In the fields, rifle in hand — waiting for the birds to fly.
On the lake, pole outstretched — reeling in one more.
Those adventures are the ones that speak to many outdoors-men.
The words of Anne Frank, author of The Diary of a Young Girl, written during the German occupation in World War II, sum up the therapeutic benefits of being in nature, “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
One local man is finding a way to give back to Veterans by getting them back to nature. Dan Geiken, who has lived on the outskirts of Lennox for 15 years is on the board of directors of Warriors Never Give Up. The organization was founded in 2013 by Brett Bastain, Karl Kreutzmann and Brad Martin. Their purpose was to give back to their fellow veterans who had served in combat or had been disabled during service to our country through outdoor adventures, to provide a place of relaxation, hope, revival, and a break from life’s daily struggles.
Geiken, not a veteran himself, has always had respect for the men and women who serve the United States military.
“I realize that I am fortunate to live in a country full of opportunity and freedoms that were fought for and protected by these men and women and whatever small form of thanks I can give, I will,” he said.
It was in 2016 when Geiken, a tournament angler, and several of his fishing buddies from Lake Area Walleye Club hosted an annual veterans appreciation event. He said, “we were looking for a new partner to team up with, and my wife worked with Brett Bastain and mentioned he did something with veterans. After meeting with Brett and realizing they didn’t have an avenue for veterans who liked to fish, we decided to team up with them for the 2016 Veterans Pro/Am event and it went over so well that I continued on with the group.”
Shortly after that event Warriors Never Give Up asked Geiken to join the board of directors and he became the chairman of fishing events.
Login to read the rest.