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Disabled veterans venture to the Caribbean for the trip of a lifetime with PHWFF

February 13, 2019

December 7-14, 2018

Written by: Daphne Zencey, Green Mountain PHWFF Program

(Full photo gallery available below)

While much of the United States was enveloped in snow and cold in mid December, five Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing participants and myself (Daphne Zencey) were on our way to the warmer climes of the Caribbean for the fishing trip of a lifetime. As our little puddle jumper took us from the main land to Ambergris Caye—our home for the next five days—the jewel-toned waters off the coast of Belize were warm and enticing, supplying us all with fantasies of landing the illusive “grand slam”: a bonefish, a tarpon and the “ghost of the sea”: permit.

Our plane touched down and our wonderful hosts from the Blue Bonefish Lodge, Jim and Phyllis Johnson were at the ready to whisk us away to the lodge with the preferred method of land transportation on the Caye: golf carts. We piled luggage and ourselves into the carts and were taken on the scenic 4 mile drive through downtown San Pedro towards the lodge. The buzz of the city and its hundreds of golf carts dwindled as we transitioned from pavement to dirt roads, store fronts replaced by ocean front villas surrounded by blooming hibiscus trees and palm trees bearing coconuts. We turned into the drive at the Blue Bonefish Lodge, our home for the next five days. We were immediately greeted by a private beach with amazing ocean view, a small fresh water plunge pool, and a long pier with palapa stretched into the water—awaiting its intended use as our fishing guide’s pick-up and drop-off every day. We settled into our rooms, took in the lodge and it’s surroundings and then ventured (via golf cart of course) back to San Pedro for dinner. After a long day of travel and full bellies, we returned to the lodge and went to bed, some of us too antsy to sleep, daydreaming of hitting the water early the next morning, ready for a full week of fishing.

Every morning Phyllis prepared a monstrous breakfast, with fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, french toast, and coffee, ensuring we were all adequately fueled and caffeinated each day. Our guides arrived by flats boats like clockwork at 7 every morning, ready to whisk us away—two fishers and one guide per boat—to chase down bonefish, tarpon and permit, or whatever else we might hook into. The guides were incredible and were able to spot fish seemingly miles away. We all became very accustomed to looking for “nervous water,” indicating a large school of fish (permit? please be permit!) moving below the surface. Our guides would call out distance and direction, as we made casts into water we were told had fish, despite our inexperienced eyes not registering them. Despite our lack of fish finding eyes, our guides were spot on and one by one we experienced “the tug,” trying to land the fish (“bro, you trout set!” was a common guide phrase) as our lines whizzed and reels whirled with the pull of fish on our fly lines.

Lunches were packed ahead of time by Phyllis and sometimes her son, and eaten on the boats. Food was certainly plenty, as was the soda and cold water. For the first time I experienced drinking bagged water, common in Belize as the bags are biodegradable, making less waste for this country’s ocean-focused economy. After lunch, it was back to more fish spotting and seemingly blind casting, often resulting in landed fish for us all. The fishing varied day to day, with some unseasonably strong winds and cloud cover a couple days making it hard for the guides to spot fish. Some of us used these days to hunt tarpon in the mangroves. Despite a handful of follows, only one participant landed a tarpon, another hooked one, and it danced for awhile, but broke free as it neared the boat. All in all the participants caught dozens of Bonefish, a Tarpon, Snook, Snappers and the biggest catch of the trip was an Amber Jack. One boat claims to have landed an illusive permit, but barring photographic evidence, the rest of us remained (jealously) skeptical (I kid, I kid!). Fishing was often done by 3:30 or 4 and the rest of the day was often spent recapping all the fish landed and evaded during our day out on the water.

Although bonefish, tarpon, and permit are protected, some of the fish we kept, including a handful of spiny lobsters and conch, which Phyllis graciously made into fresh ceviche for us every night for dinner, along with her planned menus of lobster tails, pork chops or steaks. Have I mentioned how much food there was…?

