Jay, Just wanted to say thanks for doing this for the vets, and coming to the fox chain. Hopefully a day on the water, and the lunch/ceremony have th... more

Jay, Just wanted to say thanks for doing this for the vets, and coming to the fox chain. Hopefully a day on the water, and the lunch/ceremony have them a day to relax, clear their heads,and get away. You guys are doing a really nice job, and I think the TAVF concept is great. This was my first time volunteering to guide, and I plan to do it again, possibly Madison on 6/14. The vet I took out was Ben Meyers, was a 12 year Army vet, and really seemed to have a good time. His wife and 4 small kids came up at noon to meet us and see the fish we caught and have lunch, they were thrilled.they got a nice cooler of white bass and a catfish to chill their freezer. I attached a couple of pics of our catch,( Ben is in center of first pic) my friend Bernie jumped in with us and caught a 36" musky on 4lb test and a tiny roster tail spinner! looking forward to volunteering again

Scott Bjornson

I thought I would drop you a quick line to say THANKS for a great event. The new friendships were all good and catching fish was just a bonus. I had a... more

I thought I would drop you a quick line to say THANKS for a great event. The new friendships were all good and catching fish was just a bonus. I had a great time.

Larry Franklin

My uncle recently attended the Madison event and I know how much he enjoyed himself fishing and meeting other veterans like himself. What a great way ... more

My uncle recently attended the Madison event and I know how much he enjoyed himself fishing and meeting other veterans like himself. What a great way to give back to and show our support for our service men and women. Thank you for what you do.

Julie Cooke

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this Sunday, you made an old guy really happy. Was very moved by your words about vets and freedom, kee... more

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this Sunday, you made an old guy really happy. Was very moved by your words about vets and freedom, keep up the good work both on the water and off. Thanks again and I would love doing it again sometime.

David R Medrano

HOLY COW...what an amazing weekend for us! Jay and his group really put on a great event for the veterans and their families. Gosh, where do I begin..... more

HOLY COW...what an amazing weekend for us! Jay and his group really put on a great event for the veterans and their families. Gosh, where do I begin... When we got to the American Legion, we were greeted with smiles and words of appreciation from the other guides as well as the volunteers. And the local high school band was there playing jazzy type of music, that I hear on some of the army movies that I have seen. Jay, Don and his group were around talking to the vets and the other attendees. After the color guard presentation, we had lunch (hamburgers, sausage, beans, potato salad, chips, pop, water, coffee). After lunch was the speech thanking all the sponsors, donations, volunteers, etc. Then, the raffle. It was such a comforting feeling to see dad talking with the other veterans. Dad went to Korea 2 weeks after the war was over, so he didn't see a lot of heavy combat. He was talking to one Vietnam vet who was shot 9-12 times and was then discharged because he couldn't run. There were 2 gentlemen there from WWII. The oldest one was 93 years old...Hubert. What a cutie! All in all, Steve, what an amazing weekend!!!! Dad kept thanking us for taking him...we kept thanking HIM. Definitely going to make this an annual trip. The Take a Vet Fishing organization is looking to expand to Illinois (Fox Lake), Indiana, Michigan, as well as maintaining the Madison and Minnesota locations. We sooo look forward to this! Thanks again so much for allowing us to come to your banquets and finding out about this amazing organization!

Dawn (Daughter to one of our Veterans)

Jay, as my first event, me and my friends are always skeptical of any event that is touted for PTSD. I have to say I was still until the chow time. My... more

Jay, as my first event, me and my friends are always skeptical of any event that is touted for PTSD. I have to say I was still until the chow time. My buddy Charles and I both suffer with a high degree of SC PTSD and found you put on a first class event. My guide was outstanding and very classy. I was glad to be on his boat. Thanks again for the chance to participate.

Walter Riddle

Jay, This was my first year being able to work with your team and participate in a TAVF event. I was able to be a guide for both the Madison and... more

Jay, This was my first year being able to work with your team and participate in a TAVF event. I was able to be a guide for both the Madison and Camp Hometown Heroes events. I just wanted to reach out to say thank you for all that you and this organization do. I am a vet myself and I truly appreciate anyone that supports our veterans. Most vets do not look for any special recognition, but any that they do get is most appreciated. You have an outstanding team and the events I have attended have been unbelievably well run. So, thank you for everything that you do. I am 100% behind what you do and I want to support you in any way that I can. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Thank you,

Brent Kozak Project Manager II, GE Healthcare

Hi Jay, just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you again for putting on such a great event for veterans. I had a great time. You guys are a class ... more

Hi Jay, just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you again for putting on such a great event for veterans. I had a great time. You guys are a class act!

Pete Ponti

I have to tell you "THANK YOU" again for yesterday. I know you've heard it time and time again but your leading efforts are a blessing to many people.... more

I have to tell you "THANK YOU" again for yesterday. I know you've heard it time and time again but your leading efforts are a blessing to many people. Your sincere heartfelt presentations truly brought back the pride hidden within me for service to our great nation. Standing up on that stage among hero's of the past and in front of potential leaders of the future, listening to you speak from the heart, was awesome! Once I cleared my eyes, I looked around to notice very few dry eyes within the group. That moment brought back years and memories I had stuffed away in a duffle bag thinking, they were lost forever from another life. That event was honestly, since I retired, THE FIRST TIME, I felt recognized and appreciated for the time served. I went to bed last night thanking our Lord God for His grace, for all who served, and especially for You, your Staff and Support Team and all that you are doing. I will support your efforts anyway possible as long as I can. Let it be known that you may not have been a "brother-in-arms' but the fact is you are a "brother who serves" and you are exceptional at it! Once again, "THANK YOU JAY GARSTECKI". May God continue to Bless.

Wes J Wojciechowski

Thank you for the wonderful time. It was a great experience and I enjoyed it very much!

Thank you for the wonderful time. It was a great experience and I enjoyed it very much!

Mark Rodwell