For the last 19 years, on the last Friday of July, the Vietnam Veterans of Alger County Chapter 237, along with the American Legion and the Munising City Band, have served up a fish fry lunch for the veterans of Michigan Veterans Home D.J. Jacobetti in Marquette. Each year, an anonymous donor purchases fish from Vanlandschoot and Sons Fishery. Altran donates a bus to transport some of the volunteers each year, and the driver, Don Wyatt, also donates his time to drive the bus. Next year will mark the Fish Fry’s 20th year! The event is a summer favorite for Jacobetti veterans, loved ones, and staff that the volunteers and sponsors also look forward to each year.

Many years back, Bill Rousseau, a local businessman, had an uncle who resided at the veteran’s home. He had the idea to go up to Jacobetti, put on a fish fry for the veterans, and proposed the idea to the Vietnam Veterans of Alger County. VVA Chapter 237 members loved the idea and ran with it. With the help of other veteran organizations, the local city band, and Altran, it has become a special day for everyone involved!