Healing retreat for veterans highlights sturgeon spearing

Annual event brings veterans together for outdoor activities and community support

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Veterans from across the country gathered on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin this weekend for a retreat hosted by the nonprofit House in the Woods. The retreat focused on connection, community, and time outdoors ahead of the sturgeon spearing season, providing veterans with activities like hunting, fishing, and drilling holes in the ice.

Why it matters

The retreat aims to help veterans who struggle with identity and purpose after leaving the military by bringing them together through shared outdoor experiences. Organizations like House in the Woods play an important role in supporting veterans' mental health and easing their transition to civilian life.

The details

The House in the Woods nonprofit, founded by Paul and Dee House after their son Joel was killed while serving overseas, provides free outdoor retreats for veterans and their families. This marks the fourth year the group has brought a winter retreat to northeast Wisconsin, with participants spending time preparing for the sturgeon spearing season. Many veterans arrive quietly but begin opening up through the shared experiences on the ice.

  • The retreat took place this past weekend on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin.
  • The sturgeon spearing season in the area typically begins in mid-February.

The players

House in the Woods

A nonprofit based in Lee, Maine that provides free outdoor retreats for veterans and their families.

Paul and Dee House

The founders of House in the Woods, who started the organization after their son Joel was killed while serving overseas.

Jeff Shock

A guide who works with House in the Woods, stating that the focus is on bringing veterans together and healing, with harvesting something like fish or game as a bonus.

Jason Seavey

A veteran who attended the retreat last year and now volunteers, noting that many veterans struggle with identity after leaving the military.

Corey Moore

A Green Bay Army veteran who says the retreat helped him find direction after being medically retired.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The hunting and fishing is an extra part of it. We are here to bring veterans together and heal and if we harvest something, that's a bonus.”

— Jeff Shock, Guide

“When you're in the service, you know exactly where you are in line. In the civilian world, there really is no chain of command, so you do lose that identity.”

— Jason Seavey, Veteran and volunteer

“It was difficult because I got injured and they medically retired me and when I came home, it was hard because I felt like I had no purpose. Just coming here every year now and meeting good people and knowing I can help out is giving me purpose again and now I'm there for my kids.”

— Corey Moore, Green Bay Army veteran

“Organizations such as House in the Woods are such an amazing opportunity for vets to get together and rekindle a lot of those relationships that have been lost along the way.”

— Drew Carlton, Marine Corps veteran

What’s next

The House in the Woods organization plans to continue hosting similar retreats for veterans in the future, providing ongoing support and community for those transitioning to civilian life.

The takeaway

Outdoor-focused retreats like the one hosted by House in the Woods play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of veterans, helping them find purpose, community, and healing after their military service.