prior. Many veterans reported both trophy catches and excellent numbers, with memories (and photos) to match.

Final night celebration and keynote

Following Wednesday’s fishing, participants gathered at Border View Lodge for a festive Mexican buffet—a full taco bar with chicken and beef, a variety of enchiladas, beans, rice, chips, salsa, and sour cream. 

The evening’s keynote speaker, retired U.S. Army Colonel Michelle Digruttolo, offered a compelling address. Digruttolo detailed her service in critical intelligence roles focused on counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and counterproliferation, including serving as a Daily Intelligence Briefer to President Barack Obama after leading the team that produced the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Daily Brief. Today, she advises executives and boards on geopolitical, cyber, and emerging technology risks affecting global operations and strategy.

Two veterans—Brian Murphy and Gerald Penn from Colorado Springs, Colo.—shared moving reflections on their Honor Flight experiences, a program providing veterans with a no-cost trip to Washington, D.C., to visit national memorials and receive a day of honor and recognition for their service. The night concluded with friendly competition awards for the largest fish and a spirited cribbage tournament, capping an evening filled with gratitude and camaraderie.

On Thursday morning, veterans enjoyed a final breakfast, exchanged contact information with new friends, and departed for home—recharged, supported, and connected.

Powered by generosity and community

“This event is about creating a space where veterans can simply be together—on the water, at the table, and in conversation—surrounded by a community that cares,” said Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism and event emcee. “We’re grateful to the resorts, organizations, and individuals whose generosity makes this complimentary experience possible year after year.”

Each year’s program is a collaborative effort led by Lake of the Woods Tourism and the veteran organization Fishing For Life, with essential support from host resorts including Sportsman’s Lodge, River Bend Resort, Border View Lodge, Cyrus Resort, Zippel Bay Resort, Morris Point Lake View Lodge and Birchview Resort. Their hospitality—lodging, meals, charter boats, and staff—helps create the welcoming, restorative environment that defines Pay It Forward.

How to get involved

If you are a veteran—or know a veteran—who might benefit from a future Pay It Forward experience, or if you would like to contribute to this meaningful event, please visit www.PayItForwardLOW.org for details and an application. You may also contact Joe Henry at joe.henry@lakeofthewoodsMN.com.

About Pay It Forward – Lake of the Woods
Pay It Forward is an annual, complimentary retreat that brings veterans together at Lake of the Woods for world-class fishing, shared meals, and inspirational programming. The event is funded and staffed through the generosity of area resorts, community partners, organizations, and individual donors, and is co-hosted by Lake of the Woods Tourism and Fishing For Life.