Wisconsin Hero Outdoors

06/18/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and unit members.

‼️ UPDATE: With heavy hearts, the base has released the names of the eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards during a routine test mission on Monday.

“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I can now share the names of the eight extraordinary Americans we lost during Monday’s B-52 crash,” Col. Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing Commander, told workers and families at Edwards AFB. “They were dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates.”

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones and fellow Airmen, Air Force civilians and mission partners affected by this tragedy,” Tauer said.

The names are being released following a 24-hour waiting period after all next of kin notifications were completed, in accordance with Department of War policy.

The fallen Team Edwards members are:


• Col. Gregory Watson, 53, weapon systems officer, Boeing (Air Force reservist, assigned 10th Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas), Shreveport, La.



• Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, 40, weapon systems officer, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Detachment 5, Edwards AFB, Calif.



• Retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, 50, pilot, Boeing, Tehachapi, Calif.



• Maj. Alexander Davis, 34, weapon systems officer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Lancaster, Calif.



• Maj. Robert Dee, 40, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.



• Maj. Brad Hovey, 35, pilot, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, Calif.



• Jeromy Smith, 32, flight test engineer, 419th Flight Test Squadron, Rosamond, Calif.



• Christopher Rischar, 41, flight test engineer, JT4 contractor, Lancaster, Calif.


“These Airmen were more than coworkers. They were friends, mentors, teammates and valued members of our Edwards and Air Force family,” Tauer said.

“Our immediate focus is supporting the families of the teammates we lost and ensuring that all appropriate resources are available to them during this time of unimaginable loss.”

The crash is currently under investigation by an Interim Safety Investigation Board. The airfield is closed until further notice.

06/17/2026

I'm an Army guy but I even think this is pretty cool. If you qualify, this would be one heck of cool experience with your child at no cost. See below.

https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/collections/submarines/

***Enjoy a night aboard the historic USS Cobia, a WWII
submarine, at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum (75
Maritime Dr., Manitowoc, WI) from July 24 at 7:30 pm to
July 25 at 9:00 am. Open to children in grades 1-5 with one
parent each. Registration is required for both***
Register:
https://buytickets.at/wicyp/2234145

USS COBIA & Manitowoc SubmarinesDive into a new depth of experience Experience Life in a Sub! There are three great ways to see USS Cobia up close. For our main experience, visit us during the day for our guided submarine tours. For those interested in the technical side, check out our technical Noo...

06/15/2026

Join us for a fun-filled day of relaxation and family time! Wisconsin Hero Outdoors is collaborating with another veteran service organization to provide a fun day near Milwaukee.

🗓 Date: July 18
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Teffer Farms/ Camp Shangri-La (New Berlin, WI)

Teffer Farms Camp Shangri La | Facebook

What to Expect:

Enjoy quality family time on the water
Pier fishing opportunities
Kayaking available
Guided tour of Teffer Farms/ Camp Shangri-La
Fishing gear and bait provided
Lunch provided

Bring your family and spend a great day outdoors connecting, relaxing, and enjoying everything nature has to offer. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please complete the participation application form. This is a family event so please include the number of family members you will be bringing.

Participant Application Form - Wisconsin Hero Outdoors

Total number of attendees is limited to 20.

06/12/2026

Today, on Women Veterans Recognition Day, we honor the women who have served our nation with strength, courage, and commitment.

June 12 marks the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which gave women the legal right to serve as permanent members of the U.S. Armed Forces. This day is not about separating women Veterans from the larger Veteran community — it is about ensuring their service, sacrifice, and legacy are fully seen and recognized.

To every woman who has worn the uniform: you are a Veteran. Your service matters. Your story matters.

Read more from VA News: https://news.va.gov/147161/women-veterans-recognition-day-title-matters/

06/09/2026

The Big Bass Battle is back for its 13th year!

We’re excited to share that the Big Bass Battle supporting Wisconsin Hero Outdoors is returning on Sunday, August 9, 2026!

This year, we’re introducing an exciting format change: each angler will register individually instead of as a traditional 2-person team.

Our goal with this change is to make the event more flexible and fun, allowing families and friends to fish together without the constraints of a 2-person team.

A few important details:
- Individual registration for every angler
- Boats may have up to 4 anglers total
- Anglers must have access to a motorized boat with a functioning live well
- Each angler may weigh one bass per weigh-in period
- Anglers may only weigh fish they personally caught
- Entry fee: $125 per angler age 13+
- Entry fee: $100 per angler age 12 and under

Please note: If you’re signing up as a non-boater, you must make your own arrangements to be in a motorized boat with a functioning live well. The Big Bass Battle will not provide a boat for tournament day.

We’re looking forward to another incredible day on the water, bringing anglers together and supporting veterans and first responders through Wisconsin Hero Outdoors.

📅 Sunday, August 9, 2026
🎣 Big Bass Battle benefiting Wisconsin Hero Outdoors

REGISTER TODAY: https://wiherooutdoors.org/big-bass-battle

06/08/2026

Yesterday, I was able to represent Wisconsin Hero Outdoors at the annual Fishing for Good Foundation (F4GF) Derby on Lake Geneva. I saw several WHO members participating. I was able to take out two fellow veterans for the morning. Brian Nosko, Claude Burkhammer (WHO member) and I caught a mixed bag of smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass, bluegill, and walleye.
The walleye photo below was caught by Claude and took the prize for biggest walleye. Claude won the $500 prize for the catch!
WHO has collaborated with F4GF often over the years and I look forward to many more.

05/22/2026

Memorial Day weekend is about more than cookouts, time off, and the unofficial start of summer.

It’s about remembering the men and women who never made it home.

The freedoms we enjoy every day came at a cost paid by brave Americans who gave everything for this country and for the people beside them.

This weekend, take a moment to remember them, honor their sacrifice, and keep their families in your thoughts.

We remember the fallen. Always. 🇺🇸

"Land of the free, because of the brave." — Unknown

05/14/2026

Sharing a great post from our friends at Hogs for Heroes 🇺🇸

05/01/2026

May is Military Appreciation Month 🇺🇸

At , every month is about honoring those who serve—but this month gives us an extra opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.

Through the healing power of the outdoors, we provide opportunities for connection, recovery, and renewed purpose. Because no hero should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

Join us this month as we celebrate, support, and stand beside those who have given so much.

Learn more | Get involved | Support our mission
https://wiherooutdoors.org/

04/25/2026

2026 Women’s Retreat is a little different this year as we are spending some quality time at Camp American Legion
And of course the

Special Thank You to the Hubertus American Legion Post 522 for sponsoring the event!