Minnesota-native John Enstrom never served in the military, but he appreciates the sacrifices made by veterans. Because his father fought in World War II, military pride was instilled in Enstrom at a very young age. He also grew up in the Vietnam-era, and while he was lucky enough to avoid the draft, many of his friends were not. Many of those same friends never returned home. To honor the Minnesotans that died in the Vietnam War and subsequent wars, Enstrom developed a memorial and a lake on his own property where veterans could come and relax. Veteran's Lake, as Enstrom named the area, was designed to provide veterans with an escape from the traumas and stresses they may experience during life after service.
Enstrom invested thousands of dollars of his own money to develop Veteran's Lake, but to him, it was worth every penny. He made the entire area handicap accessible and hopes that veterans from all across the state will come and enjoy his gift to them. Veteran's Lake will play host to many veterans' events. The most recent will be a fishing tournament scheduled to take place on Aug. 5. Enstrom and his sponsors will provide participants with a meal and fishing equipment at no charge.