The first group of wounded military personnel and spouses to visit Samaritan Lodge Alaska in June enjoyed fishing, hiking, and the beautiful Alaska scenery. Most of all, they appreciated the opportunity to get away for a week and to spend time with each other. They had the opportunity to grow closer as a couple while attending marriage enrichment classes. Throughout the summer, Samaritan’s Purse shared God’s healing love with nearly 80 couples.
Samaritan Lodge Alaska is located in Port Alsworth, on the shores of Lake Clark. The remote village is accessible only by plane.
The people of Port Alsworth came out in force for the dedication ceremony.
Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham dedicated the facility to the glory of God.
The fishing boat has a ramp that extends to the shore, making it easy to board for lodge guests on crutches or in wheelchairs.
The cabins are connected to the other buildings at the facility by boardwalks, making them handicap accessible.
Each cabin offers a homey atmosphere and great views.
Some of the nearby lakes that feature great fishing and awe-inspiring scenery are accessible only by float plane.
Samaritans’ Purse guides teach the couples how to fly fish, tell them about the best lures, and take them to the best spots.
“How many people can say I stood in a lake in Alaska and learned how to fly fish?” Jamie Kreiger said. “And caught more fish than my husband.”
Staff sergeant Matt Kreiger, a member of the U.S. Army’s Special Forces, was shot in the head during an intense firefight in Afghanistan. He still has a bullet in his brain.
The marriage enrichment classes helped Matt and Jamie Kreiger. “(They) make you look at your relationship as a couple, and see the shortfalls and hopefully improve on those,” Matt said. “We’ve noticed quite a few things we can work on. We want to build a better relationship with ourselves, and our kids, and with God.”
Jason Vest, an Air Force pilot, acquired an autoimmune disease while serving in Iraq. Catching a big fish on Lake Clark was just one benefit of being at the lodge with his wife, Danielle. “It’s just what we needed,” he said. “The devotional in the morning, the marriage classes at night, it’s just what we needed.”
Matt Kreiger and Jamie prepare to take a small boat out for a fishing trip.
Julio Bocanegra and his wife, Capt. Jennifer Bocanegra, kayak on Lake Clark. Julio suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury when his vehicle struck a land mine in Afghanistan. This was their first vacation together in 13 years of marriage. “We just really appreciate the opportunity to come out here,” Jennifer said. “All the effort they went through to put this lodge together, it’s really appreciated. When you look in their eyes, it’s genuine. It comes from the heart.”
Camp chaplain Jim Fisher, a retired U.S. Navy captain, leads marriage enrichment classes for the couples.
The grounds around the lodge offer ample opportunities for picturesque hikes. This trail leads to a waterfall.
The couples enjoyed a group hike during their last full day at the lodge.
Kris Kosem, with his wife, Rhonda, was injured in a helicopter accident during a training exercise. Kris was awarded a Silver Star for extraordinary heroism during a combat mission in Afghanistan. They appreciated spending time together in Alaska. “One of the reasons this means so much is I’ve been all over the world, done things,” Kris said. “She hasn’t. She got to come here, catch her first fish.”
