FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV) – Veterans from across the country gathered on Lake Winnebago this weekend as part of a retreat focused on connection, community and time outdoors ahead of the sturgeon spearing season.
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House in the Woods, a nonprofit based in Lee, Maine, provides free outdoor retreats for veterans and their families.
The organization was founded by Paul and Dee House after their son Joel was killed while serving overseas. The retreats bring veterans together through activities like hunting and fishing while creating space for conversation and support.
This marks the fourth year the group has brought a winter retreat to northeast Wisconsin, with participants spending time drilling holes, setting up shanties and preparing for opening day on the ice.
“The hunting and fishing is an extra part of it,” guide Jeff Shock said. “We are here to bring veterans together and heal and if we harvest something, that’s a bonus.”
Jason Seavey attended the retreat last year and now volunteers. He said many veterans struggle with identity after leaving the military.
“When you’re in the service, you know exactly where you are in line,” Seavey said. “In the civilian world, there really is no chain of command, so you do lose that identity.”
Green Bay Army veteran Corey Moore says the retreat helped him find direction after being medically retired.
“It was difficult because I got injured and they medically retired me and when I came home, it was hard because I felt like I had no purpose,” Moore said. “Just coming here every year now and meeting good people and knowing I can help out is giving me purpose again and now I’m there for my kids.”
Marine Corps veteran Drew Carlton traveled from Texas to take part in the experience.
“Organizations such as House in the Woods are such an amazing opportunity for vets to get together and rekindle a lot of those relationships that have been lost along the way,” Carlton said.
Shock said many veterans arrive quietly but begin opening up through shared experiences on the ice.
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“A lot of their issues are just coming and transferring back and not feeling wanted in their community anymore,” he said. “That mindset turns around when they realize people appreciate what they’ve done.”
Veterans interested in future retreats or more information can visit House in the Woods’ website.
