Third annual Veterans Day Pool Tournament raises more than $20,000 for Honor Flight

TOMAHAWK – This past weekend, nearly 100 pool players took part in a tournament that supported the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

The third annual Veterans Day Pool Tournament and Fundraiser, held at VFW Post 2687 in Tomahawk on Saturday, Nov. 7, raised $21,137.00 for the Honor Flight, which flies veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the memorials that honor their service.

Tournament Director Misty Bergsrud said the event had a “massive turnout,” with 98 players taking part. While many participants were local, others drove more than two hours to play in the tournament.

Bergsrud gave a shoutout to all the players who competed.

“When I say that there were some crazy good matches, it’s an understatement,” Bergsrud said. “Scotch doubles is always entertaining to watch.”

Bergsrud also thanked her family and everyone who helped make the event happen, including Sadie Heitschmidt, Heather Swanson, Bobbi Lewis, Will Garske, Sam Steinmann, Corey Steinmann, Chris Foster, Joyce Kallerud-David, Tina Mani, Erika Koch, Tami Fehlhaber-Albee, Bob Soward, Patty Soward and Ray Webie.

“Seriously, it takes an army to run this size of an event, and it’s truly hard to grasp how much work these people put into it,” Bergsrud stated. “I’ll never be able to repay you.”

The event was backed by more than 151 sponsors and donors, with 83 baskets being raffled off. Bergsrud said the tournament would not be possible without their support.

“From the bottom of my heart, we thank you,” she said.

The Tomahawk community was also recognized by Bergsrud.

“Thank you for showing up,” she stated. “The amount of times I walked downstairs to see new faces stopping in brought tears to my eyes. Your support is a direct correlation to our success, and I genuinely appreciate it.”

Bergsrud noted that the 50/50 raffle winner and the second-place team donated portions of their winnings back to the Honor Flight.

“The Never Forgotten Honor Flight has always been close to my heart, and I will forever be grateful for what they do for our veterans,” Bergsrud said.