With a strong sense of national pride and a desire to protect the freedoms in our country, Kurt Hauschild enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school. During boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago, Ill., he met lifelong friends and enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with being united for a great cause.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that these men and women, who come from all over the country, would give their lives for you,” Kurt said.

Though he did not serve in the Navy for a long period of time, Kurt saw it as a lifetime commitment. “You take that oath and it’s for life. People don’t realize that when a man enlists in the military, his discharge papers will always say, ‘subject to recall,’ meaning they can call you back into the armed forces if needed.” Hoping to serve again after the events of September 11, Kurt was disappointed to not meet the physical requirements because of a recent burn injury.

The loyalty he holds for his country extends to all other aspects of his life. Small midwestern towns are famous for handshake contracts, and that’s exactly how Kurt navigates life in Monona, Iowa.

“Where I come from, your name means everything. To me, a handshake is a written contract. And if I vouch for a boat company, I guarantee it’s a great one.”

And the boat company he loves to vouch for is Viaggio. Kurt is the happy owner of a ’22 Viaggio Lago, and is quick to mention its superb qualities such as the perfect layout for him, convenient livewell, and incredibly smooth ride.

“The Viaggio rides so smoothly that I can go across white caps and I don’t know they’re there,” he said. Though he’s tested out other pontoons, he hasn’t found a better one.

Kurt wasn’t always a pontooner, though. He spent years owning Crownline, Four Winns, and Alumacraft boats to fish along the Mississippi River, especially when the bluegill were spawning. A few years ago, he pulled his Crownline out of storage to get ready for the upcoming season. But when his wife, Terene, tried to climb aboard, she simply couldn’t get in and out of the boat. She was due for double knee replacements and the Crownline was simply no longer accessible.

Kurt immediately called Jason Tweten at Upper Iowa Marine, his favorite boat salesman at his favorite dealership, who recommended a pontoon and had a few to show the couple. After visiting their knee surgeon, Kurt and Terene stopped by the dealership. They felt the 22-foot Viaggio was too big, so all three of them climbed into the 18-foot Lago. Terene could easily step into the boat, and Jason began listing the Lago’s features. As soon as he mentioned the livewell, Kurt was ready to sign the papers.

The only hitch was that the next day was a perfect Saturday for fishing, and Kurt wanted the new boat the next morning. Jason was up to the challenge, and kept his two head mechanics working late to install the motor, fuel line, and other vital elements as part of the rigging. When Jason called later that evening, Kurt could hardly believe his new boat was ready to go.

“I just can’t say enough good things about Jason,” Kurt said. “Viaggio makes the best boats on the market, and Upper Iowa Marine is the best dealership. I couldn’t be happier.”

His happiness is contagious. When he takes his six grandchildren fishing, photos of them are all smiles holding their lines and all wearing life jackets.

“Safety is the main thing,” Kurt believes, and he’s grateful his Viaggio can handle huge waves that are often thrown in their path by the barges along the Mississippi River.

“We can handle the waves, and the water never comes over the boat,” he said. That way they can freely trawl for a few hours and catch a whole meal of fish.

Though far removed from his days in the Navy, Kurt is still loyal to his friends from his time in the service and is quick to render favors. A few years ago, his friend Robert called from Kentucky and asked if he could stay over at Kurt’s place while he was traveling through. And Kurt was delighted to offer his hospitality.