About Us

During the summer of 2009 Boyd, John and Russ, were three fisherman sitting around a Shelter Cove campsite fire discussing issues concerning veterans. They themselves were veterans of the Vietnam Era. These three friends were long time Kokanee fishermen at Odell Lake, Oregon. They all agreed they would like to do some sort of camping /fishing experience for veterans. They felt offering such an experience might help alleviate veteran type issues and offer some peace and fellowship in a relaxing atmosphere.

During 2010 the first discussion with the owner of Shelter Cove Resort resulted in an agreement to host the experience there. The owner, Jim Kielblock, was very enthusiastic about the event and insisted in being a sponsor.

Boyd and John began contacting other boat owners and campers who frequented Shelter Cove to introduce the idea to take veterans fishing. During the winter months Boyd began a search for Veteran groups that did the same activity. Boyd discovered the Take A Soldier Fishing (TASF) organization in Texas and spoke with the organizer. Boyd learned there were thirty- three active chapters in eight other states. This information lead to the discovery of a similar chapter in Portland, Oregon.

Boyd met with Jack Morby, the Portland Take A Soldier Fishing chapter president. Jack was instrumental with helping Boyd in putting together the requirements to form a TASF chapter. While Boyd was busy with the paperwork and formation of what became, “Take A Soldier Fishing“, John was busy contacting Veterans groups in the Eugene, Oregon area stirring up interest among fellow Veterans.

Finally, on the third weekend of July 2012, the first annual, Take A Soldier Fishing event was scheduled and held at Shelter Cove Resort on Odell Lake, Oregon. The event registered 24 Veterans and 13 boat captains. Included were a total of 77 people consisting of family and friends of the veterans and 12 volunteers. All of this cost was funded by the organizers. The three meals were prepared and held at Boyd’s and John’s campsites. This was quite the successful logistical undertaking. John Kline long time Odell lake fisherman and friend of Boyd’s, provided his boat and time but also purchased and provided all the first t-shirts and hats which has become a tradition. This was all provide free to the veterans and their families.

The event continued to grow with veterans basically from the Eugene VA counseling groups. Our focus was directed towards disabled veterans or currently returning veterans from overseas duty. We wanted to help reduce veteran suicide rates of 22 per day. We found it successful to recruit Veterans thru VA social services offices.

After the 2012, event many of the boat captains approached us and mentioned that all the branches of service were represented and “soldier” implied Army only. We decided to change our name to “Take A Veteran Fishing” (TAVF). In addition to this we began to form a board of directors and put structure to the organization. Over the next several years the number of veterans and their families participating grew. The overwhelming sense of need from the veterans to return and enjoy the camaraderie, encouraged our desire to continue bringing these veterans a therapeutic and relaxing environment. The one comment repeated over and over by veterans was, this was the highlight of their year, an event they looked forward to attending each year.  

Between 2012 and 2019 many aspects of TAVF were modified to assist the growing numbers of volunteers and veteran participants. During 2017 Shelter Cove was purchased by Highway West Vacations Corporation.  This was to be the biggest helping hand of our growth. The corporation was fully committed to continue supporting our event. In addition to hosting, and under the management of Julie & Nico Putt, Shelter Cove Resort now donated 5 free campsites, provided, prepared and served all three meals, assisted in raising additional donated monies to help TAVF. To this day TAVF enjoys a very successful relationship with Shelter Cove Resort, and without their partnership there would be no weekend event for our veterans.

 As with all charitable organizations, donations are needed to afford the operating costs. TAVF has been the recipient of donated funds from groups, companies and individuals to assist in paying these costs. These costs do not include, nor will they ever include salaries or reimbursements. All the boat captains donate their time, vessels and fishing equipment.   

The 2019 event was the largest to date honoring 76 Veterans with 34 boat captains, 20 volunteers and feeding 170 total people. During the late part of 2019 and into 2020 TAVF again changed by leaps and bounds. The TAVF Board of Directors decided it was time to become our own chapter. Under the direction and dedicated effort by board members Bob Kingzett and Brice Perkins, TAVF  filed for and were accepted by, the State of Oregon DOJ and the IRS as an official 501c3 chapter with the new name of; Take A Veteran Fishing at Odell Lake.

Due to Covid 19 the 2020 event had to be canceled. However, work continued and the new logos and paperwork for the transformation of the new chapter of TAVF at Odell Lake continued. The hope is for the 10^th anniversary of TAVF at Odell Lake to be held the second weekend of July. To date we are one of three chapters remaining from the original thirty three.

This is not the end of our story but the continued support, love and compassion, Take A Veteran Fishing at Odell Lake has towards our heroic and dedicated veterans.