Biographies

Jeremy Colsen was born in Grand Forks, ND but was raised in Rosemount, MN where he spent most of his life.  Jeremy served in the United States Marine Corps from 1994-1998, and the Minnesota National Guard from 2010-2013.  Much of Jeremy’s free time is spent fishing.  When Jeremy isn’t guiding for Lake Osakis Guide Service you will find him fishing with his wife (Liz), veterans, and/or kids.  Jeremy is currently affiliated with Clam Outdoors and Vexilar.

Jason Wegscheid was born and raised in Wadena MN.  Jason served 12 years in the Army and is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran.  Jason enjoys fishing, hunting, playing softball, and spending time with his family.  Jason has been on the board of Fishing with Vets since 2017 and says, “being part of this amazing organization is such a blessing”.  Jason loves the opportunity he gets to spend time with fellow veterans and make a positive impact on their lives.

Aaron Peloquin lives in Plymouth, MN with his wife Kristin. Aaron has spent over 20 years in financial services and now works as a wealth manager. Although Aaron is not a veteran himself, both of his grandfathers served in WWII and many other family members have served our country. Aaron is an original member of the Fishing with Vets board and enjoys serving those that have served all of us. Aaron and Kristin’s passion is traveling, both domestic and international and they love to enjoy the foods and wines of the world.

Bob Sterns grew up in Hibbing, MN and spent most of his time at family cabins on Lake Winnibigoshish and the Side Lake chain.  His passion for serving veterans is inspired by his grandfathers who both served in World War 2.  Bob spends a lot of free time in the summers fishing Lake of the Woods, Red Lake, and smaller lakes local to Hibbing.  Bob also loves spending time on the ice in the Ice Castle with his family, and is looking forward to getting his three year old daughter her first walleye this winter.

Todd Schnorr was born and raised in Duluth, MN and now lives in Chisolm, MN.  Todd is a 22 year Army veteran with multiple deployments around the world.   During the day Todd is a lead operator for a waste water treatment plant.  In his free time Todd enjoys hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. Todd is extremely passionate about doing trips with our veteran’s and he enjoys spending much of his free time brainstorming the next fishing adventure for our vets.

Matt Klug grew up in St. Joseph, MN and now resides in Sauk Rapids, MN.  In 2019 Matt decided to take his passion for fishing and make it a full-time career through his company MK Fishing Guide Service.  Matt guides clients on lakes from St. Cloud to Mill Lacs primarily targeting walleye and small mouth bass but also chasing panfish regularly as well.  In his free time Matt enjoys fishing, hunting, and target shooting.  Matt’s fishing affiliates include Clam Outdoors, Vexilar, and Scheels in St. Cloud, MN.

Evan Kazik is from Coleman, WI and has lived in the area most of his life.  Evan served 6 years in the National Guard with one deployment in 2009.  In his free time Evan tries to spend as much time with his wife and kids, and/or being active outdoors.  Evan’s introduction to Fishing with Vets was in 2017 as a guest on one of our trips.  Since 2017 Evan has done as much as he can to help the organization so that other veterans can experience the same amazing experience that he did.  Evan was added as a field staff member in 2021 and then in the spring of 2024 he was added to the board.  Evan’s favorite trip is the Green Bay trip that he organizes because he loves being able to share such an amazing fishery with fellow veterans.  The organization and being able to give back to his fellow veterans truly means a lot to Evan.

Joe Tackaberry was born/raised in Delano, MN and graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in business management in 2005.   Joe lived in Delano, MN up until 2022 when he made the bittersweet decision to relocate to somewhere a little bit warmer.  Joe now lives in Cape Coral, FL and is a financial advisor with a successful practice in Punta Gorda, FL.  Joe has been on the board of Fishing with Vets since 2016 and is incredibly passionate about giving back to those who serve/have served our country.  While Joe is not a veteran himself his dad is a retired Marine and his grandpa served in the Navy.  In his free time Joe likes to hunt, fish, spend time outdoors, and hang out with friends/family.

Mike Mechavich grew up in Farmington, Minnesota and owns DRM, a small lawn and landscape business, that serves the south metro.  Mike is married to his amazing wife, Misty, and they have a son, a daughter, and two dogs.   Mike spends much of his free time giving back to the community as a volunteer firefighter for his local fire department.  When Mike isn’t doing fire fighter related tasks, he spends his time fishing, hunting waterfowl, playing softball, traveling, and camping.

Tony Hanson was born and raised in Hibbing, MN, where he still currently resides with his wife and kids.  Tony’s love for fishing came at a young age fishing with his dad, grandpa, and uncles.  Now that Tony is a father, he has passed his passion on to his youngest son.  Tony started volunteering with Fishing with Vets in 2018.  Soon after his volunteering started, Tony was asked to join the field staff and then a few years later the board.  Tony enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for fishing with our veterans.