The week was filled with smiles as we lived out this dream of an experience. A favorite memory of mine was casting to a school of bonefish feeding in an emerald pool by a mangrove as my guide for the day, Jorge, sang reggae from his platform above, artfully maneuvering the boat as the school of fish changed direction, allowing me to cast and land my biggest bonefish of the trip.

All of us who were able to go on this trip are so grateful for the opportunity. Our hosts at Blue Bonefish Lodge were more than accommodating and so generous with their time and desire to make this a special experience. The guides were all professional and fun to spend time with, and Ambergris Caye is such a special place that I will never forget. Despite it likely being a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I think we all came away with the itch to return to Belize in order to catch that one permit that exists out there for each of us….in the meantime, tight lines to all!

The Restigouche River Lodge provides five disabled veterans with comfortable accommodations and a wild fishery

December 17, 2018

August 27 – September 3, 2018, New Brunswick Canada – The Restigouche River Lodge offers an Atlantic fly fishing experience complete with exquisite lodging, fine dining and world class guided Atlantic salmon fishing on private water for those who travel north to its wild surroundings.  Since 2012, disabled active military personnel and disabled veterans from Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) programs have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in its abundant fishery and comfortable accommodations.  Thanks to this on-going partnership, the past season was no different as five disabled veteran participants from PHWFF programs in Virginia and Indiana traveled north to try their hands at fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon while embraced by the fine surroundings and hospitality of the lodge.

Disabled veterans find healing and history on New Brunswick’s Upper Upsalquitch River

December 11, 2018

Trip Leader Tom Weldon (Program Lead of our Crystal Coast/Swansboro, North Carolina program) recounts the superb time he spent with PHWFF disabled veteran participants at Two Brooks Camp in Robsinsonville, New Brunswick.  We’re pleased to share his remembrances and photos with you below:


June 8 -12, 2018 – Two Brooks Camp It was an honor and privilege to have been the Outing Leader for this National Destination Outing. My initial observation of the PHWFF participants was the group immediately came together. I find this not unusual for disabled veterans but it always amazes me.

After our flight arrived in Presque Isle Maine we had a long yet scenic drive through northern Maine and New Brunswick. We linked up with Gerry Thomas, the Two Brooks camp manager, at his home. The tremendous service of Two Brooks Camp started there. After a thrilling ride on an unimproved road, we arrived at the site, met the staff, loaded canoes and traversed the river to the camp. We never touched our gear again. The staff at Two Brooks are truly a wonderful group of people who cater to every whim of their guests. They are to be commended for their tireless support of our disabled veterans.

The accommodations for the group were superb. This is a great lodge with plenty of history and a warm, inviting feel.  Once we were settled in, Gerry presented each of us with a box of salmon flies, 60 flies each, that a member of the American Salmon Federation had donated to him for us. These were exceptional flies and we were humbled to receive them.

Fishing was done from 28 foot canoes with small engines. We also did some wading. The canoes were made locally and were a great platform from which to cast. The water was crystal clear and cold. And the scenery was stunning. Had there been many fish, it would have been easy to sight fish. We were at the very beginning of the American Salmon run and only caught one 15 pound fish. I can assure you that fact made absolutely no difference to the success and enjoyment of the outing. All 3 guides had a combined experience of over 40 years at the camp and on the river. They went above and beyond to put us on fish, they just weren’t there yet. We still came back to the camp at meal time with fantastic stories about our adventures.

The meals were awesome. There are not enough superlatives to describe the food and the service. We ate family style by a fire and recounted our day on the water and told war stories. What would you expect from a group of veterans.

The veterans who participated in this trip were great ambassadors for PHWFF. All were very appreciative for the opportunity to attend this outing. They were respectful of the staff, exhibiting manners that would have made their mothers proud. This was a good group of men that readily recognized the privileged bestowed upon them and acted accordingly. They will never forget it. I know that each of them would return tomorrow if that were offered.

The fabled Flint Rainbow Club provides the outing of a lifetime for PHWFF veterans

December 7, 2018

Mike Schlimgen, Outing Leader and Deputy Regional Coordinator for our South Central Region, checks-in with a dispatch from Baldwin, MI and the Flint Rainbow Club.  We’re pleased to share it with you below alongside some of the great pictures he took.


