Alaska Hardwater Warriors hosts free ice fishing event at Finger Lake

The Alaska Hardwater Warriors hosted a free ice fishing event for local veterans, active military members, and their families at Finger Lake near the Elks Lodge.

Numerous ice fishing tents were set up across the frozen lake with knowledgeable volunteers helping every visitor get the chance to catch to their heart's content. There were also free hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and drinks available throughout the event.

The Alaska Hardwater Warriors is one of several programs blanketed under Alaska's Healing Hearts, a local nonprofit that offers a variety of outdoor recreational events and activities throughout the year to veterans, active military members, and their families.

According to Alaska's Healing Hearts Director of Operations Del Lahti, they typically host around eight to 16 winter excursions such as ice fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing. He said that getting out of the house is very important with Alaska's long and dark winter's that makes it easy for people to slip into social isolation.

"Getting out in the winter is huge," Lahti said.

All events hosted by Alaska's Healing Hearts are free to attend. Lahti said they post all their events on social media to keep people in the loop and the slots are taken up quickly due to the immense popularity.

"It fills up faster than a Taylor Swift concert," Lahti said.

Lahti said the fact that slots to their events fill up so quickly is a testament to the overall need for this type of service in the community. He said that's exactly why this group exists, to help fulfill that need for social connections and ways for families to bond without taking a huge financial hit.

Lahti said Alaska's Healing Hearts works with numerous partners such as the Alaska Warrior Partnership, VFW, and VA to allocate resources to support those participating in their programs.

Lahti said they have a massive amount of local volunteers that are predominantly from the military and willing to help out in various ways. He said it's very encouraging for their cause.

"Veterans have a sense of service," Lahti said. "I'm extremely proud of our community."

Lahti said they have a collection of referrals to various resources on their website and inviting community members to events fosters a sense of comradery which can ultimately motivate those who need help in certain areas to pursue it.

"Once you have a connection, you're more willing to reach out," Lahti said.

Amber Jobe participated in Saturday's ice fishing event with her children Nathaniel and Addison. She said that she appreciated the opportunity.

"It's great for people like us to have people to show us how to do it and do it safely," Jobe said.

Jobe said they moved from Tennessee after her husband Joshua was stationed in Alaska.

"We like it. The winter's been an adjustment," Jobe said with a laugh.

Jobe said she is glad there are local programs like this families like hers can take advantage of.

"I think it's really nice. It's really helpful," Jobe said.

For more information about Alaska's Healing Hearts, visit alaskashealinghearts.com

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com