About Us
Nasa became a 501c3 non-profit in 2003, but its origin began years before by two different entities. The first group was led by two friends Gary Larson and LeRoy Holley who spent their time and talents helping a buddy who was paralyzed in a car accident. Long before the Americans With Disabilities Act or the creation of adaptive equipment, these two young inventors created ways to get their paralyzed buddy back into the outdoors. They modified a barber chair for him to hunt out of and a pontoon boat so he could fish.
Meanwhile, Dr Carl Peterson of Coon Valley organized a squirrel hunt with a few friends. What started out small, quickly grew over a few short years into an annual tradition. Carl named his informal hunting party “The North American Squirrel Association”. As participation grew, so did the ability to raise funds as part of a fun outdoor activity.
Eventually, the two groups merged and n.a.s.a. was born, helping the disabled, elderly and veterans enjoy the outdoors. The n.a.s.a. Squirrel Derby still takes place every January as a testament to its humble beginnings. The organization has grown to help hundreds of people get outside with dozens of volunteers assisting in fulfilling it’s mission.
Our Story
The Tomah branch of n.a.s.a. began in December of 2016 with help from n.a.s.a. of LaCrosse. Bertie Dietzman, Dan Boehm, and Dave Stutzman helped organize a fundraising banquet in March of 2017. The Tomah branch held its first event for participants in August of 2018 with a fishing outing on a private pond in Tomah. As the Tomah Branch grows, the group hopes to expand their offerings in outdoor activities and working towards fulfilling the n.a.s.a. mission. Contact us to learn more about Tomah n.a.s.a.
n.a.s.a Non-Discrimination & Non-Harassment Policy
It is the policy of the North American Squirrel Association, in recognition of its responsibility to its volunteers, service, recipients, and the communities served, to provide equal opportunity to all people and to promote the full realization of that policy through a positive, continuing program to be known as the non-discrimination and non-harassment policy.
Volunteer Opportunities
A big part of our program is our volunteer system, which pairs sports-persons in need with non-disabled companions for outdoor sporting activities. If you are a non-disabled hunter, fisher, or outdoors-person and would like to volunteer, please contact us. There is no cost to become a volunteer, but you are expected to share in the cost of the hunting or fishing trip you participate in. You are also responsible for obtaining all appropriate Wisconsin licenses.
Other Ways to Get Involved:
- Volunteering at Our Annual Fundraising Banquet
- Serving as a Hunting Mentor for a Disabled Hunter
- Helping Out at a Fishing Event
- Running a Biking or Kayaking Event (We Have Resources but Need Volunteers!)
- Volunteering Your Talents in Fundraising, Photography, Grant Writing, Food Preparation, Record Keeping, Mailings, Marketing, Networking, and More
The Process
Becoming a volunteer is easy. Simply follow the steps below.
- Tell us the type of hunting, fishing, or other activity in which you would like to participate.
- Tell us your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Let us know if there are any special needs you may have for transportation.
- Contact us if you have any questions.
