Orvis Rod & Reel Outfits Awarded Regionally to Outstanding Individuals

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 | Uncategorized

Orvis Rod & Reel Presentations

2009 – 2010

Through the generosity of the Orvis Company, in August 2009, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., received $4,000 worth of merchandise (fly fishing combos) for distribution. Each combo included an Orvis Frequent Flyer 865-7 Fly Rod, 5 wt., and an Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor Reel III spooled with Wonderline Generation 3F fly line.  Items were embossed with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and contained in a beautiful green and gold-trimmed rod travel tube of 18 inches.  

Project Healing Waters was excited to distribute the fly fishing combos, and a decision was made to pay tribute to one outstanding person in each region by awarding the chosen person a combo.  Regional Coordinators found themselves challenged to nominate the one person epitomizing the qualities of an active Project Healing Waters participant and “giver” because of the many participants who are truly deserving. 

Keeping in mind those who truly benefited from the program, embraced it and progressed to help others achieve similar healing experiences, nominees were chosen and awards made.  These special individuals went far beyond the bounds of simply receiving through Project Healing Waters’ program.  They portrayed great dedication, a desire to help the program, and a most special desire to make great things happen for fellow veterans and the men and women of our Armed Services.  

As we celebrate and salute the recipients of the awards across Project Healing Waters, we send many thanks to our friends at Orvis for such a wonderful gift.  It was thrilling to have this opportunity.  

From simple to grand, the celebrations unfolded over the last few months, and below they are shared with photos. Congratulations to all!

Northeast/New England Region

It was my pleasure to present an Orvis Frequent Flyer Fly Rod and Reel Outfit to George Draper, SSG, USA (Ret) of Wayne, Maine, at the meeting of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing on February 24 at Togus VAMC, Augusta, Maine. 

George is one of our charter members, participating fully in our program since its beginning in March, 2007.  He represented PHWFF at the FFF Conclave in Livingston, Montana, in 2008 and was  first-place winner of the 2009 PHWFF Rod Building Contest, choosing as his prize a trip on the trawler Hot Buttered Rum out of Sitka, Alaska.

Since our beginning, George has eagerly helped make newcomers to the program feel welcome and comfortable.  A gifted artisan and wood craftsman in his own right, he shares what he has learned freely with newcomers or those having trouble with a technique of fly tying or rod building.  He is the first to volunteer for any task or to represent our program at outside functions such as Maine Trout Unlimited, public events, and the L.L. Bean Spring Fishing Show.  George has become a valued member of Kennebec Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited where he has made many contributions of time and talent. 

Dave Hedrick, Maine Council,TU; Togus VAMC, PHWFF, Inc.

Southern Region

Travis Dulaney is an Air Force Veteran and has served this county in many capacities.  He worked for President Reagan as an Attache, has been in places like Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia, just to name a few.  He’s been in or around the military since the mid 1970’s.  

Now he’s a retired, disabled Veteran and is getting his care from Memphis VAMC.  He started with PHWFF just about two years ago, and we’ve seen tremendous changes in his spirit and self esteem since joining us.  While on the fishing outings, he goes out of his way to make sure the other participants are enjoying themselves and getting to know him.  

I decided to present him with this rod, because he exemplifies what PHW is all about.  Caring for others and getting past our own problems to find beauty in the simple things.  I’m proud to know Travis, and I know that he’ll be a part of Project Healing Waters for years to come. 

It was my great pleasure to pass this on to him, and I thank the staff of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., for giving me the opportunity to share a little something from our organization.  I labored about who would be the recipient for many months — no easy task — and finally decided on Travis.

Thanks again, and I’m looking forward to many more years with Project Healing Waters myself.

Rick Trowbridge, Southern Regional Coordinator, PHWFF, Inc.

