Local veterans, service members, and their families are invited to a winter veteran family retreat February 24-26th at Grand Ely Lodge for United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s fifth family weekend retreat.
The purpose of the retreat is for each military hero and their family to build community, gain recognition for their service, and learn about available resources.
About 16,000 veterans live in St. Louis County, which is around 8% of the population. Finding ways to connect more of them is a huge goal for the United for Veterans committee.
“Many veterans don’t realize there are other veterans in the area, so these retreats are a great opportunity to meet others who have similar life experiences,” said United for Veterans Committee Member Chris Magnusson. “Especially for spouses who can really feel alone in helping their partners with health issues related to their service."
Keynote speaker United States Air Force and Afghanistan War Veteran Mark J Lindquist will talk about his journey of perseverance and determination through service and how he morphed into his current career as one of the fastest growing motivational speakers in America.
“We are excited to provide an event where veterans can have family time,” said UWNEMN Community Impact Coordinator Michelle Lampton. “It’s a great experience to get away from everyday stress and enjoy a winter weekend while meeting other veterans across our service territory.”
The retreat includes two nights' lodging, all meals, speakers, as well as indoor and outdoor activities like ice fishing, snowshoeing, birchbark basket weaving, pine needle braiding, and sled dog demonstrations.
Registration closes on January 31st. Priority will be given to veteran and service members’ families living or working within UWNEMN’s service area. The cost is $25 per veteran, $50 per non-veteran adult, $20 per child ages 6-17, and children 0-5 are free.
A wait list is available for those outside UWNEMN’s service area and will be contacted if space is available.
For more details or to register, visit: www.unitedwaynemn.org/ufv-family-retreat