The Highground Veterans Memorial Holds Successful Winter Veterans Retreat

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 -- 9:01 AM

With the help of many community members and volunteers, The Highground Winter Veterans Retreat, held Jan.16-18, 2026, with full attendance, was a wonderful experience.

As many people face increased struggles with mental health, isolation, and lack of physical activity during the winter months, this annual winter retreat is an especially welcome event.

The retreat is open to all veterans and focuses on activities proven to help with post-traumatic stress (PTS) management, including getting outdoors, ice fishing, art, meditation and spending time with other veterans.

There was also ample free time within the itinerary which allowed veterans to spend time exploring the park. An introduction to snowshoeing was held, but due to the freezing temperatures, the group snowshoe event did not occur.

The hope is that the introductory workshop encourages veterans to try this fun and economical winter sport. 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 beautiful home to the large retreat group and served a big breakfast and lunch. Borton Construction sponsored the day at the lake.

Paul, Melissa and several volunteer fishing guides led the ice fishing planning for months leading up to the event, making sure veterans had the proper equipment, instruction, support and ice shack shelters to thoroughly enjoy their time on the ice.

The volunteer guides were Matthew Borsheim, Eric Sagen, Tim Helgerson, Eric Kramer, Joe Schwartz, Don Dunham and Al Kjos. Veterans received packages of ice fishing equipment to take home to continue this fun outdoor sport.

Taking many forms, creating “art” has been proven to be rewarding and therapeutic to those seeking improved mental health and can be a source of healing to those managing post-traumatic stress (PTS).

A “Vets and Guitars” informational session was led by Victoria Shoemaker, The Highground’s Vets and Guitars program instructor. Victoria was joined by past Vets and Guitars students and family members who shared how taking part in the music instruction has benefited not only the veteran student, but also their loved ones, as the veteran obtained personal healing and growth from the music courses.

Another art workshop, an introductory tutorial to painting with acrylics on canvas, was led by Theresa Hebert, museum coordinator at The Highground. Veterans were given a complete set of acrylic paints and brushes to take home and continue their newfound talents. 

Meditation takes many forms and can be individualized to suit personal preferences and needs. It has often become a key component in PTS management.

The Highground’s own Pete Kern, veteran and operations manager, led meditation instruction and exercises throughout the weekend. Accompanying these exercises, veterans were given meditation instruction books and a 52-week journal with prompts to encourage introspection and put their thoughts into writing to help manage stress and despondency, and to assist with problem-solving.

The success of these retreats is built on the unwavering support of dedicated sponsors and supporters. Major funding for this year’s Winter Veterans Retreat was provided by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

Generous donors who also supported this retreat include Borton Construction, Harold Schmitt, Hansen’s IGA, Pamela Graham, Global Finishing Solutions, Frontenac Farms Off Road Park, Kerry McAllen, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #291, The Rusty Nail LLC, Mark and Beth Rodwell, and Island Outdoors of La Crosse.

A special thank you goes out to the Moraine Motel for their hospitality in making our Veterans feel welcome and comfortable during the retreat, to Bonnie Henchen for the wonderful meals she prepared, and to Nancy Rodman for the tasty desserts she brought on Saturday.

The Highground is looking forward to more veterans’ events in 2026. Veteran artists are encouraged to show and sell their art pieces at The Highground during the Clark County Spring into the Arts Tour coming up April 24 and 25.

For more information, email Theresa at [email protected] or call 715-743-4224.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.