Southwest Region

I would like to nominate Captain Brad Blazek, US Army (ret) for the Orvis Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) award. Captain Blazek began his association with Fort Huachuca PHWFF in April of 2009 as one of the wounded soldiers attending fly tying classes. He has continued his association with the program where he has transitioned from student to volunteer supporter. 

Captain Blazek’s determination to be part of PHWFF is demonstrated by always showing up for PHWFF events, often in spite of extreme pain. His example has been an inspiration to the other soldiers and the PHWFF volunteers. 

Captain Blazek’s concern for his fellow injured soldiers is exemplarily, as demonstrated by volunteering at Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center on base at Fort Huachuca, The Fort Huachuca Warrior Transition Unit and Fort Huachuca PHWFF. His work in helping organize PHWFF events, managing supplies, and handling the PHWFF library of books and videos is a very important service and adds greatly to the value of the program. All this is being done by a young man who has suffered devastating wounds leaving him 100% disabled.  

His selflessness and humility are exemplified by the following:  On at least two occasions, Captain Blazek has foregone the opportunity to go on high-end fly fishing trips so as not to take a seat he felt should go to someone with a greater need. In his words, “I don’t want to take a seat away from one of the junior enlisted soldiers.” On another occasion, Captain Blazek and his wife witnessed a rollover accident of a van full of people on an Interstate highway. In spite of his own limitations and disabilities, Captain Blazek administered lifesaving skills, resuscitating and stabilizing victims. He remained on the scene providing medical aid until paramedics arrived. He then left without leaving his name, foregoing any recognition for his acts. This story comes not from him but from his wife. 

Captain Brad Blazek is an inspiring example to all who know him. He personifies the best of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., and sets an example to which we can aspire. 

Robert Marsett, Fort Huachuca, SAVAHCS, PHWFF, Inc.     

Rocky Mountains Region

SGT Michael Francisco was awarded the Orvis Rod and Reel Combo on January 24, 2010.  SGT Francisco is an Iraq War veteran and current Project Healing Waters member in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He is assigned to the Fort Carson WTB.  He joined Project Healing Waters over a year ago and joined other soldiers on several fishing trips.  SGT Francisco’s wounds are recovering, but he has a lot of back pain, severe TBI and PTSD resulting from an IED explosion.  

Michael is a great soldier with  great spirit and desire to become a fly fisher and to get his life back on track. He wants to be successful and tries harder than many of his contemporaries, and is just a genuinely nice guy to be around.  After Michael decided to join one of our fly-tying sessions,  he went out and purchased his own fly rod but it broke on a fishing trip.  

We decided that his overall commitment to PHWFF and willingness to continue to learn deserved the award, so he can continue to practice casting and go fly fishing with his son.  So, during our final class of the fly-tying session he attended, we surprised him with the award of the Orvis Rod and Reel.  

Michael is medically retired from the Army, but he and his family have chosen to live in Colorado Springs area, so he will continue to be one of our regulars on fishing trips and other activities.  He is most deserving of the award, and we look forward to working with him as he continues his journey with us through Project Healing Waters.

Gary L. Spuhler, Rocky Mountain Region, PHWFF, Inc.

Northeast Region

John Tinti, Jr., a Viet Nam Veteran, of Buffalo, NY, was presented with the Orvis travel rod and reel.  John exemplifies the mission and spirit of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.  He started by learning fly tying and casting at the Batavia New York Veterans Hospital, and he liked our program so much that he became one of our best volunteers.  John has never missed our hospital visits and has gone on several Project Healing Waters fishing outings where he assists other veterans.  John served our country in Viet Nam and survived many combat missions.  

The award was presented at a regular meeting of the Lake Erie Chapter of Federation of Fly Fishers.  Congratulations John!

Ray Markiewicz, Northeast Regional Coordinator, PHWFF, Inc.

Midwest Region by way of Afghanistan!

On Christmas Eve, the 372nd EN BDE held a formation for promotions and awards, coordinated  by SGM Janet Jones.  During this ceremony, commanding general, Brigadier General Charles D. Martin, presented the Project Healing Waters certificate and custom Orvis rod and reel to MSG Christopher Berens.

