When Leon Bullerman and James Ruppert decided to participate in the "Deep Freeze Dip" held on Saturday, January 23, they did not know what to anticipate.  From the idea of jumping into the freezing waters of Lake Okabena, to raising funds for the vets wishing to travel on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., the duo's expectations were exceeded on many levels.

  "The water wasn't as cold as I thought it would be," says Ruppert.  "I thought it would be much worse, but the water was a 'warm' 34 degrees," adds Bullerman, "it was bad getting out, though, that's when you felt the cold."  More than 40 people braved the Minnesota January weather to take the plunge.  Organizers hoped to raise $5,000 for the Honor Flight.  No one expected that eight times that amount would be raised.  More than $40,000 was raised by Saturday, and donations continue to pour in.

  Bullerman and Ruppert really didn't know what to expect in regard to raising donations, but credit the generosity of local people in raising nearly $8,500 dollars to date.  "I think we probably raised the most for individuals," observed Ruppert, of the fundraiser.  Bullerman says that they were assisted locally from people getting the word out, especially Dave Hieronimus, Ted Bullerman and Jeff Bullerman.  "Dave really helped raise pledges for this," says Bullerman, "I think he spoke to everyone he saw last week, and got donations from everyone!"

  The flight costs approximately $800 for each veteran, and it is hoped that no veteran would have to put in his or her own money for the flight.  With hopes to send eight veterans from this fundraiser alone, instead, the cost for fifty veterans has been raised.  Much more is needed to fill a flight to Washington, D.C., so donations continue to be raised. 

  About Saturday's dip, Bullerman notes, "Everbody [who jumped in] was so proud to be doing it, and for such a very, very good cause."  Ruppert says, "We were doing it for the vets, they deserve our support.  I'd definitely do it again."  Bullerman agrees, "Do it again? In a heartbeat!"