It is heart-shaped, bordered with gold, features a profile of George Washington and, yes, its ribbon is indeed purple.

The Purple Heart medal — in one form or another — has been awarded to those wounded or killed in the service of their country since 1782. It has been given by a grateful nation to those who have put themselves in harm’s way and paid the price.

Now, a couple in Sitka, Alaska has found a way to honor the men and women who were recipients of the Purple Heart: an all-expense-paid fishing trip to their place of business on the Alaskan coast.

Their lodge is a 4,400-square-foot retreat with views of Mount Edgecumbe and Sitka Sound, and comes equipped with two powerful 27-foot boats designed for speedy transit to the best fishing spots for salmon and halibut.

And while owners Mike and Linda Slifer provide rooms, meals and the fishing experience, the problem is getting qualified veterans to the 50th state.

To that end, an organization called In Harm’s Way has been formed to help out with airfare.

“The program is a way to say thank you and to try to help the warriors heal from the trauma that they have experienced,” said Marilyn Peterson of Clinton, whose husband, Everett (a Vietnam vet) enjoyed the Slifer’s hospitality in May. “Most of these folks are physically or emotionally wounded, or both, as a result of their service.”

While he was there, Peterson talked with these mostly younger men, sharing his lifetime of struggles and experiences, which hopefully helped them come to grips with the obstacles they will face in their everyday lives after being in a war, she said.

Based on her husband’s experience on the trip, the couple initially decided to sponsor one wounded veteran’s airfare each year.

“But then, after thinking about it some more, we decided that we wanted to try to help as many veterans go on this trip as we possibly can,” she said. “The only thing that the Slifers don’t pay for is the airfare for these people to get to Alaska, depending on donations from supporters to help fly these men to Sitka. The fishing and lodging is all free, but the airfare is pretty expensive since the veterans come from all over the country.”

So, with the help of volunteers Brian Grimm and Mary Lynn Poland, a benefit dance to support the In Harm’s Way fishing trips is scheduled from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at Bayview Community Hall.

The organization is seeking to raise $2,500 to cover airfare for as many as 18 men or women who have suffered physically or psychologically from their experiences in the nation’s armed forces. Grimm said the Modern Woodmen of America has agreed to match any funds raised.

The family friendly dance at Bayview Hall includes music provided by local band LocoMotion. Tickets for adults are $10 per person for pre-sale, or $15 at the door.

The Bayview Hall board of directors are donating the building for the event and the band is playing at a greatly reduced rate.

“Come out and see your friends and neighbors for some dancing, talking and laughing,” Grimm said. “Know that you are helping a very worthy cause for our servicemen and women who have seen combat, to keep all of us safe here.”

For more info, call Grimm at

321-8482 or 360-929-3477. To see the Slifer’s lodge in Alaska, visit www.alaskafisher.com.