On Saturday, there was a guided fishing outing that gave everyone a chance to relax and spend some time on the water at Sherman Reservoir. The morning was full of fun and great catches thanks to the 18 dedicated volunteers who provided boats and acted as fishing guides. Del Bresson and George McFadden both brought in a catch that measured 28.5 inches, tying them for the title of biggest fish.

Veteran Bob Harpst, who served in the Army and National Guard from 1979 to 2010, commended the event and the dedication of the volunteers and community members involved. He praised the exceptional camaraderie and the substantial effort put into organizing the event.

 "Without the volunteers, an event like this would not be possible. It almost brings tears to my eyes to witness the hard work they put in. It's awesome, and it's apparent that people in the Loup City, Sherman County area are totally dedicated to the values of America and to the people that protect those values."

In the evening, a banquet and ceremony were held, highlighting the achievements and sacrifices of the honored servicemen and women. Each participant was acknowledged and presented with challenge coins, symbolizing thanks for their dedication and service.

Throughout the event, raffle prizes were awarded to both nominees and volunteers, while two $5,000 scholarships were presented. Brandon Placzek, from Loup City, who will be attending Central Community College - Hastings, and Kellsey Harrold, from Broken Bow, who will be attending Northeast Community College in Norfolk, were the recipients. These scholarships serve as a testament of the organization's commitment to supporting trade schools.

Marc Krueger, president of the organization shared,

"I want people to leave realizing that these individuals sacrificed so much for us to enjoy our daily lives in the United States. And I want our participants, whether they are veterans or first responders, to recognize that they have not been forgotten and that people truly appreciate them."

Attending Servicemen & Women: Colby Albright, Steve Dolan, Nacho Haight, Paul Soto, Dean Reicks, Del Breson, John Michalek, Norman Roland, Bob Harpst, Justin Staab, Wayne Gallaway, Troy Reiter, Dennis Jacobs, Herb Craig, Larry Peterson, George McFadden, and Tom Rayburn.

with the following Guides: Ryan Anderson, Justin Gladson, Tim Hoffman, Dennis Johnson, Josh Johson, Klinger Klingsporn, Gary Meyers, Rex Paul, Cam and Lana Piester, Larry Placzek, Craig Runge, Mike Schaub, Todd Sweley, Mick Tourney, John and Tina Treffer, LJ Treffer, and Darin Verba.

Our 2023 Sponsors: 

Platinum Plus: ATS Auto Tech Specialist, Bracket H Trucking (1 of 3 years=$ Golf balls: good til 2026), El Dupa / Lady Dupa Motorcycle Family, Gary Myers & Family, Motor Guides, Tina Treffer's Signs and Designs (1 of 3 yrs-Trailer Labor), Trade Winds Marina. Platinum: American Legion Riders, Central Sandhills Chapter, Bullet Weights, Buzz's Marine, Brian & Bonnie Reiter, Citizens Bank, Cook & Beals, Loup Agency, Lowrance (Merch), Mack Farms, RA Custom Baits (Merch), Sandry Fire Supply, Tourney Bros Metal Fabrication, Gold: BL Shoppe, Cam & Lana Piesters, GI Loan, Midtown Tire & Auto, Son's of American Legion Squadron #48, Steve Oseka, The Frederick Hotel, Silver: Aurora Coop, Benson Family Dentistry, LLC., Ericson Ford. Loup City Auto Parts, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Road Builders by Dennis Johnson, Bronze: Don Oseka, Ken's Equipment, Kings, Loup City Diner, Loup City Lanes

All but one of our Volunteer Guides, and Four of our Servicemen and Servicewomen attended our Friday night Meet & Greet.

On Saturday, all but two, Servicemen showed for our Outdoor Fishing and Golfing Event. We had 19 Guides and 24 Servicemen and women with their (plus one) participate in a fun day of golfing, floating on the boat, and yes, some even caught a few fish.  Great conversation, story telling, and laughs were had by all.

Attending Servicemen & Women: Eldon Adams, Jan Badura, Fred Daake, Rianna & Scott Dickmeyer, Mitch Dzingle, Ron Eurek, Larry Glazier, Rod Griess, Robert (Bob) Harrold, Charles Hoffman, Kevin Hurt, Dan Jarzynka, Cheri Kowalski, Gary Lanka, Chris Layher, John Sr. Michalek, Mike Moeller, Earl Norseen, Rich Peters, Larry Shotkoski, Elizabeth Shotkoski-Jurgens, B.J. Skibinksi, and Bob Siebke. 

with the following GUIDES:

Ryan Anderson, Tim Bartz, Randy Engle, Justin Gladson, Trent Fischer, Ron Garver, Tim Hoffman, Klinger, Erik Kuszak, Gary Myers, Cameron Piester, Larry Placzek, Scott Placzek, Mike Schaub, Steve Staab, Todd Sweley, Mick Tourney, Jon Treffer, LJ Treffer. 

Our 2021 Sponsors: #1 Lawn Care, Akala, Arcadia Sons of American Legion Squadron #251, ATS, Cash Wa, Central Sandhills Chapter American Legion Riders, Cin Trese Boutique & Jewelry, Gary Myers & Family, Mid West Bait Pros, Scientific Crop Agronomy, Top Gun Agronomy, Trade Winds Marina, Cook & Beals, Loop Agency, Trotters Grain & Fertilizer, Trotters Service LC, Citizens, Joes Market, Johnson's Hunt & Fish, Loup CIty Lanes, Rackology, Custom Floral, Jen Smedra, Ken's Equipment, Loup City Lumber, TD's Bar, and four (4) Kind Smaritan Donations. 

It turned out to be a wonderful day of telling tales, putting, catching fish, and making memories.

We even had a few of the veterans and guides show up on Sunday for the optional day of Fishing/Golfing.

A BIG Thank You goes out to all who participated, sponsored, and volunteered.

**2020 Event, Unfortunately, our 2020 Golf & Fishing Event was canceled due to COVID 19.