August 15-19
Baldwin, MI

Six deserving veterans, from different parts of the country, participated in an outing of a lifetime in Michigan.

Our gracious hosts, Mark Wayde and Mark Jensen arranged for them to stay at the fabled Flint Rainbow Club, and fish for three days with the professional guides at Hawkins Outfitters.

Steve Ladd provided the vision and energy for this outing for many years. He would be proud that this tradition continues in his honor. Related: Remembering Steve Ladd

I was blessed to serve this amazing team as the driver and Outing Leader. They enjoyed fabulous hospitality, great food, and world class fishing on the historic Manistee River.

Thank you Mary and Jim Nichols for your “Extra Mile” hospitality.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing provided all travel, food, lodging, and fishing FREE to the disabled veterans that qualified for this National Destination Outing.

A big thank you to the generous donors and supporters.

 


These brave veterans have served in various conflicts over the past 50 years. Our hosts Mark Wayde (right) and Mark Jensen (left) have successfully carried on the proud tradition of the Flint Rainbow Club trip, originated by Steve Ladd.


Andy, a tough as nails Navy veteran. He is seeking trout from the scenic Pere Marquette river


Bill with a beautiful largemouth bass on the Manistee river.

 

Disabled Veterans experience an amazing trip to Three Forks Ranch

December 7, 2018

Nathan C. Rudolph, the Program Lead for our Grand Junction, Colorado program, shares his experiences and images from a special trip he led to Three Forks Ranch below. This amazing trip took place on June 5-9, 2018.


Allison Pratt and the employees of Three Forks Ranch (TFR) are a phenomenal group of people who treated myself and my fellow disabled veterans like family. It was amazing, how the staff worked with the disabled veterans and provided them a true healing experience. I will forever be grateful to Allison and her crew for the care and love they showed to all of us. There was not a detail was over looked.

Upon arrival the PHWFF group was greeted by Allison and introduced to their personal fly fishing guide. Everyone was provided with a situation report and safety brief, covering all material to include conduct. Upon completion of the brief and signing of appropriate paperwork, the veterans were released to their guides for some afternoon fly fishing.

The accommodations that were provided for the PHWFF group were luxurious to say the least. Two disabled veterans were assigned to a room that provided a spacious living area, huge walking shower and king size beds. Upon entering their rooms each disabled veteran was welcomed by a Three Forks Ranch ball cap and a personalized welcome card.

The meals provide were… Well let’s just say I gained some weight even with running around checking in on my fellow disabled veterans throughout the day. At the end of every meal we were provided a menu they could select from for the next meal. Dinners were a three course affair, starting with appetizers, moving to the main dish and finally ending with a made to order dessert. Breakfast was also phenomenal, with the cooking staff falling in love with us and making whatever we would like. Lunch was also not to be missed, as the food and goodies was heaped on us. All while enjoying the breath taking views, fresh air and the wild life. One morning we were even treated to a small fawn playing and chasing the geese and ducks by the pound. Other numerous wild life sightings were common as the elks were calving during our stay.

The fishing was amazing to say the least, even though nobody made the 25 inch club there were plenty of fish landed that were close to the mark. Each disabled veteran, myself included were assigned our own personal guide for the week. Each disabled veteran even had their own stretch of river! Yes you heard right, the guides were assigned to areas everyday to ensure each veteran had their own personal experience. Except for the last day, as we all decided to load up in the side-by-sides and tow boats up to a high mountain lake on the property. Lunch and drinks were packed for us and we were off to catch monster brook trout.

At the last breakfast everyone was given a picture book and zip drive with their photos courtesy of the ranch. We were also were given another treat as local businessmen that had spoken to the group made a donation to PHWFF upon their departure.  With handshakes, hugs and some tears shared, we all headed our separate ways.

It was a honored and a privilege, to be selected as the Outing Leader and lead this group of fellow disabled veterans to Three Forks Ranch. The staff of Three Forks Ranch treated us all as if we were family and made us feel at ease. Allison is a pleasure to work with and has all the bases covered, I can’t say enough about this place and the crew!

