GUIDES REWARD OUR SOLDIERS -CAMP R&R

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Appleton Lodge on Butternut Lake, through the USO of Illinois, has developed a program to show appreciation of the work our troops have done in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The Lodge offers four weeks in July for these troops and their families to come and relax in Wisconsin's Northwoods at no charge.

Appleton's Lodge was originally owned by Appleton Electric and used as a family and corporate retreat. In 1988 Edith Appleton purchased the property from the corporation and it became privately owned. Albert Goodman inherited the property from the family and has operated it as a private lodge for many years. Mr. Goodman, being involved with the USO, decided to offer the lodge for a retreat for our hard working troops and their families. Appleton Lodge provides house keeping cabins with daily cleaning service, three meals a day and many recreational activities for the families. Included in the offerings are trips to Eagle River. Activities provided for the youngsters are the Children's Museum, horseback riding and boat tours on Butternut Lake.

Three years ago the Eagle River Guides Association was asked if its members would be interested in providing guides for the soldiers' families. When the guides were approached, to the guide, we had more guides than needed. Each Tuesday during the month of July two to eight guides donate a day of fishing to these troops and their families. The guides have all reported that this is the most rewarding day of the year. The Lord must also be involved because the fishing success has always been above average for a day on the water. At the end of the fishing day the soldiers, to the man, do not shake hands and say thank you but give us each a hug and comment that we made a big difference. I always walk away with tears in my eyes. We guides are eagerly looking forward to July 2010 to provide our very small contribution to these brave men and women. We thank their families, who also sacrifice and endure hardships while their soldiers are away from home.

From the Eagle River Guides Association we would like to again thank our troops and Albert Goodman for his kindness and generosity in making this event possible.

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