Did you know when you buy the “Support Our Troops” (SOT) License Plate, you are helping Minnesota Veterans and their families?

The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA) distributes funds raised by the sale of SOT license plates to numerous organizations that support Minnesota Veterans and their families. Learn more about the SOT grant program on /mdva/resources/federalresources/grants/index.jspour website.

Fishing for Life, Inc. was awarded a $20,000 SOT grant to help launch their new “NextGen Program.” The NexGen Program is a youth-oriented program which matches the children of Veterans with Fishing for Life volunteer “guides.” The goal of program is to help to broaden youth’s view of the world by introducing them to fun and educational experiences. Special emphasis is given to enlisting youth whose parent has been incapacitated or killed in action.

Fishing for Life’s mission is to serve youth, families, Veterans and communities through fishing and outdoor programs. Fishing for Life is proud to recognize the ongoing support of more than 500 volunteers who work more than 2,000 hours every year.

Parent testimonials
“Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity for our boys! They have been so excited every day to come home and share their stories. With all the uncertainty right now, it has been a blessing for them to be able to be on the lake, making friends and enjoying a passion/sport while learning!”

“I am so grateful for FFL and the Next Gen program. My son just loves it. He loves fishing and more importantly has had the guidance of Godly men. After his last day trip, he was so happy. He told me he never met a fisherman he didn’t like. He really liked Cody and told me he wanted to be like him when he grows up. That Sunday morning Robert didn’t want to go to church. I reminded him that Cody would be going to church. He immediately got ready without a problem. FFL has been an answer to a prayer.”

“My son Ryan went on his first Fishing for Life event to Leech Lake and he is hooked! He wants to go on more adventures with the group.”

The SOT competitive grant program is currently “on-hold” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MDVA tentatively plans to renew the program this fall 2021.

For more information about purchasing an SOT license plate, visit our /mdva/resources/supporttroopslicenseplates.jspwebsite.