Operation Muskie provides recent overseas veterans with the fishing trip of a lifetime on Lake of the Woods. Each year this event pairs a new group of 20 vets with 10 of the greatest fishing guides for an all-expenses-paid, fully-guided "welcome home" at world-famous Baystore Camp.
Operation Muskie got it's start when Dick Pearson sent his 'Muskie on the Shield' books and DVDs to an Iraqi base. A soldier there exchanged emails with Dick about fishing and eventually it was decided Dick would take him fishing on his return to the States. Dick called Frank and Laura Walsh at Baystore camp about a cabin and was told by Frank to find 19 more deserving Veterans and they'd host them free of charge.
With the help of Doug Johnson and many other muskie friends and the contributions from hundreds of patriotic people, the idea grew into Operation Muskie.
The camaraderie between vets who have "been there, done that" and those who appreciate their sacrifices, revealed a meaning that went far beyond the fishing alone.
With the help of generous individual gifts, as well as support from sponsors, Operation Muskie continues to meet it's mission: "Putting Thanks Into Action!"
