Two Soldiers from Ft. Lee attend Warriors and Quiet Waters trip in Montana

Bozeman, MT

September, 23-29 2008

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF)  had the wonderful opportunity of being able to send two Wounded Warriors from Ft. Lee, Virginia’s Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) to a fly fishing trip in Montana offered by Warriors and Quiet Waters near Bozeman, Montana. Warriors and Quiet Waters is a non-profit organization that focuses solely on providing fly fishing trips for wounded veterans.  With a common goal of serving our wounded veterans through the sport of fly fishing, it came naturally for PHWFF to partner with Warriors and Quiet Waters.

The two soldiers from Ft. Lee’s WTU that attended this year’s trip were SGT Timothy Carter and SPC Andrew Heward. 

Here are their two letters of appreciation for being able to go on this trip and for the wonderful experiences they had.

What can I say about Bozeman, Montana.  Well I can say that it really changed my perception on how much the public really care about our Veterans.  I for one never realized the amount of people out there that cared that much.  Everyone that donated their time, money, and shoulder really touched me.  I realize that fishing was not the main aspect of being there, just a way for a little escape to the beauty of the world around us in an artful creative and relaxing way.  I learned a great amount of techniques on how to fly fish, in which I practice at least three times a week at our local river.  When I am out there it is just me, the rod, and the river.

To all the people that were there for us, I really do not know how to express my thanks; it was a big emotional trip for me.  Just sitting here and writing this I feel those emotions once more.  I do not feel alone anymore.  I know I am supposed to write about my time there fishing but it is much more to me than fishing.  I saw that people truly cared, and it makes my throat lump up because it felt good to be with people that just wanted to be there for me, people that wanted to show they appreciate what I did.  That is what makes it emotional for me.  I hope someday to go back there and donate my time or anything I can, to show other Warriors that there are people out there that care.

SGT Timothy Carter
WTU Fort Lee, VA

 

When I was told that I was going on a 7 day fly fishing trip I thought it was never going to happen.  To my surprise it did and what a 7 days it was.  I received some of the best fly fishing instruction you could find in the world, not to mention the majestic beauty of Bozeman’s mountains and streams.  I was thrilled to also have a chance to spend a day in Yellowstone taking pictures and slowing everyone up just so I could get that perfect shot, and the day we spent at MSU to see the game was most enjoyable. 

I would like to say a special thanks to the “moms” for helping make every morning possible, my guides for all the skills that I have to pass along, and to everyone along the way who made this a reality and change my life for the better.

SPC Andrew Heward
WTU Fort Lee, VA