JAY GARSTECKI

President/Co-Founder/CEO

As the grandson of a WWII Veteran, and the son and brother of two United States Marine Corps. Veterans, Jay is PROUD to serve as a PATRIOT to the HEROES of this country! Jay is dedicated to making sure this country takes care of our U.S. Military Veterans and has dedicated his life to “making sure tomorrow is better than today” for our Vets. He has vowed to make a difference in veterans lives – even if it is one life at a time.

Jay has co-founded two non-profit organizations:

• Take a Vet Fishing, NFP (2011)
• Operation Healing Heroes Foundation (2015)

 In addition, Jay is HONORED to sit as a Trustee on the Yontz Valor Foundation – Honoring our Military Heroes

ROB BLANCHAR

 Co-Founder - Veteran

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Robert C Blanchar was an Aircraft Engine Mechanic Supervisor for the F-16C/D. He was also an Iraq war veteran having done three tours of duty in Iraq at Balad Air Base. While in Iraq in addition to performing supervisory duties for the F-16C/D, he also assisted combat-wounded American soldiers, Iraqi soldiers and Iraqi citizens.

Rob an avid fisherman and is active in his community as a volunteer. He serves as the Historian for the American Legion Post 534 McFarland WI, is a member of the American Legion Color Guard performing in parades and is on the Board of Directors for Take-AVet Fishing in which he has held numerous positions. Prior to retirement in 2011, he and his son Justin started Vibrations Tackle, a fishing lure manufacturing business. He is married, the father of three grown-up children and the grandfather of four.

MICHELLE EIDSOR

Treasurer

Michelle Eidsor retired after more than 26 years of service as the Finance Officer of a Township located in Illinois. She brings with her many years of book keeping and human resources experience. Michelle is married to David, who is an avid volunteer with Take A Vet Fishing. They reside with their family in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“Several years ago, after volunteering at an event, I knew I had to become more involved. When the position of Treasurer became available, I jumped at the chance to join the Board. I believe in giving back and I am particularly passionate about assisting those who have served our Country. Our service men and women have sacrificed so much so that we can live a safer life. No amount of appreciation will be sufficient enough to honor them but, we can start with a day of giving back.” 

MARK RICHARDSON

Board Member/Business Development

• Born and raised in Edgerton, WI, and lifelong resident
• Married to wonderful wife, Karen, for 30 years
• Two adult sons, Nolan (wife Chantel) and Kevin (wife Madison)
• Kevin currently serving in the Marine Corps and Madison serving in the Air Force
• My dad, Jerry, and nephew, Randy, both served in the US Navy.
• Graduated from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in criminal justice
• Served on many civic, fundraising and volunteer boards and committees over the years such as the Edgerton, WI, and Milton, WI, chambers of commerce, the Bark River Fish Hatchery, Edgerton Youth Baseball and others. Coached many youth baseball teams and umpired youth baseball.
• Worked for 40+ years in our successful family marine/boat dealership, Harbor Recreation, on the beautiful Rock River and Lake Koshkonong area near Edgerton and Milton.
• Became acquainted with Take A Vet Fishing and Operation Fishing Freedom through founder Jay Garstecki as he was a long-time customer of Harbor Recreation.
• Supplied Take A Vet Fishing with Evinrude engines and service of equipment for the group.
• Held many fundraising events and seminars for TAVF as well as several golf outing fundraisers with the help of Jay Garstecki, Dave VanDoorn and Rob Blanchar.

CAITLIN DECKER

Administrative Director

Caitlin Decker is the Operations Manager at Archway Marketing Services located in Minnesota. Caitlin offers years of experience in managing teams and building workflow efficiencies. With her knowledge and expertise, she can apply these skills with Take a Vet Fishing by working with volunteers, vendors, and venue/hotel staff. As a team, we can combine all our efforts to create a memorable experience for all our staff, volunteers, and Veterans.

Caitlin is the honored aunt of two ambitious little nieces that reminder her daily how imperative it is to live in the moment, as we never know what God has planned for us. Since 2015, Caitlin has been the Administrative Coordinator for various outings with our Veterans. Over the years, Take a Vet Fishing has become family. Not only those on the Board of the organization, but also the Veterans, Guides, Volunteers, and Families. With each event, it is a reunion we look forward to with open arms. It is fulfilling to see our family grow with each passing season. The opportunity to connect with Veterans and their loved ones is what keeps the determination to want more for our Veterans who are being unnoticed. Let us continue to welcome our heroes home.

DAVE VANDOORN

Pro Staff Director

Dave VanDoorn is a professional angler that has been Take a Vet Fishing’s “Daily Ambassador” since 2012 and VanDoorn has averaged over 130 days on the water for Take a Vet Fishing. Dave VanDoorn continues to work for veterans and veterans causes. Along with his wife Nancy, two kids Tim and Sara. “A Day of Giving Back” is something VanDoorn tries to incorporate everyday.