2019 Soldiers on Sleds Annual Appreciation Ride

Soldiers on Sleds 2019 Annual Appreciation Ride

The fourth annual Soldiers on Sleds Annual Appreciation Ride took place this past week-end, in Watersmeet Michigan. Soldiers on Sleds is a St. Germain 501c3 organization which takes active duty, combat veterans, for a week-end of snowmobiling and comaraderie.  The soldier participants come from all over the USA, and are both men and women who have served in a combat role during their time in the military. 

On Friday January 24^th the Soldiers started arriving at Camp Shed Horn, which is on snowmobile trail #2 in Watersmeet, Michigan. It is owned by Neal and Renee Anderson, also the owners of Northland Docks in Woodruff. The soldiers have been housed here for each of the last four annual rides.

Captain Roger Klein (US Army retired), and Soldiers on Sleds President Jack Bourgeois (US Navy retired) transported the eight snowmobiles from St Germain, Hazelhurst and Minocqua to the camp in Michigan. Other Soldiers on Sleds staff included combat medic SSGT Jennifer Driebel, and combat medic SFC Cara Butterfield, both currently serving in the Wisconsin National Guard. It was these two medics who ensured the safety of the novice soldier riders.

Wisconsin National Guard Members Cara Butterfieldand Jennifer Driebel Combat Medics

Camp Shed Horn is a barracks style cabin with bunks on the first floor that will accommodate up to ten individuals, and the second floor can accommodate an additional four more personnel. There is a kitchen/dining area that will seat ten or more. “We chose Camp Shed Horn when it was offered because of it’s design. It allows individuals to co-habitat in quarters that are not much different than when soldiers are in the field on maneuvers etc.” Bourgeois said.

Bourgeois further stated that one of our goals is to provide an environment where teamwork is of the essence. The participants load and unload sleds on the trailers, gas them up, share mess hall duties, survival in the bitter cold and more. “We make sure that each soldier is dressed appropriately. Soldiers on Sleds provides proper helmets, gloves, hand warmers, snowmobile suits, and more for each participant to enjoy and take with them when they go home.

“We have many sponsors and supporters who believe in our program. We can help to identify any unseen PTSD issues with the expertise of our staff. We do not treat these issues, but we do provide a path for the individual to follow should they need help” 

As far as snowmobile operation goes, Captain Roger Klein, a certified snowmobile instructor, will introduce each soldier to the machine they will be riding and goes over all of the buttons, gizmos and starting procedures in addition to hand signals, trail signage, and more when out on the trails. Roger also inspects each sled and soldier for proper gear, and sled safety.

This year’s ride was the most challenging. With air temperatures as low as -30 degrees below zero, warmth and comfort were of prime importance. On Friday evening Soldiers on Sleds took the group to the Casino in Watersmeet for a Friday evening all you can eat seafood buffet. Saturday morning breakfast was prepared by in house staff, while everyone got ready for the morning ride to Bauer’s Dam Resort, via the Cisco Chain of Lakes and wooded trails through Land o Lakes and Conover. Donna Bauer and her daughter Jessica greeted the soldiers with hot chocolate, topped with fresh whipped cream. After a short visit, it was back on the sleds, for the long trip to Stillwater’s Bar and Grill in Star Lake.

Chuck Altamore and his wife Karen greeted us with open arms. Chuck is a former US Navy Seal and welcomes us year after year. Former Stillwater’s waitress, Debbie Janowiak Buss, takes her apron off the hook at home, and comes in each year to serve the soldiers who have come in to dine. 

After lunch the group gathered for their annual photo in front of Stillwater’s prior to saddling up for the long ride home to Camp Shed Horn, with a nighttime arrival. Total miles for the day about 115. Dinner was in the cabin where everyone sat together, shared stories, talked about family and just had a good old family time. Brothers in arms.

But here it is Sunday already and the temperatures are dipping back into the negative 30s. However, no one was cold, and they all still wanted to venture to the infamous Bonn Falls. Another thirty-mile ride in frigid weather. Each one remarked how beautiful the falls were in the dead of winter.

But as good as things are, they must come to the end. The sleds were all loaded up, and the cabin put back into the same way we found it. Many friends were made this weekend. And we could not do this without our great sponsors and supporters. We thank each and everyone of them. We'll keep doing this as long as we are able. 

Look for us again in February 2020 for our fifth annual appreciation ride.