Connequate River Trip

27 April 2008

The West Point Cadet Fly Fishing Club sponsored by Maj. Jeff Sheehan invited 6 PHW wounded soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical center to their annual Connequate River trip the weekend of the 26th and 27th of April, 2008. On Saturday the soldiers from Walter Reed drove up to the United States Military Academy and were greeted by the members from the Cadet Fly Fishing Club. The rest of the day included a tour of the Academy and a dinner social in the evening that was attended by all the PHW fly fishers, cadets from the fishing club, family members of the cadets, and military cadre who sponsored the Cadets fly fishing club. The evening concluded with vets from Walter Reed checking into the Thayer Hotel on West Point.

With an early morning start the following day a long convoy of eager fly fishermen made their way from West Point to the Connequate River in Connequate State Park located on Long Island New York. Upon arrival after the long two hour ride all were eager to break out their gear and get their lines wet. The anglers were spit up into groups that consisted of one cadet per wounded soldier and then headed off for fly fishing bliss on the Connequate River. The weather was a bit difficult at first due to rain but it soon cleared up and provided the perfect fishing day for all. Every angler present on the river was able to catch their fair share of brook, brown and rainbow trout to their hearts content during the day. After a mid day lunch break all were ready to head out for more fishing that continued until about 4pm when everyone reluctantly had to leave the water and pack up for home. The event concluded with kind words exchanged between the cadets and wounded warriors to include talk about next year's event. "It's always good having you guys come up here!" said one of the cadets as the vets loaded their vehicle and headed back to Walter Reed.