Vets with Nets creates memorable day on the water for veterans in Detroit

Community News

Jul 1, 2026

Detroit refinery Board Operator Fred Wickenheiser drives his boat with veterans for a day of fishing.

Key Points

Vets with Nets welcomed 375 veterans for a day of fishing, connection and appreciation on Lake Erie.
Detroit refinery employees, including members of the site’s HONOR employee network group, supported the event as boat captains and on-shore volunteers.
The event helped veterans spend time outdoors, share stories and connect with others, with MPC volunteers proud to help make the experience possible.

Vets with Nets brought hundreds of veterans together for a day of fishing, connection and appreciation, with Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC) volunteers from the Detroit refinery helping support the annual event on and off the water.

Employees, including members of the site’s HONOR employee network group, volunteered at the annual Vets with Nets event. Four MPC employees volunteered as boat captains and joined the broader group of more than 170 boats, helping take veterans out on Lake Erie for a day designed to recognize their service and create a memorable experience.

Vets with Nets Team Marathon boat captains volunteered to take employees out on the water.

This year’s event welcomed 375 veterans. Despite rough conditions that caused some smaller boats to return early and others to stay ashore, 92 boats brought fish to the weigh station, with a total of 1,480 fish tallied.

For one veteran, the experience left a lasting impression.

“Between the laughs, the stories and just being out on the water, it was exactly the kind of day we all needed.”

“What started with a little uncertainty ended up being one of the most fun days we’ve had in a long time,” the veteran shared. “Between the laughs, the stories and just being out on the water, it was exactly the kind of day we all needed. You made us feel welcome, and your generosity didn’t go unnoticed.”

Detroit refinery Machinery & Mechanical Supervisor Levi Topp stands with Vets with Nets participant Marc Delaney, who is holding his first walleye catch for the day.

On shore, volunteers for MPC and its midstream component MPLX also hosted a booth and handed out giveaways to guests. The refinery’s Maintenance Director Jason Harmon, who helped organize MPC’s participation, said the event is meaningful because it offers employees a tangible way to show appreciation for veterans.

“We don’t take lightly the sacrifices veterans have made,” Harmon said. “We wanted to show our gratitude in a meaningful way, investing time and energy to help ensure they enjoyed their time on the water and have a successful fishing trip.”