English River Outfitters

06/16/2026

🌟 Sponsor Shoutout 🌟

🙏 Thank you to VIET NAM VETS for your generous donation and continued support of our mission. Because of supporters like you, HERO can continue providing opportunities for veterans and their families to heal, reconnect, and find strength through the outdoors.

We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to those who have served. 🇺🇸

06/16/2026

Behind every hunt, fishing trip, and family day is something bigger than the event itself—connection, healing, and hope.

One veteran shared, "I came to hunt and left with lifelong friends."

This Saturday, you can help make more moments like that possible by participating in the Kalona Fun Run. A portion of every registration will be donated to HERO, helping us continue providing outdoor experiences and family programming for Iowa veterans.

Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your support makes a difference.

📅 This Saturday
🏃 Sign up for the Kalona Fun Run https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAF2DA7FCCE9-64342531-kalona
🇺🇸 Support Iowa veterans and their families

Thank you for helping us ensure no veteran feels alone in their battle for peace.

Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce

06/10/2026

Don’t forget to get signed up!! How can you pass up this opportunity to get some swag, help veterans, support Kalona community and be outdoors. ☀️ Hope to see people there!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAF2DA7FCCE9-64342531-kalona

06/10/2026

🎣 Congratulations to the winners of the HERO & WWUW Great Lakes Fishing Trip! 🎣

The following veterans were selected and will be contacted within the next 2 days with trip details for the June 26–28, 2026 trip to Port Washington, Wisconsin.

✅ Paul M
✅ Chad C
✅ Greg P
✅ Mark S

Alternate list (in order if a spot becomes available):
1️⃣ John M
2️⃣ Stephen D
3️⃣ Matthew J
4️⃣ Paul A

This trip includes transportation, lodging, meals, and a guided charter fishing experience targeting salmon and lake trout on Lake Michigan.

Thank you to everyone who applied and continues to support HERO and these opportunities for our veterans. 🇺🇸

For more information on upcoming HERO events: https://englishriveroutfitters.com/events/

06/04/2026

🎣 Drawing will take place Monday‼️

✍️ Get signed up today for a chance to go on this amazing fishing trip: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOeJyk0heHJYl4WlT-tA5p0o0PDU1o8jZitThfHLb9vzEl7Q/viewform?usp=header

🎣 Veterans Fishing Trip – Lake Michigan🇺🇸 HERO & WWUW are excited to offer an unforgettable Great Lakes fishing experience out of Port Washington, WI!

🗓 Trip Dates:June 26–28, 2026
🎣 Fishing Day: June 27
🚤 Charter: Iverson Sportfishing
👥 4 veterans will be selected (random drawing)
📍 Iowa resident veterans & active-duty only
📅 Drawing Date: June 8, 2026

Enjoy a fully guided fishing trip targeting salmon & lake trout, plus transportation, lodging, and meals—all covered. Just bring yourself (and maybe your lucky fishing hat 😉).

⚠️ Spots are limited—commitment required if selected.

👉 Sign up today for your chance to join us!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOeJyk0heHJYl4WlT-tA5p0o0PDU1o8jZitThfHLb9vzEl7Q/viewform?usp=header

06/03/2026

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Let’s raise awareness, educate and share our knowledge to increase understanding and reduce stigma. Together we are stronger.

Katie

🩵

05/29/2026

🎣 **PFC Larry Harding Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fishing Trip**

This past weekend, 4 veterans and 2 HERO board members spent time on Lake Rathbun enjoying great fishing, fellowship, and camaraderie.

The fish were biting!
🐟 24 Catfish
🐟 4 Crappie
🐟 1 Freshwater Drum

A special thank you to the donor who made this trip possible through a gift in honor and memory of **PFC Larry Harding**. Because of their generosity, this experience was provided at no cost to the veterans who attended.

Thank you to all who support HERO and help us continue honoring those who served through healing, connection, and time in the outdoors.

05/26/2026

We are so thankful to receive this donation from Main Street Washington. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping honor and support veterans. We are lucky to be surrounded by an amazing community.

🇺🇸 When we launched the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, we wanted to make sure it did more than just beautify our downtown - we wanted it to actively support the veterans living in our community today. 🇺🇸

Today, we got to fulfill that promise. Main Street Washington officially presented English River Outfitters with a $360 donation generated directly from our inaugural banner sponsorships.

Sam Blumer (ERO board member & caretaker) was on hand to accept the check from Sam Meyer (Main Street Washington Executive Director) and Heather Marek (Main Street Washington Board President). This donation will go straight toward supporting ERO’s incredible HERO Lodge and their veteran outreach programs right here in our county. 👏

A massive thank you to every family and business who sponsored a banner this year, your tribute to a loved one is making a real difference for local veterans ❤️ We hope to grow this program and support another veteran non-profit next round!

📸 Photo Credit: Leppert Media

05/25/2026

Today is more than a long weekend, backyard cookouts, or time off work. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms.

As we spend time with family and friends today, may we also take a moment to reflect on those who never made it home and the families who continue to carry their memory. 🇺🇸

We remember. We honor.

05/23/2026

We are SO blessed to be surrounded by amazing people. Todd Hahn is not only a volunteer and sponsor, but also a legacy board member of HERO. He had a busy week at work, yet still made the time to come out to the lodge and help with much-needed repairs and maintenance.

Thank you, Todd Hahn Construction 🙏