Band of Brothers: Gulf War veterans enjoy ice fishing experience with Bison Lodge

Four veterans, whose bonds were forged in the Arabian Desert, recently traveled thousands of miles to New Rockford, endured -20 degree temperatures, and had the time of their lives.

Rich Hagedorn from Omaha, N.E., Aarron Clark from Franklin, N.H., John Sokolik from Paducah, K.Y., and Chris Hunt from Glen Gardner, N.J. are what some might call a 'band of brothers.' Together, they served as mortarmen in the 1st Battalion of the 327th Infantry Regiment, an element of the 101st Airborne Division known as the 'Bastogne Bulldogs.'

The four friends fought in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, where they developed a bond only war-time veterans can truly understand. They partook in the largest air assault in wartime history, and helped their country defeat the world's fifth largest military in only 100 hours.

Just recently, however, they found themselves taking the fight to walleye and perch on Devils Lake. The group booked a whole weekend with K&M Bison Lodge and Outfitters (Bison Lodge), from Feb. 11-13, and spent most of their time ice fishing. The veterans were guided by Matt Schaefer, who offers a professional guide service for Devils Lake fishing.

But how did four American Heroes from that far away discover New Rockford and the Bison Lodge? Schaefer first met Hagedorn, who owns a guide service of his own for duck and goose hunting, at the Game Fair in Anoka, Minn., and according to Hagedorn, the two hit it off.

"There were a few other fishermen around, but I liked him because he was honest and he was sincere," he said. Hagedorn added that once Schaefer told him there was a 10 percent discount for veterans, he practically gave him his credit card then and there.

When they finally arrived roughly five months later, however, conditions outside were less than ideal. High winds had sent temperatures plummeting, and some might have called it off. But luckily for them, the Bison Lodge has a SnoBear.

Described as an "RV for ice fishing," the SnoBear has built-in holes that allow ice fishermen inside to move from location to location, without enduring the bitter cold. It also features heat, a pizza oven and a LiveScope, a tool used to see fish underwater.

"I've done lots of fishing at lots of different places, but never ice fishing," said Hunt as he spoke about the SnoBear. "And to be honest with you, with the weather today, I couldn't imagine doing it any other way."

Clarke added, "It's awesome, it probably kept us alive today."

Together, and with the SnoBear's protection, the group caught four large walleye on Friday and another 22 perch on Saturday. Schaefer also treated the veterans to a fish fry Saturday night, using that day's catch.

But despite their success on the lake, the group stressed that enjoying the overall experience was far more important than catching fish.

"Everybody likes to catch fish, everybody likes to be successful on the mission ... but my mission is just this," said Hunt, as he pointed to himself and his friends.

Schaefer added, "That's exactly what I tell everyone, the fish are just a bonus."

Hagedorn, Sokolik, Hunt and Clark didn't know each other existed before the 1990s, but the "combat bonds" they forged on the battlefield have withstood the test of time. According to them, that's what it's always been about.

"We met a guy at a liquor store at least an hour from here, he was a Vietnam vet and we struck up a conversation," recalled Sokolik. "He was impressed that after 30 years of kind of going our separate ways, that we still stayed together. ... Those bonds, those combat bonds, they're a bond that a lot of other people just don't understand or don't get. It's special, super special."

Hagedorn added that Major Richard Winters, who famously commanded Easy Company and the 506th Infantry Regiment during the Siege of Bastogne in 1944, told him how important it is to keep war buddies close.

"He told me to always keep your Gulf War group together," recalled Hagedorn. "'Home of the free because of the brave men that you served with. To all that put their lives on the line, we should always honor their legacy. Please stay in touch with your people.' That's what he told me."

Since then, Hagedorn and his friends have taken every opportunity to stay in touch. They've gone on multiple adventures, their families have vacationed together, and they've been groomsmen at each other's weddings.

Their experience at the Bison Lodge was just the latest in their life-long journey, and they couldn't have been happier with how it went.

"We didn't have to bring anything, just had to show up," said Sokolik about their experience at the Bison Lodge. "[Schaefer] has the poles, he has the bait, he has the knowledge, and so you can just show up here, be brothers, hang out, drink some beer and have fun."

Those interested in booking a fishing trip with Bison Lodge can call (701) 947-5947 or go to their website, kmbisonlodge.com, to view SnoBear, lodging and other fishing rates. Matt and Kim Schaefer are in the process of renovating the rooms at the Bison Lodge, and offer a 10 percent discount for veterans.

A fund has been started to pay for veterans wishing to book a trip, and $600 has been donated already. Anyone who wishes to contribute can give them a call or stop by the Bison Lodge on Highway 281.

Ice fishing season is all booked up according to Schaefer, but the Bison Lodge has a fishing boat and kayaks as well, with plenty of room for fishing this spring and summer!