Retreat provides relaxation, fun for veterans

By all accounts, the annual Winter Veterans Retreat at The Highground was another success.

“With the help of many community members and volunteers, The Highground Winter Veterans Retreat, held Jan. 31-Feb. 2, was a wonderful experience,” Liz Hamilton of The Highground wrote in a March 4 press release.

“As many people face increased struggles with mental health, isolation, and lack of physical activity during the winter months, the Winter Veterans Retreat is an especially welcome event,” she added.

The retreat is open to any veteran and focuses on activities proven to help with post-traumatic stress (PTS) management, including getting outdoors. There was also ample free time within the itinerary which allowed veterans to spend time exploring the park by hiking the trails (snowshoeing was originally planned), and getting to know each other and the retreat staff.

The central event of the weekend was a half day of ice fishing on Lake Arbutus, approximately 13 miles from The Highground. Paul and Melissa Borsheim opened their home to the large group and served a big breakfast and lunch. Borton Construction sponsored the day at the lake. Paul, Eugene Bertrang, Josh Olson, and Mike Prindle led the planning for months leading up to the event, making sure the veterans had the proper equipment. On the day of the event, several volunteer ice fishing guides also joined in to make sure all veterans were able to get fishing. These additional guides were Dan Cronk, Eric Korish, Ed and Lori Johnson, Joe Schwartz, Eric Kramer, Tim Helgerson, Matthew Borsheim, Eric Sagan, Don Dunham, and even a few more guest guides that The Highground staff didn’t catch the names of. Veterans received packages of ice fishing equipment to take home to continue this fun outdoor sport.

PTS management workshops were led by Rachel of the La Crosse Vet Center and Aly of the Wausau Vet Center. They incorporated a weekend-long art project with an additional presentation for a thorough educational and fun look into the many techniques and hobbies which can help with PTS management and recovery.

Rounding off the weekend of presentations was Scott Schultz of The Heartbeat Center for Writing, Literacy and the Arts with a PTS “growth” workshop on Saturday evening and Theresa Hebert leading a conversation on the benefits of gardening, both indoors and outdoors, on Sunday. Veterans were given indoor gardening kits and books to get them started on this rewarding hobby.

The success of any of The Highground’s veterans retreats relies on the support of organizations and individuals. Major funding for this year’s Winter Veterans Retreat came from a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Donors who also supported this retreat include Borton Construction, Scheel’s, participants and sponsors of The Highground’s 12th annual Winter Bowl, Marshfield Elks 665, and Island Outdoors of La Crosse.

“A special ‘thank you’ also goes out to the Moraine Motel for helping the veterans feel welcome and comfortable during the retreat and Bonnie Henchen for the wonderful meals she prepared for all of us at The Highground,” Hamilton wrote.

The Highground is already planning the fifth annual Winter Retreat, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 16-18, 2026. Businesses that specialize in winter outdoor activities are invited to sponsor next year’s retreat. Those who would like to sponsor the retreat or make a donation in support of the veterans retreats can email Theresa at museum@thehighground.org or call 715-743-4224.