Wounded Warriors at FFF Conclave
The highlight of Project Healing Waters’ active fly fishing schedule in 2006 may well have been the trip to the FFF Conclave in Bozeman July 24-29. Four wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, on invitation of the FFF, spent the week in Bozeman fishing and taking in all aspects of the Conclave. Corporal Robert Bartlett and First Lieutenants Danny Psoinos and Eivind Forseth, of the U.S. Army and Bill Johnston, a Viet Nam era Marine, were accompanied by Ed Nicholson, John Colburn and Paul Ricciuti , all PHW volunteers.
The FFF, ever the gracious host, had arranged drift boat fishing on the Yellowstone and other trips on the East Gallatin, and Boulder River. Bill Toone, editor of the Federation’s Flyfisher magazine, was on hand providing daily support at the Conclave and on the rivers. As a certified fly casting instructor, he also spent time instructing the guys.
Notwithstanding the scorching heat, all the fishers were successful in getting into plenty of great Montana trout, thoroughly enjoying their fly fishing experience. In particular, Bill Johnston, a wheelchair-bound double amputee, remarked that drift boat fishing was a terrific way to fish. That he caught some dandy trout also may have had something to do with his feelings.
Bill Johnston: “We arrived at the conclave and were graciously greeted by our hosts. Everyone was impressed by the number of displays and demonstrations at the Conclave. The friendliness of everyone we met made us all feel welcome. We enjoyed excellent casting lessons and fly tying demonstrations. In addition there were exhibits that helped us understand the history of fly fishing and the continuing commitment of fly fishermen to river improvement and conservation.
“When we went drift boat fishing on the Yellowstone River, we saw first hand the results of these efforts. We had a wonderful time and would like to thank everyone responsible for making it possible for us to attend the Conclave.”
Danny Psoinos: “The FFF Conclave was an incredible learning experience. As a novice fisherman, I was able to learn many important fundamentals about casting, insects, and equipment. I took a great class about feeding patterns and the cycles of various stoneflies, caddis flies, may flies, and terrestrial flies. I bought my first fly rod while browsing the equipment that was on display, and I learned how to tie a few different flies.
“I fished on the Yellowstone, Boulder, and Gallatin rivers and learned where to cast, what to use, the timing in setting the hook, and how to keep tension on the line while bringing in a fish. I caught seven fish using various flies and had a great time.
“I met a lot of incredible people that helped me grow as a fisherman. It was great to get out of the hospital. Fishing is therapeutic for me, and Bozeman was the perfect place to start.”
Eivind Forseth: “The wounded anglers of PHW were invited to participate in the Conclave’s instructional classes, view the exhibits, and attend the banquets and auction. We were also treated to spectacular fly fishing opportunities.
“We felt honored to be a part of the Conclave. Mr. Van Gytenbeek and his staff were tremendously accommodating, and it was apparent that the anglers of the FFF felt equally as honored to have us as their guests.
“We floated the Yellowstone River with Sweetcast Anglers of Big Timber, which proved to be both emotionally and physically therapeutic and a tremendous morale boost. I was floating with Robert Bartlett, who hooted and hollered for nearly eight hours straight with numerous long distance releases.
“Bill Johnston, who lost both legs in Vietnam, expressed that he never would have seen himself fishing from a drift boat. He appeared right at home, casting skillfully from the bow.
“Danny Psoinos explained that being on the water and concentrating on his fly fishing skills took the focus away from the pain of his wounds.
“Similarly for me, being home in the Big Sky Country and fly fishing on the Yellowstone helped me forget about my pain and realize how fortunate we all are to have survived combat.
”The wounded anglers of PHW have various battle wounds from different conflicts; however, we each share a common mission: to heal our wounds and recover the use of our shattered bodies. We greatly appreciate the FFF’s support of Project Healing Waters and its effort to help us to accomplish our mission.”
“Cpl. Sniper” Bartlett: “Well, the conclave was a hit. I had a great time, met some good people and shared some good stories. Fly fishing is one of those things that can tie people together. I met some fine retired soldiers and civilians who were more than willing to lend a helping hand. That is one of those things that make this a good country; people willing to donate time, money, and place to help out a few wounded soldiers.
“That gives me a lump in the throat because that is what we are about as a society—at least the unselfish side of society. I took lessons home with me that will be with me forever—foundations of a great fly caster and great angler in the making—all because of PHW and the help of other fly fishers at the Conclave.
”Thank you, all who helped. May your hearts never lead you away from fly fishing, God bless.”
PHW was also honored by having 1LT Eivind Forseth as the dinner speaker at the President’s Banquet. Eivind’s remarks and his personal feelings regarding PHW made an obvious connection with the attendees and gave him a standing ovation at the conclusion of his talk. None of the more than 200 diners spoke a word during Eivind’s talk. It was a wonderful week spent in Bozeman. Ed Nicholson
[Ed Nicholson, the Founding Father of Project Healing Waters and the director of the fly casting and fly fishing parts of the program, wrote the basic article. The quotations in the article were taken from Conclave reports by the guys. The words and the sentiments are theirs.
I spent most of my time at the Conclave manning the PHW booth and talking to people about the fly fishing and fly tying programs. There was considerable interest in starting similar programs for the wounded in military and Dept. of Veterans Affairs’ hospitals around the country.
Claire Coleman, a good friend from Billings, MT, provided invaluable assistance to the PHW gang by running errands, contacting media, and generally being helpful. Mil gracias, mi amiga.— John Colburn
