On the Water Inc.

OTW History

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On the Water was started in 2012 by founder and OTW president Chuck Betts of Minot, ND. In the summer of 2012, Chuck had the privilege of meeting and getting to know a member of the ND National Guard. This veteran had been deployed to Iraq and upon returning home and to civilian life began to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


Wanting to help in any way, Chuck instinctively thought about his own love for fishing and the peace and quiet of a day on the water and the friendships and stories often created and shared with a big catch. So he asked this combat veteran if he could take him fishing for a day. This veteran immediately accepted the invitation and the very next day Chuck hitched-up his boat, loaded the rods and reels and tackle, packed some food and bottled water, picked up his veteran friend and off to the lake they went. In this moment of service, On the Water was born.

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Thank You Veterans!

In the true spirit of volunteerism and to give back and say “Thank You” to veterans that have given so much to all of us and our country, what was started in 2012 by one person, honoring one veteran for one day, is now On the Water, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 North Dakota nonprofit organization with dozens of volunteers and more than 50 local sponsoring partners.  Together we are serving more than 100 veterans each year through four, one-day OTW summer fishing events and other outdoor recreational activities and use of the seasonal OTW Veterans Cabin. All programs including use of the Veterans Cabin are provided to veterans at zero cost.


OTW events and opportunities are available to U.S. military veterans who served our country in overseas conflicts or who have service-connected disabilities.


For more information about OTW, participating in OTW events, or to inquire about volunteer or partner/sponsorship opportunities, email Chuck at onthewaternd@gmail.com

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OTW MISSION

To thank, honor and serve our U.S. Military Veterans. To provide outdoor recreational experiences to the men and women of our armed forces in a peer setting with emphasis on fun and relaxation. (And to catch some world class ND Lake Sakakawea Walleye!)

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OTW EVENTS

Started by On the Water founder and president, Chuck Betts of Minot, ND, OTW has grown from serving one veteran in the summer of 2012 to now serving more than 100 veterans each summer. OTW events and opportunities are provided to veterans at zero cost and include:


  • One-day fishing events each summer at Indian Hills Resort on Lake Sakakawea (30 miles west of Garrison, ND). Boats, gear, lunch, and dinner are provided. Boats are captained by OTW volunteers.
  • Boat rides on Lake Sakakawea
  • Use of OTW dedicated Veterans Cabin located at Indian Hills Resort 
  • Annual WY antelope hunt in coordination with the WY Chapter of Veterans Help Foundation 
  • Other outdoor recreational opportunities

 

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OTW Board of Directors

President & Founder – Chuck Betts, Minot

Vice President – Scott Streyle, Bismarck

Secretary – Ken Tupa, Bismarck

Treasurer – Nicole Streyle, Bismarck

Director – Jory Buchweitz, Minot

Director – Nathan Johnson, Bismarck

Director – Brian Merkel, Minot

Message from the Board of Directors


The volunteer Board of Directors of On the Water, Inc. is comprised of veterans and non-veterans committed to our mission to serve and honor our great men and women of the United States armed forces. We are forever grateful. Thank You for your service!

Thank You to our partners & sponsors


To our partners and sponsors – individuals, companies and organizations – On the Water, Inc. would not be where it is today without your support. Your generosity and commitment to our mission is truly appreciated……more than we can ever express. On behalf of the hundreds of veterans served by OTW and our dozens of volunteers, Thank You!

VIEW PARTNERS/SPONSORS

Want to learn more?


For more information about OTW, participating in OTW events, or to inquire about volunteer or partner/sponsorship opportunities, email Chuck at onthewaternd@gmail.com

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