Nextera Communications, one of Minnesota's leading voice, data, and Internet providers, is providing the Internet connection for this year's Holes for Heroes Ice Fishing Festival. The bandwidth Nextera is donating will be used to connect men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq with family members attending the event.

"We've been involved with Holes for Heroes since its first event four years ago," said Greg Arvig, President of Nextera Communications. "It's an honor to help our soldiers connect with family in Minnesota through a live video feed. The fixed wireless network we own allows us to provide the high-speed broadband needed for one-off special events like this, and to confidently deliver on our promise."

In addition to connecting soldiers with loved ones in real time, Holes for Heroes offers an afternoon of ice fishing, fun, and food to both former and active military members as well as their immediate families.

Over $2000 in prizes will be given away at the festival, which takes place from 1-4 PM this Saturday, February 1, on Medicine Lake in Plymouth, Minnesota. Prizes will be given for the largest fish, smallest fish, most fish of one species - and more.

Fishing for Life, a nonprofit organization supporting families and communities through fishing and outdoor programming, organizes and hosts Holes for Heroes. Military personnel and their immediate families attend at no charge; tickets for non-military members are $5 when purchased in advance and $10 the day of the event.

"We encourage Minnesotans to come out and support the Armed Forces this weekend," said Tom Goodrich, Executive Director of Holes for Heroes. "You'll not only be contributing to a great cause, but where else can you watch a minnow race in the middle of winter?"

For more information, contact Info@fishingforlife.org or call 612-987-5466.

About Nextera Communications
Nextera is a Minnesota-based telecommunications company with offices located in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Duluth, Brainerd/Baxter and St. Cloud. Nextera provides customized, secure telecommunications services and exceptional customer service to businesses statewide. Service offerings include Internet T-1, Wireless/WiMax, Hosted PBX, SIP Trunking, and more.

Holes for Heroes
Tom Goodrich, 612-987-5466
Holes for Heroes Executive Director
tom@fishingforlife.org
or
Nextera Communications
Anne Baumann, 952-564-6980
Nextera Communications Marketing Manager
abaumann@nextera.net