Beartooth Fly Fishing hosts 4 disabled veterans on Montana’s famed Madison River

December 7, 2018

Four lucky Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) disabled veteran participants enjoyed an outstanding trip to fish Montana’s legendary Madison River on May 8-12, 2018.  This special national destination trip was hosted by Dan and Nancy Delekta of the Beartooth Flyfishing lodge in Cameron, Montana.

Dan and Nancy provided the outstanding accommodations.  Chef Michael Gerhart, assisted by the Beartooth staff, provided delicious, hearty meals , and Dan and his other guides John, Ian, Marty, Brandon, David, and volunteer wade guide Bob, put the participants on numerous wild Madison browns and rainbows every day despite the challenging high water conditions.  Additionally, homeowner John Osgood graciously allowed the participants access the river through his property.  This enables them to access a remote stretch of the Madison River, providing them with truly fantastic fishing.

All of the participants raved about the outstanding hospitality and fishing, the spectacular setting of the Madison Valley, and vowed to someday return to this truly special place.  Project Healing Waters would like to thank the Delekta’s, their staff, Michael, John, and the guides for putting on an unforgettable event.

Hurricane Florence Aftermath: NC community rallies to support disabled veterans on the water

December 6, 2018

Volunteer extraordinaire Chris Thompson penned a great article about the recent Cape Lookout Albacore and Redfish Festival and we’re pleased to share it with you below.  Chris serves as the volunteer Program Lead of our Camp Lejeune, NC Program and was the trip leader for this special annual event.


October 18-20, 2018, Atlantic Beach, NC – Hurricane Florence descended upon Eastern NC leaving a swath of destruction in its path. This led to the Cape Lookout Albacore and Redfish Festival being cancelled. However, the Board of Directors, sponsors, and local community were determined to ensure the Day on the Water for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) occurred. All the boat captains involved with the 10 National Destination Outing Participants were equally enthusiastic about ensuring their Participants were able to fish as planned. Additionally, the Palm Suites in Atlantic Beach maintained our reservations despite nearly every local hotel being either significantly damaged, or full housing clean-up and utility crews. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing provided us the chance to see the silver lining in a very dark cloud.

The National Participants arrived on 17 Oct 2018 without incident. They were all excited despite being road weary. We didn’t have everyone on site until around 1900, so decided a relaxed evening was in order. We brought pizza into the hotel, everyone socialized and got to know one another, and those interested tied fies. The remainder of the evening was spent tackle bagging in preparation for 3 days of fishing. The next morning started early with casting lessons before boarding the boats, so everyone went to bed early.

At the casting lessons our National Participants met the other regional Participants that would be fishing on the Thursday Day on the Water. It was a cold and windy morning, but the wind direction made it possible to head out for Albies, so after casting was complete we headed to the Anchorage Marina for a dockside breakfast and boat assignments. Within an hour everyone had eaten, been given boat lunches, and boarded boats. It was a hard day fishing with wind driven swells and cool weather. However, we found fish willing to play and everyone had a successful day. All the National Participants hooked up, including on the boat I was on. The smiles, cheering, and astonishment at the power of the Albies sent the hurricane damage to deep recesses in my mind. It was a great day that we all desperately needed.

By day’s end over 40 Participants were sent on the water, and it was a day to remember! At the end of the day everyone came together for a dockside dinner. BBQ, fried chicken, hush puppies, baked beans, potato salad, banana pudding and tea was eaten in abundance. Since we were in Eastern NC, naturally the BBQ was chopped pork in vinegar based sauce. All the out of towners were pleasantly surprised! We decided to early on to hold a “for fun” tournament amongst all the anglers. The winners were happy to receive rods and reels. Perhaps the highlight was the award of a rod with a reel once owned by Chris Lutz, a former Participant who passed away. His wife donated the reel and asked it go to a Participant. The sharing of that story wet the eye of everyone attending.

