That evening, they reconvened for a banquet at the fairgrounds, where raffle prizes were awarded and commemorative challenge coins were presented to the honored guests.

The event is organized by Servicemen of the Heartland Outdoors, a nonprofit founded in 2019. The group’s mission is to recognize law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, first responders and military veterans from across the Midwest with meaningful outdoor experiences.

“This is about giving back to people who selflessly serve their own communities,” said L.J. Treffer, a new board member and returning guide. “Whether it's guiding someone on the water, donating supplies or meals, helping with setup, or just showing up to lend a hand, it's really a great opportunity to give back to something bigger than yourself.”

Among this year’s nominees was Norman Roland, a Vietnam veteran and two-time Purple Heart recipient from Ravenna. He described the recognition as a shock and deeply appreciated. “I tell you what, it really humbled me. This was heartwarming,” Roland said. Roland also caught the biggest fish of the weekend – a 27.25-inch walleye.

At the other end of the scale, Danelle Nelson proudly claimed the prize for smallest catch. “I caught a crappie, the littlest fish, which I won the award for,” she said with a laugh. Nelson, a master sergeant with 23 years in the Air National Guard, said the most meaningful part of the weekend was connecting with other veterans. “The older veterans really get to me,” she said. “They don’t always talk much, and I feel like they sometimes have a hard time relating to younger generations. But you can see in their faces how much this means. Some were teary-eyed. So it was huge. It was good.”

The banquet also featured the presentation of a $5,000 scholarship to Autum R. Maline of Cozad, Nebraska, who will attend the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. “That's one of the focuses of giving back to the community, is also fundraising enough money to give out a scholarship every year,” said L.J. Treffer. “The scholarship is meant for students pursuing trade schools or careers in public service. Ideally, someone that's going to give back to their local community, whether as a technician, healthcare worker, or police officer.”

The event runs on community support, with volunteers like Claire Guinzy helping run raffles, assist participants and coordinate logistics. A participant herself in 2024, Guinzy returned this year to give back. “Once you're out of service, people may thank you if you're wearing a hat. But if you don't, people don't know. Events like this remind people that we still appreciate what veterans have done,” she said.

For Josh Johnson, a veteran and three-time fishing guide, the connection with others is what matters most. “Every year I've met somebody different and had them in my boat, and become friends. It's just really something special,” he said.

Attending Servicemen & Women:
Casey Beahm, Dean Brown, Seth and Samantha Deinert, Dale Ehrman, Dick Freeling, Eric Forbes, James Furguson, Jacob Halouska, Kevin Hinds, Shawn Hubble, Scott James, Alex Jauregue, Caleb Luikens, Danelle Nelson, Cannon Osentowski, Steve Perry, John Price, Rodney Rice, Matt Robinson, Norman Roland, Danny Schall, Marlin Schweitzer, James Scott, James Spanel, Leon Toelle, Dana VanDyke, Chandler Wagner, and Dustin Wilke.

Volunteer Fishing Guides:
Ryan Braun, Monte Carpenter, Kurt Coffey, Scott Danielson, Don Dienes, Ethan Fagen, Justin Gladson, Josh Johnson, Klinger, Adam Nagorski, Lance Nagorski, Steven Osentowski, Nathan Peterson, Shawn Peterson, Cameron and Lana Peister, Garret Plummer, Keith Ripp, Mike Schaub, Devin Schroeder, Todd Sweley, Jon and Tina Treffer, L.J. Treffer, and Parker Nutt.

Event Volunteers: AJ Augustyn, Austin Pinkerman, Bonnie Reiter, Brad Dubas, Brady Rasmussen, Bravo Zulu Crew: Shaun Burdess, Dylan Andelt, David Munoz, Bryce Placzek and Liz, Carol Kuehl, Charlie Johnson, Chris and Claire Guinzy, Cody Chilewski & Loup City FFA, Danielle Treffer, David Munoz, Deb Moeller, Donna Schaub, Dylan Andelt, Henry Johnson, Jaden Schaub, Jim Ericson, Kara Johnson, Kathy Obermiller (Women’s Auxiliary), Mike Krolikowski, Mike Moeller, Misty Horn, Myron & Sharon Osentowski, Pastor Ryan Durham, Pat Gappa, Pat Kuehl, Sparrow Osentowski, Stephanie Gallaway, Stephen Osentowski, Steve Staab – LC Golf Course, Tim Dorsey, Todd Brandt, Tom Rayburn, Waylon Teller, Wyatt Anderson.

2025 Sponsors: American Legion Riders, American Veteran Motorcycle Club – Seward Chapter, Andrew Iske – Polish Cutterz, BL Shoppe / Alec Bailey, Bravo Zulu Para Jumpers, Brunswick, Bullet Weights, Buffalo County Redi Mix, Cam & Lana Piester, Cash Wa Distributing, Colony Inn, Danielle Treffer Photography, Dennis Johnson, Ericson Ford, Federated Insurance – Jarod Jacobs, Frito Lay – Dave Thompson, Jennifer Smydra CPA, Joe's Market, John Obermiller, Kramer’s Wrecker Service, Kuszak Hardware, Kuszak Lumber, Lindsey Dzingle – Woodmen Life Insurance, Loup City Golf Club, Loup City High School – ICE, Lowrance, Mack Farms, Mackie Construction, Mark and Laura Krueger, Meindl Boots, Misty Horn Photography, Moss & Stewart Insurance, Navico, Nebraska Game and Parks, Old Salt Boathouse, Ramos Brothers Excavating, Road Builders, Schaupps Disposal, Shelter Insurance – Paul Hoos, Sons of the American Legion Post 52 Kearney, Steve Oseka, The Trederick Hotel, Tina Treffer Signs & Designs, Trade Winds Marina, Vencil Construction, VFW Hall, Walleyes & Warriors Wooden Flag (Peterson Family).

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.

See more photos from the event