Freedom Fishing Foundation

For VETS, By VETS

Helping military & veteran families live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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We’re Hitting the Water

and casting lifelines

Upcoming Fishing Trips:

Applications open three months before the trip date. All applicants will receive an email one month before the trip, letting them know if they were selected or on-call for the trip. 

August 14, 2026

Interested in an inspiring and fun way to help veterans in your community? Support our Tee It Up for the Troops – Bunker Hills golf event! These events are fun, while also honoring and remembering the sacrifices our military heroes and their families make daily. Tee It Up for the Troops combines an exciting golf event with an inspiring patriotic ceremony and tribute to our nation and military, and ends the day with a rousing reception and auction to raise more funds for our American heroes. 

Proceeds benefit local veteran service organizations and national Tee It Up for the Troops programs.

September 11-13, 2026

MSMA is a non-profit organization founded in 2015 to provide an avenue for the softball community to give back to veterans throughout Minnesota and the Midwest while building on the long-standing traditions of softball in Minnesota.

It all started with a small softball tournament as a way to thank our military veterans in Minnesota and help a single family in need. As the tournament has continued to grow in size and popularity, the focus has shifted to supporting local veteran organizations, such as Freedom Fishing Foundation. 

September 24-25, 2026

Tadd Vanyo, who serves with the MN National Guard, is leading our 1st Red Bulls Reunion Trip to Lake Superior. This all-male trip requires that you have deployed with the Red Bulls to apply. We will be fishing for trout or salmon on Lake Superior out of Bayfield, Wisconsin.

September 24-25, 2026

Our board members, Dorothy and Tori, will be leading this ladies’ trip to Rainy Lake. Ten guests will stay at the beautiful Thunderbird Lodge.

Completed Fishing Trips:

June 21, 2026

This trip is an adventure of a lifetime! Chartered Fishing with Reel Impressions Sport Fishing, Pharm-a-Sea Charters & Sturgeon Bay Outdoors. Hosting this trip is the Beach Harbor Motel.

May 27-30, 2026

Join us for some guided walleye fishing out of the beautiful Thunderbird Lodge on Rainy Lake. Experience world-class fishing and spectacular views of Voyageurs National Park. 

April 26, 2026

Join the fun at the Vets Camp on Big Marine Lake. 

This is an event for the whole family!

January 30 – February 1, 2026

Ice Fishing

Join us for a great day of fishing on the ice. We will be using heated fish houses so you can stay warm and relax. 

January 30 – February 1, 2026

We’ve got 5 cabins at the Vets Camp for a weekend of winter fun. This is way more than fishing! Relax and enjoy what winter has to offer.

Marine on the St. Croix

January 17, 2025

Ice Fishing

Join us for a great day of fishing on the ice. We will be using heated fish houses so you can stay warm and relax. 

January 24-26, 2025

We’ve got 5 cabins at the Vets Camp for a weekend of winter fun. This is way more than fishing! Relax and enjoy what winter has to offer.

Marine on the St. Croix

May 25 Memorial Day Weekend

Join the fun at the Vets Camp on Big Marine Lake.  You are welcome to bring your own boat if you prefer. This is an event for the whole family!

May 28-31, 2025

Join us for a trip of 5 gals & 5 guys, staying in cabins on the shores of Rainy Lake at the beautiful Thunderbird Lodge. 

June 18, 2025

Come and join us for a great day of fishing for walleyes. Enjoy some stories with fellow veterans. 

June 20-22, 2025

Fish for King Salmon on Lake Michigan and enjoy a stay at The Lodge at Leathem Smith. 

September 25-26, 2025

Our board member, Tori, who served with the MN National Guard, is leading her 1st trip to Lake Superior and she’s inviting 5 additional women active or veteran members to join her. Travel on the 25th and fish on the 26th. 

I didn’t even realize how much I need a trip like this. 

C. W. - veteran

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

A special thanks to our strongest supporters. Together we’re creating a lasting ripple.

We’re In This Together

We know it can feel lonely, but you’re not alone. We’re here to help you ride out the storm.

We are here to help vets and their families reconnect with nature and other people. It is SO much more than fishing.

Fishing is a tool. A favorite tool. One that we’ve found works well over the years.

If you’re a vet who’s struggling or know of one, or a family member of a vet, please apply to attend one of our fishing excursions.