On Friday our day began at a local diner for breakfast. Once everyone’s belly was full, we went to the marina, distributed boat lunches, and launched for the day. Once again, our National Participants were out in less than desirable conditions. However, not one complaint was heard, and the Captains all found fish. Each Participant was able to land several more Albies and there were smiles for miles! We finished the day and had dinner at a local seafood restaurant. The meal was requested by the Participants and we were happy to oblige. We worked with an eatery that had been shut down since the hurricane and was only able to reopen the very day of our dinner. They accepted our group although they normally don’t accept reservations on the weekends as soon as they learned who were bringing to dinner. The food was exceptional, the camaraderie even better, and it was the perfect way to end the day.

Saturday was not good weather to chase Albies. The day started with another diner breakfast, this time at a pier diner. Bellies full, we then did what we do best: improved, adapted, and overcame. The Captains transitioned to inshore tactics and the Participants were able to experience another facet of life on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Small boats hit the creeks in the marshes and speckled trout, flounder, and more than their fair share of lizardfish came over the gunwales. It may not have been Albies, but everyone was grateful for the experience and seeing another part of an angler’s life at the beach. We finished the day with dinner at another local establishment and everyone went to bed satisfied.

Departure went without a hitch. The outing was a complete success!

Sweetwater Guide School equips volunteers to better serve disabled veterans

October 26, 2018

As a fellow disabled veteran and volunteer of PHWFF, Sweetwater Guide school was able to break down fly fishing guiding and give me confidence when working with my fellow comrades. This course equipped me with the knowledge and skill to work with my team of volunteers back with my PHWFF program. – Joshua Gerasimof: Green Mountain (Burlington, VT) program volunteer

Eleven PHWFF volunteers from across the nation attended a week-long “train-the-trainer” course for guides in early September at the Sweetwater Guide School near Big Timber, MT.  The course was taught by the professional instructors of the Sweetwater Travel Company Guide School.  The course provided training and instruction on fly tying, knot tying, fly casting, CPR/AED/First Aid, drift boat rowing and guiding, wade fish guiding, entomology, and fly fishing skills, techniques and strategies.

The PHWFF volunteers that were selected to attend this course were required to have a track record of being highly dedicated to volunteering with their local PHWFF program and a commitment to passing on the skills and instruction they learned at the guide school to other PHWFF volunteers and participants.  Most of the PHWFF volunteers that were selected to attend this course were disabled veterans who had started out in PHWFF as participants in the program and were now giving back as volunteers.

On Saturday September 1 all the volunteers arrived at the school and got settled into their lodging accommodations at the Harrison House and the Lewis & Clark lodge near Big Timber, MT.

The first day of instruction started on Sunday September 2nd and consisted of a general introduction to the course and the school’s instructors. Instruction continued with fly tying and  knot tying.

 

On Monday September 3rd the instruction started out with certification in First Aid, CPR & AED in the morning and then familiarization with drift boats and drift boat fishing techniques on the Yellowstone River in the afternoon.

 

On Tuesday September 4th the day consisted of instruction on spring creek wade fishing techniques on DePuy Spring Creek near Livingston, MT.

 

 

On Wednesday September 5th the instruction focused on freestone river wade fishing techniques on the Boulder River in the morning and then fly casting instruction in the afternoon.

 

The training on Thursday September 6th focused on stillwater techniques on a large private ranch pond near Big Timber, MT.

 

The final day of training on Friday September 7th consisted of both drift boat fishing and wade fishing instruction on the Yellowstone River.

 

On Saturday September 8th the Sweetwater Guide School staff conducted exit interviews and presented a certificate of completion to all the PHWFF volunteers that attended the course. All then said their farewells and then headed back home.

The eleven PHWFF volunteers that attended this course are all excited to return to their local PHWFF programs and pass on all the knowledge, instruction and skills they obtained through this course. Here are some of their testimonials of their attendance of this course:

The experiences and knowledge I obtained at Sweetwater Guide School was outstanding and I am certain will be helpful in the training of the volunteers in my program. The professional and knowledgeable staff provided a tremendous level of fly fishing techniques, drift boat skills and other important parts of these activities to assist in the training of volunteers. The staff of guides and guest instructors provided training accumulated in a lifetime of fly fishing experiences and were able to share this information with students. Held in one of the best fly fishing locales in Montana the atmosphere of the fly fishing experiences able to be gained here permeates this course. If you are afforded the opportunity to attend this tremendous school go-you will not be disappointed.

