Operation Fishing Freedom

Keith Lorensen is no stranger to water, he spent many years at sea during his service in the U.S. Navy. Back in October of 2000, Keith was injured during a terrorist attack on the historic USS Cole.

Through her 36 years in the Army as a nurse and medic, Laura Ludwig faced many challenges. None more difficult than taking care of the young men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since coming home Laura has not stopped serving.

In 1966, a 19-year-old, Wisconsin farm boy's life changed forever when he was drafted into the Army and shipped over to Vietnam. Now a soldier, Glenn engaged in numerous battles, and scouted for the infamous "tunnel rats" in the Vietnam War. The lone survivor in his platoon, the most heart-breaking story is Glenn's treatment from his own countrymen on his trip home to the United States.

On 9/11/2001, Bryan Anderson started basic training with the U.S. Army. A few months later he would find himself in the middle of the Iraq War as a military police officer. An IED Explosion would change his life forever, and Bryan would begin his new life as a triple amputee.

In June 1941, Leo Wolfson's life took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into the Army. World War II had arrived, and Leo was stationed on the islands of Hawaii only months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Tasked with being a soldier and an entertainer, Leo rose to the occasion on both fronts. Leo's wit and humor are intact, and he shares his stories and personal experience in WWII.

Since his high school sports days, James Elkins has been a team leader. An early interest in the Army led the Alaskan teenager to finish college and head off to Army Ranger school. In Afghanistan, a gunshot wound to the head wasn't enough to quell the spirit of this Ranger, and his positive attitude continues to pay off.

The men and women who serve our country have overcome a substantial amount of adversity and challenges while in service. When they come home it can feel like merging into oncoming traffic at full speed. We take a look at a few young veterans who have faced the emotional struggles of coming home, and the outlets to cope with their post-traumatic stress.

Unsure of the path his life would take, Brad Peterson decided to join the U.S. Coast Guard. After saving many lives on the water as a part of rescue teams, Brad joined a new life-saving team as a nurse at the Minnesota VA. Today, we head out into the Gulf of Mexico to take Brad on his first saltwater fishing trip.

Born and raised on an Air Force base in Alaska, Joseph Lefthand answered his call to duty as a Marine. After completing multiple tours to Asia and the Middle East, he started a family. In 2015, his wife passed away from breast cancer. Now a single father of 4 children, Joseph has found healing through an art program for veterans called CreatiVets.

Our WWII Veterans are known as "The Greatest Generation." We take a look at some of the struggles and adversity veterans from the Greatest Generation faced. We also highlight a story from a hero veteran that has gone untold until now.

In the first season of Operation Fishing Freedom, we shared the story of a 37 month POW, Darrell Krenz. Now, we fly him to Texas to reconnect Darrell with Veteran Jack Goodwin. After the emotional surprise meeting, they reconnect and discuss their time alongside each other as 37 month POWs during the Korean War.

U.S. Army veteran, wildfire firefighter, and a police officer. Ryan Heard has a long resume of service, including a Purple Heart he received after stepping on an IED in Iraq. Since coming home, has found the outdoors to be his best form of therapy.

Before the age of 23, U.S. Marine Jeff Francis filled out a total of three wills. His tours of duty not only protected our freedom but also created positive change for a country in need. When he came home, the transition back into civilian life proved to be difficult. For Jeff, his service dog Fox has become much more than just man's best friend.