MSG Christopher M. Berens was unanimously voted by the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., Midwest Region for his volunteer excellence and dedication to Project Healing Water’s mission in helping our wounded veterans to heal at home and abroad. MSG Berens is involved with our Minneapolis PHWFF program and is a member of the “Laughing Trout Fly Fishing Club.”

When the Project Healing Waters program was implemented at the Minneapolis, Minnesota VA Medical Center, Chris Berens, while on active duty and a program participant, was among the first to sign up. Since then, his contributions to the Project Healing Waters program ranged from being a program participant as a active duty soldier, to instructing his fellow veterans in the art of Fly Fishing, and even educating the VA staff about the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing.  Chris is currently deployed to Afghanistan and he continues to utilize Project Healing Waters’ program to support those wounded prior to their return stateside. 

Chris is an emissary for PHWFF.  While interacting with our troops and veterans both at home and abroad, Chris has selflessly devoted countless hours in support of our veterans young and old.  His professionalism, devotion and commitment to the program, and most importantly to our veterans who have served this great country, are in keeping with the highest ideals of this volunteering excellence award.

Eric Nelson, Deputy Midwest Regional Coordinator, PHWFF, Inc.

Northwest Region

Michael Schillo served as weapons squad leader in the 82^nd Airborne Division, Airborne Infantry, U.S.A. between 1996-1999 (in his words, ‘three years, 17 weeks’). Through a VA rehabilitative vocational program, Michael discovered his aptitude for recreational therapy and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Idaho. He has been the RT in the Mental Health Unit at the Seattle VA Hospital for the past year. 

Having been raised on a working ranch in North Dakota, Michael is an avid outdoorsman and a flourishing fly fisher. He has encouraged many patients at the Seattle VA to tie flies with us at our weekly tying sessions, sponsored by the Washington Fly Fishing Club. He is also responsible for transporting PTSD patients to fishing outings, and we of course always want him to fly fish too! 

Michael is an invaluable asset to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. It is with great joy that I present him with the Orvis fly rod pack.  Thank you for allowing me to do that!

Chuck Tye, Northwest Regional Coordinator, Project Healing Waters

Mid-Atlantic Region

On Thursday evening, January 28, 2010, members of the Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited, representing Dauphin and Lebanon Counties, presented an Orvis Frequent Flyer Fly Rod and Battenkill Reel to Mark Baskin, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania.  Mark was an attendee at our inaugural PHW outing at our member Ed O’Gorman’s property on Clark’s Creek on May 30, 2009. 

Since that time, Mark has showed an enthusiasm and aptitude for fly fishing, and has stayed in contact with our Chapter. Mark is a fifty one year old, non-traditional college student, who is an outpatient at the Lebanon Veterans Administration Medical Center. He has continued to fish as often as his hectic schedule allows, and even used the allure of fly fishing for the topic of one of his college papers.  He has suffered recent tragedy, having lost his home and belongings, including rods and waders in a fire just before Christmas, 2009.

When presented with the rod, reel, flies, leaders and tippet material, he was overwhelmed, and had tears in his eyes. He held the rod almost reverently, touching and stroking it. He learned some new knots for assembling terminal tackle. Hopefully, in the next month we can have him on a pool, getting his loops a little tighter and his casts a little longer.

This occasion reminded the members in our Chapter how fulfilling this project is, and we are excited about the 2010 version, scheduled for June 5, 2010. 

Special thanks to Orvis for the Fly Rod and Reel which gave a Veteran so much joy upon presentation. Mark will now be able to pursue the sport of fly fishing with gusto and a warm heart! 

RoseAnn Viozzi, Doc Fritchie Chapter, TU, PHWFF, Inc.

 

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Note:  not all regions appear in this article, as some have not yet had an opportunity to make presentations.