Fly Fishing at the Airlie Center, Warrenton, Virginia
19 October 2007
Friday, 19 October, started as a gloomy, rainy day at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The anglers and volunteers of PHWFF were concerned that our fly fishing expedition was going to be postponed. The day’s mission: PHWFF anglers were to conduct fly fishing at the Airlie Center pond in Warrenton, Virginia in order to utilize the fundamentals of fly fishing as a supplement to emotional and physical therapy. The anglers of PHWFF were invited to the historic convention center by their Food and Beverage Director, Tim Jago.
The PHWFF crew was not deterred by the nasty weather. The convoy included SFC Diane Cochran, her daughter, Candy, SSG Chris Millward, SGT Jake Altman, SPC David Klatt, and PFC Jeff Breezee. Joe Butkus, an Occupational Therapist at Walter Reed, drove the official WRAMC Therapy Van, transporting three newcomers to PHWFF: SSG Ramon Padilla, SPC Marco Robledo and his brother, Jose. R.C. Jones provided logistical and medical support. John Colburn, PHWFF Executive Vice President, accompanied the anglers to offer his expertise on “exercising bluegills.” We were also joined by PHWFF volunteer Dr. Bill Thomas, who was instrumental in getting us involved with Tim Jago. Aside from volunteering his time to gilly, he was mainly there to bust my chops all day!
The Three Amigos
Upon arrival at the Airlie Center, we were welcomed by Mr. Jago. He quickly directed us to the pond where he had a table of snacks and beverages for our enjoyment. The setting mimicked that of an old southern plantation. The Airlie building was built in the center of a paradise, which provides a sanctuary for corporations and anglers alike. The weather remained daunting with scattered rain showers. We donned our wet weather gear, rigged rods and tried our best to predict what flies the Airlie bass and bluegills would attack. PHWFF’s seasoned anglers surrounded the pond to stalk fish while John provided casting instruction for Joe, Ramon, Marco, and Jose. He soon had them on the water casting like pros.
Marco’s first fish on a fly rod
The fishing was a little slow before lunch, but most anglers were on the board with at least one fish. Mr. Jago invited us into the Airlie Center for lunch, which provided us a much needed break from the weather. As we entered the Center, we were greatly impressed by the décor. The Center’s interior rivaled that of the White House with its antique furniture, classic design, and gigantic picture windows with a tremendous view of the well-groomed grounds. And the food was absolutely delicious! The chef even greeted us to ensure we were pleased with our meal! Many of the chow hounds, such as me, were reluctant to leave the exquisite dining and return to the pond. Don’t tell the Admiral!
Rigging rods
Jake’s adaptation
On the way out, Dr. Bill suggested we try poppers. I told them I didn’t think they would work. I cannot express how wrong I was! The second we tied hoppers, we started hooking fish like crazy! Within minutes, there were bent rods all around the pond. Jake Altman caught one bluegill after another, casting with his prosthetic arm. Soon there was quite a commotion coming from the south side of the pond. Dr. Bill was hooting and hollering. Candy had just caught the biggest fish of the day – a fatty bass that Dr. Bill made her kiss before releasing it back into the pond. Over by the bridge, I was having some luck with bluegills. Joe was fishing nearby and caught his first fish on a fly rod.
Candy’s big bass
Diane’s trophy bluegill
Ramon’s fatty bluegill
One of the most impressive angling feats was accomplished by Marco Robledo. This day was his first to cast a fly rod. Marco lost an arm and a leg in Iraq. He was casting from his wheelchair when he hooked into his first fish. It was absolutely electric to see his rod bent with a fighting bluegill! After landing that fatty, he skillfully caught two more. Marco was beaming with pride, as were we.
The fishing was superb. I had to tear the PHWFF anglers and volunteers away from the pond in order to break down equipment and return to WRAMC, hoping to avoid Friday afternoon DC traffic. Mr. Jago assured us that we were welcome to return any time. PHWFF will definitely take him up on it. The anglers of PHWFF greatly appreciate the Airlie Center’s generosity and support. A special thank you goes to Mr. Jago for his hospitality. He and the Airlie Center made it possible for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. to conduct its mission of healing those who serve. PHWFF will fish there again soon.
Eivind Forseth,
PHWFF Project Coordinator
