Connetquot State Park, New York

On Saturday, April 9, 2006, Project Healing Waters took its first trip of the season as the guests of the USMA Cadet Fly Fishing Club, with the leadership of MAJ Ron Hasz and Cadet Jeff Killian.
The trip was supported by the Lieutenant Michael Adams Fund. The fund was initiated in memoriam of the Army Officer and former USMA Cadet in Charge of the club, who was killed in Iraq.

After arriving at USMA for a tour by LTC Rod Lusher, the PHW members joined the West Point cadets and cadre for dinner, including Mr. Leigh Oliva from the Orvis Co., Inc.
Early Sunday, the group drove to Connetquot State Park and were met a true native, Mr. Gil Bergen, a former guide on the Connetquot when it was a private club before being sold to the state. Bergen has lived in the park his entire life except for his time in the Army during the Korean War.
After Bergen greeted the group, the cadets and cadre linked up with a PHW member and headed off to their beat. A few hours later and countless fish (including a 25” brown by Chris), the group rallied back at the Matty’s RV and had lunch and told stories that most wouldn’t believe unless they have been to the Connetquot.

After lunch, Mr. Bergen and Eivind decided to take the PHW members to the Presidents’ Pool. It was a frenzy of fishing with 20 inch rainbows and 18 inch brook trout. Eivind, the self-appointed netter, could hardly keep up with Sean, Ben and Chris.
As the afternoon shadows grew long, the Cadets had to return to USMA to meet the evening study period. As we loaded the RV and were heading off, some of the local wildlife visited the site including several whitetail deer, geese and Guinea hens.

The ride back started a little late, but after stopping for some curbside take-out, the fellows were soon napping except for the navigator, Sean. The drive went smooth after a navigation correction due to height restrictions, and the group returned to WRAMC in the late hours to end a great trip.

Major Doug Matty USA