First 2-Fly Tourney Hard Act to Follow
On Sunday, May 20, 2007, the First Annual Project Healing Waters 2-Fly Tournament succeeded far beyond anyone’s expectations and will be a hard act for the Second 2-Fly to follow. The weather was great, the number of fly fishing teams was more than anticipated, the food was plentiful and delicious, the trout cooperated, and the funds raised, the purpose for the event, exceeded the goal by 20%.
Sponsored by the Eastern Blue Ridge Fly Fishers, an FFF Charter Club in Culpeper, VA, the 2-Fly was held at the Rose River Farm on the Rose River in Madison County, Virginia. PHW Board chairman Douglas Dear, owner of the Rose River Farm, donated the use of the farm, the fishing rights to more than a mile of the river, and a special stocking of rainbow trout for the tournament. Members of the Eastern Blue Ridge Fly Fishers contributed many hours of sweat labor to set up the venue and performed many of the necessary duties during and after the event.
The fly fishers and the spectators were amply fed by Gentry’s Catering Service and hydrated by coffee and snacks from Starbuck’s of Culpeper and soft drinks and water from Merchant’s Grocery. The Dark Hollow bluegrass band and other local bluegrass musicians provided entertainment throughout the day.
The winning team of fly fishers consisted of recently retired Army SSG Russell Martin and his professional guide, William Heresniak of Eastern Trophies Fly Fishing. Their overall score was 129 points with 43 rainbow trout brought to hand. Russ wrote this about the 2-Fly Tournament:
“The 2-Fly was a huge success. My wife and I enjoy being outdoors and having a chance to spend time together. The music was great, the food was excellent, and the fish were everywhere on the river. William Heresniack was my partner, and he was a really nice guy. He gave me a lot of good tips on fly-fishing. Together we caught a total of 43 rainbow trout that day and took first place."
“This organization is one of the best for vets. I think there should be a PHW at every Military Hospital, V.A., D.A.V., etc. to give soldiers like me the most unbelievable experience they will ever have. Not with just fishing but a chance to talk with fellow soldiers, or hanging out with family and friends. PHW will always be in my mind, waiting for the next trip to come.”
Another of the contestants, Army 1LT David Folkerts, wrote:
“The 2-fly tournament was not only a wonderful opportunity to fish with amazing people and catch big trout, but also a tremendous event to help in raising money for PHW and creating new opportunities for the wounded warriors who are involved in the program. I had an absolutely wonderful time fishing the Rose River and enjoyed meeting all the supporters of PHW.”
Army CPT Eivind Forseth, who serves as PHW’s project coordinator, had this to say about the 2-Fly:
“I witnessed the First Annual PHW 2-Fly Tournament begin as a spur of the moment idea between Ed Nicholson, Douglas Dear, and Tim Schultz that quickly turned into a full-blown event with a life of its own. The success of the 2-Fly is a testament to our nation’s desire to support our severely wounded service members and veterans. We wounded warriors greatly appreciate the generosity of all those who participated. Without them, Project Healing Waters would be unable to accomplish its mission. As always, we are honored by their efforts.”
The other wounded warriors had similar comments, and their family members who came to the 2-Fly were very pleased with the help and support given their sons by all who participated in the 2-Fly Tournament.
It isn’t possible to thank everyone who helped with the First Annual Project Healing Waters 2-Fly Tournament, but without the leadership of Tim Schultz, Douglas Dear, and Ed Nicholson and the hard work of members of the Eastern Blue Ridge Fly Fishers and Project Healing Waters it could not have been nearly as successful.
See you all the Second Annual Project Healing Waters 2-Fly Tournament!
John Colburn
