In 1991 our community lost an Echo/Woodlake Graduate to Operation Desert Storm. His name was Stephen Bentzlin. He was KIA on the 29th day of January 1991. As Lance Peterson stood by one of the Marine Honor Guard, he made a promise to that Marine that someday he would do something special in Stephen’s honor and for fellow Veterans. Many years went by an Lance hadn’t thought of what to do but one night while at Arneson’s Rocky Point on Lake Of The Woods he went down by the water and sat looking at the stars above the water and he thought to himself “how many Veterans were looking at those same stars at the same time?” That’s when the idea came to him that he wanted to take them to this beautiful place. He wanted to not only thank them for their service but to make it a place for Veterans to mingle with other Veterans. So, in 2015 him and his wife started planning for a trip in July to take Veterans on an all-expense fishing trip on this beautiful lake. Since 2015 there have been close to 200 Veterans who have been able to participate in this wonderful event. In 2019 Lance and his wife Tammy formed a board consisting of 7 total members and we named our organization “Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors”. 30+ of our personal friends bring their boats and donate their equipment and knowledge to this beautiful body of water to show these men and women the meaning of a fishing trip of a lifetime!
Once in a Lifetime Experience
Lake of the Woods
Catch Great Walleyes
Lake of the Woods is known for some of the best fishing and scenery in the state of Minneosta
Create Lasting Memories
Bring home a trophy walleye!
Take Home New Friendships
Meet fellow veterans and their guests. Also get to know some of the professional fishermen!
If you would like to donate. Please donate to the following address. Thank you in advance for your donation!
250 2nd Ave
Wood Lake, MN 56297
Chris Iseminger –
I met Lance 2 years ago at a veteran event and he mentioned to me about Warrior and Walleyes Outdoors. He needed to fill a spot for his event at Lake of the Woods so I and my father accepted. This event and organization has helped me in many ways. I didnt feel judged and when I am around other veterans your at peace. We all have been there done that, some more than others. Lance, Tammy and the board have done a fabulous job with this organization and never a dull moment.
Thank you for all you guys do for us Veterans!!
I would like to take a moment to thank Lance and Tammy Peterson, the board of directors, boat captains, and everyone involved with Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors. Additionally, we appreciate Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort for their wonderful hosting. The 3rd LAI D. Co. WolfPack were thankful for the invitation to the last event of the year. To all Veterans, personally, I’ve never experienced the level of kindness and love shown by everyone. The giving spirit of this community is remarkable. If you’ve never fished before, you’ll want to join us. Even seasoned anglers will find it an experience like no other. Once you arrive, you’ll feel a strong bond with your fellow Veterans, creating unforgettable memories. Plus, the Walleye fishing is the best, bar none, and it’s all free for first timer’s; you just need to get here. 
Also special thanks to Billy Covington for getting us to come out. Love you Opie! RET
A big thank you to Lance for having Delta Company, 3rd Light Armored Infantry Battalion for this years event. All of us knew Steve Bentzlin. All of us were there when he was KIA. 34 years have passed since that awful night. This event brought 18 of us together after many years. Batteries recharged now, it’s safe to say we all left feeling fantastic. No therapy or no doctor can do what Lance and this wonderful organization did for us and the memory of the Fallen. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you
Todd Tonkin Sgt. USMC
Thirty-four years. A lifetime lived since we last stood on the battlefield, shared a laugh, or leaned on one another. But the moment I saw my fellow “Wolfpack Marines” again, it felt like not a single day had passed.
The familiar faces, the easy banter, and the raucous laughter instantly picked up where it left off. We slipped back into that unique rhythm that only those who’ve shared time in service can truly understand.
There’s an inherent understanding amongst veterans that you just don’t find anywhere else. No need to explain the unexplainable, no judging, just a shared history and an unspoken bond that makes every conversation a form of healing. We talked, we reminisced, we shed tears, and we laughed harder than we have in years. It’s like shedding a weight; knowing you’re truly seen and understood without having to articulate the complexities of what you’ve been through, both then and since.
Being part of the “Wolfpack” wasn’t just a designation for me; it was an identity, a promise to our fallen, and a bond forged in shared purpose. That loyalty, that fierce protection of one another, hasn’t faded with time.
Warrior and Walleyes Outdoors at Arnesen’s Rocky Point Resort wasn’t just a veteran event where we got a chance to catch some incredible fish; it was a necessary recalibration of the soul and a powerful reminder of the unbreakable family veterans are. It was a coming home.
I’m grateful for Tammy and Lance, as well as the numerous volunteers who created this masterful experience. Warriors and Walleyes Outdoors has it figured out and the veteran community is in good hands with this organization.
Semper Fi
BC “Opie”Todd Tonkin Sgt. USMC
Hi, my name is Kim Mongrella, my husband Sgt. Gary Mongrella was the VC for the vehicle that Steve Bentzlin was KIA on.That is one night that I will never forget:( many good marines were taken from us on the 29th of Jan 1991:( for me meeting my husbands marine brothers that he served with on those LAV’S is the diamond in my 
that will never be taken away from me I had the best time at the Lake of the Woods event! I even caught my very first fish:)!!! Lance you and your wife and everyone who was involved in hosting us, giving us cabins to shower and sleep in, and the food!! Everything was spot on! I loved it! Many stories shared and with these Jarheads from Delta Co and the new friends that we made! Thank you from the bottom of my for this amazing time! Love you guys so much! Until next time that we meet!! SEMPER FI
oh I better add:) that I am Also a Navy veteran Petty Officer 3rd class:) thank you, Kim
Coming to this event along with the Marines from Delta Company was a wonderful experience! Especially hearing stories of my husband and laughing and laughing with these Jarheads
the gorgeous lake and the resort were all spot on!! Oh I better say I too am a Navy Veteran
Petty Officer 3rd class
thank you!!! SEMPER Fi