2008 2 Fly Tournament at Rose River Farms
8 May 2008
On Sunday, 04 May, Project Healing Waters held it’s 2nd Annual 2 Fly Tournament at Rose River Farm located in Madison County, Virginia. Just like last last year’s event, this year’s attending injured Veterans developed casting techniques as well as personal friendships with their fly-fishing mentors. The crowd gathered the night prior for an amazing dinner and a chance to meet the coaches who would be helping them perfect their fishing skills.
The orientation dinner was held at Fosters Grille, where the staff eagerly waited on their guests with open hearts. The injured Veterans took advantage of this opportunity to get to know the guides who would be coaching them. Attendees swapped stories about their wounds and, more importantly, their lives outside of fly-fishing. Many of the Soldiers are still facing routine rehabilitative services and enjoyed the occasion to take a break from their mundane schedules as they were able to focus on something new and exciting. With bellies full, and spirits high, it was time to turn in before an early Sunday morning wake-up call.
The 2 Fly Tournament was a huge success. The injured Veterans who attended this year’s events left with renewed confidence and newfound friendships. The competition kicked off bright and early Sunday morning and as the events of the day began to unfold, bonds between war Veterans and their fly-fishing mentors were created. The tournament was held at Rose River Farm where ten local guides devoted their time and expertise in an effort to help coach some of America’s injured Veterans new to the art of fly-fishing. Within minutes, just about every injured Vet on the water had reeled in one of the many, beautiful Rainbow Trout the stream would produce. Ten groups consisting of one guide and one Vet per team would rotate throughout the day hitting their assigned beats in 1.5 hour intervals; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This allowed each group to spend time on the river fishing as well as time away from the excitement developing their relationships. Each and every guide was well prepared and did an astonishing job equipping the Veterans with valuable fly-fishing knowledge.
This years winning team was guide Dave Rogers and his Soldier, Sgt Irish. They netted an unbelievable 52 fish scoring 156 points. Superior coaching and great determination paid off in the end for these two fly-fishing aces. Congratulations on a job well done.
The tournament events were undoubtedly well organized and all aspects of the weekend flowed like the waters of the Rose River. The crowd was welcoming and really made each and every Veteran feel right at home. The mission was notably accomplished, evident by the number of fish, and Veterans, “hooked” on flies.