  • Mike May: Charlotte, NC PHWFF program volunteer

This week was an absolute delight! Thanks to the Sweetwater Guide School staff for providing outstanding instruction in multiple aspects of fly fishing. I am a better fly fisher and mentor as a result of attending this school. Course modules were tailored to provide PHWFF volunteer students teaching methods proven to be effective when working with inexperienced fly fishers. The acquired knowledge and skills to be shared with other PHWFF volunteers and participants will definitely support the organizations mission. It was a privilege to meet fellow program volunteers from around the country and to be part of this inaugural class.

  • Kent Chavet: Grand Junction, CO program volunteer

I was fortunate to be nominated and selected to attend the Sweetwater Fly Fishing Guide School in Livingston, MT. Realizing that I have only been fly fishing for a little over three years, this opportunity to learn from professionals is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. The classes were great and the fishing was even better. All the guides were excellent and they too were great teachers. Just as important was the opportunity to meet other PHWFF volunteers from across the nation and a chance to network and learn from others what works or does not work in their PHWFF programs. The exchange of information with other volunteers occurred every night and I have personally returned to Charleston with some great ideas to implement in our program. Overall, this is an experience I will never forget and I am excited to share what I learned with our Participants.

– Gerald Minett: Charleston, SC program volunteer

The Sweetwater Guide School provided PHWFF volunteers with a very educational train the trainer course that allows students to take fly fishing guide skills back to home programs in order to pass on to volunteers and participants. The experience and education gained in this course and passed on to PHWFF volunteers builds confidence and skills needed to insure both volunteers and participants of PHWFF share a safe, enjoyable and healing fly fishing experience. Students attending this course of all fly fishing skill levels learned new techniques and procedures for several different types of fly fishing from a very knowledgeable staff in a perfect location where guided fly fishing trips are a part of the local economy and culture. The time spent together with fellow volunteers and experienced guide staff led to everyone learning from one another. I highly recommend continuing this course for more volunteers since the content of the course can be taken home and shared with new volunteers and assist participants in making the transition to the next stage of healing from participant to volunteer.

– Justin Walter: Augusta, GA program volunteer

All I can say is WOW what an amazing week and experience this was. I’ve finally figured out what they mean when they say “it’s not about the fish”. A huge Thank You goes out to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing for giving me this opportunity to better my skills to help heal those that serve. I’m coming back with A LOT of new skills, and tricks that I’m looking forward to start passing on.

– Bradley Tutt: St. Louis, MO program volunteer

I really enjoyed the training and felt it was well taught. The Sweetwater staff was excellent. I would suggest we continue this training in the future, it would be very helpful for all PLs to have this training so they can train their volunteers.

– Glenn Klinger: Harrisonburg, PA program volunteer

 

Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort trip

August 15, 2018

April 25 – 29, 2018 Eight PHWFF participants attended this years trip to Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort trip and were treated to world class fly fishing on the Bighorn River.

Here are testimonials from two of the participants on this trip:

The guides and staff at Forrester’s were OUTSTANDING.  They were able to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing quality of meals, they were incredibly friendly, and very easy to get along with.  The guides were able to provide the best 3 days of fishing I’ve had thus far in my life.  They were patient, communicated well, were experts, and most of all, made the floats relaxed and fun.  Bill Hayes did a great job as the group leader.  He brought a sense of military professionalism to the planning and made sure the group had the opportunity to get to know each other during the trip.

