Veterans get a day out with fishing, picnic and time to share stories with Riverkeeper staff & volunteers

For West Virginia University rising senior and Montoursville resident Maggie Yonkin, interacting with various veterans on June 18 during a special Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association partnership picnic with the Orangeville Manor was much more than a fishing experience.
​
“It was an important opportunity because it was obvious these guys don’t get out much and have many people to share their stories with. It touched me to be able to connect with these amazing people who once did so much for our country,” said the intern. “It went ways beyond helping them with a fishing pole – the takeaway for me was that even the things that may seem small to us can have a big impact on others.”

The June 18, 2025, program day, which drew approximately 20 veterans, was developed by association board treasurer Walt Bingaman after he attended a backyard barbecue at the Orangeville Manor – a boarding home for veterans who lack a suitable residence due to a wide variety of circumstances.

“I learned that their normal meals are not picnic-related and that they enjoy a break from their normal and felt a need to do something for them – a field trip, if you will – and wondered if they might be interested in fishing,” he said. “After getting more involved in the Riverkeeper association and its HERYN programming, I thought it would be cool to offer something like that for veterans. The idea was well-received by the board as well as some local National Wild Turkey Federation chapters, which provided funding toward food and drinks.”

The date was selected right before HERYN youth programming since equipment would already be set up at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia and the private lake which is ideal for fishing.

“Several of the veterans told me they enjoyed themselves, asking if we could make this a regular event. It was great to see it so well-received,” said Bingaman. “It was a cool feeling after years of looking into how we could do this, that we found a way. I am blessed to be networked with amazing like-minded people.”

Like Yonkin, fellow Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association intern Abbie Mack saw the value in connecting with veterans who endured “less-than-ideal conditions” before moving into the Orangeville Manor.

“Many of the men that I spoke to were amazed that someone was asking them questions about their lives and was attempting to connect with them via shared hobbies or music tastes. I think that as we move forward in life, it is important to slow down and ask the people around us about the interesting events that occurred in their lives,” said the Susquehanna University rising senior. “I learned about everything from what channels to use for walkie-talkies, the best trees for whittling, what it was like to fly fighter jets and the general struggles of life. It helped bring me to a realization that we should not forget their stories as we all move to a quick-paced lifestyle. I hope to work more with them in the future!”

Check out a Milton Standard-Journal article about the day here.

For more about the Orangeville Manor and other regional veteran homes, click here.