When I received the news I was going to Montana to fly fish, I was excited.  However, the images I had in my head could not compare to the realities I experienced on this trip.  From the moment we arrived at the property, the setting of the resort surpassed my expectations.  Nestled between snow capped mountains and with a view of a bend in the river, the resort provides a sense of peace just breathing the air and listening to the silence of that beautiful country.  The first meal we had was delicious, and somehow, the chef improved with each meal served.  The fact that they were able to use local ingredients from their property made for a fantastic dining experience.  On the first day fishing, I experienced wild trout at its finest.  On our last day fishing, I caught the most and best quality fish I have seen in any of my fishing experiences.  Of course no fishing trip would be complete with the one that got away, and I’ve got a beautiful slab of a 20 inch rainbow in a deep hole on that river waiting for me to get back there and catch him.  This trip had the refreshing qualities I experience at my home program, but magnified 10 fold.  I met new veterans from around the country.  I now have 7 new friends to exchange fish stories and keep in-touch with.  I got to hear how their programs work and share how ours works.  It was refreshing to know I could build relationships with people I’ve just met.  Cody and I were talking about how these trips really do help veterans heal.  They are a culmination of volunteer work and dedication to the program. They allows the participant to escape from the world for a little while, reset in the calms of nature, and find more connections with more veterans to see they are not alone in their struggles.  Through helping and connecting with other veterans, we gain back our sense of purpose missing after our transition to the civilian world.  This trip has further solidified my love for fly fishing, and has let me see the healing effects for veterans around the country.  I can’t begin to thank the donors, the volunteers, PHWFF organization, and the guides & staff at Forrester’s Bighorn River Resort enough.  Their combined efforts provided the opportunity to make new friends, and experience a fishing excursion that will not be forgotten.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”

  • Patrick Brown

“Thanks to the generous donations by Project Healing Waters and it’s supporters I was able to experience the fly fishing trip of a lifetime, a trip to the Big Horn River in Montana.  I got to meet 7 great PHWFF participants from around the US and bond with these fellow veterans during the trip to Forrester’s Lodge.  We shared stories and experiences all while enjoying one of the best trout streams in the world.  Personally the trip was a great break from the medical issues I am going through right now.  The trip allowed me to relax and just enjoy life. I am very thankful to everyone that made this possible, it truly was a dream come true and something that I can now cross off my bucket list. Participating in events like this just confirm the great service this organization provides to veterans both retired and active. It is something that I want to be a part of as long as I am able.”

  • Jason Holland

A memorable fly fishing trip to Healing Waters Lodge

January 2, 2018

Healing Waters Lodge is located near Twin Bridges, MT and is within close distance to some of Montana’s most prolific trout waters.  It is the perfect place to go for a memorable fly fishing trip and to also experience some of the most beautiful places that Montana has to offer.

Mike & Laura Geary, the owners of Healing Waters, hosted six disabled veterans from PHWFF at their place between July 4th – 10th.  These six disabled veterans came from PHWFF programs located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina. New Mexico and California.

Here is a testimonial from disabled veteran Mike Bertell who attended this trip:

I just wanted to drop a note and say thank you for enabling  me to attend the Healing Waters Lodge trip. This was a completely new experience, for me and I would say for the five other disabled veterans who attended.

From the beginning PHWFF coordinated all the flights so that we would land within 90 minutes of each other. They drove us all to Healing Waters Lodge and everything was well orchestrated from there for the rest of the week.  After we were settled in, dinner was served. They had two chefs. One worked the breakfast and the other was dinner. Appetizers every evening was the norm. Everything was like a five star hotel. The Healing Waters Lodge staff made you feel welcome and if there was anything you needed, all you had to do was ask. The next morning we had a gourmet breakfast, and soon after your fly fishing guide was waiting to take you out for a full day of fishing. The next day it started all over again.

You could bring your own equipment but if you were lacking something they could provide with whatever you needed. The store and supplies were on the honor system with all Orvis or Simms brands. The rooms were cleaned and attended to every day before you returned.

The grounds occupied 20 acres. Besides a beautiful pond you could fish anytime, they had a spa and workout room. The buildings were beautiful.  I am one of those people who pay attention to detail. The owners Mike and Laura Geary were first class. They make you feel right at home. At dinner we had a chance to chat and thank them for their support. So there were plenty of things to do and people to meet. It was truly a healing experience.                                                                                                                             

Thank you again and the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing organization. – SPC4 Mike Bertell, US Army (ret.)