Archives
Healing those who serve
April 8, 2019
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.
We’re honored to share a beautiful short film from Shell Rotella as part of their UnSung film series that celebrates hard working individuals. The film features Vietnam veteran Ed Veaudry and the Syracuse, NY Program of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing as they work together to bring our unique form of therapy to disabled veterans in their community.
We are thrilled to share the 11th Annual Mossy Creek Invitational video with you! Filmed by Alan Yankosky, this powerful video highlights a very special annual event and the patriotic community who rallies around it each year. We are pleased to announce that the 12th Annual Mossy Creek Invitational will take place on June 1, 2019 in Bridgewater, Virginia!
PA Fly Tying Contest Winners
November 20, 2018
Last weekend’s Fly Tying Symposium was a tremendous event where our 9 national winners shared stories, flies and techniques. A special round of applause to Tim Smith (Coatesville VAMC) for placing 3rd in the Beginner category, Dan Miller (Harrisburg East) for placing 3rd in the Intermediate category and Jason Scrafford (West Bradford) for placing 1st in the Advanced category.
Here are the winning flies:
Tim Smith
Dan Miller
Martinez Program in Wyoming
October 25, 2018
Martinez Program Fishes the Wind
On September 18th, six veterans from the Martinez CA Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) group, and a volunteer trip leader, went on a 5-day fly fishing trip to the Wind River in Wyoming.
We took a flight from Oakland to Salt Lake City then rented two SUVs to travel to Dubois, Wyoming, where we stayed on the Wind River. Dubois is east of both Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson, Wyoming – a 75-minute drive on highway 26/287. In addition to three days of fishing, we enjoyed visiting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
The Wind River is 185 miles long and officially becomes the Bighorn River on the north side of Wind River Canyon. The river is surrounded by the Wind River, Absaroka and Owl Creek mountain ranges and is a wonderful source of cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown trout as well as whitefish. We stayed at the Flying W rental house. This is a recently renovated 4-bedroom, 3 bath house on the banks of the river. The house was perfect! It sleeps 8 -10, has a nice deck facing the river, and made a good base camp for both fishing and park touring. The house has a remodeled kitchen with an open living room/dining room/kitchen layout, and a large separate family/game room. The owners, for the third year, generously donated the house for five days of PHWFF use.
The PHWFF group included Army, Marine, Navy and Air Force veterans. A PHWFF volunteer served as trip leader. The group received help from local fishing guides from Dunoir Fishing Adventures.
Rusty Komrs (Guide), Albert Lamele, Nick Beyer, Felix Oseguera, Al Peterson (trip leader), Bill Hopkins, Jose Arana, Brian Pastor, Jeramie Pine (guide).
Our fishing involved wading and multiple fly fishing techniques. On the Wiggins Fork, where we fished the first two days, we used 5 or 6 weight fly rods and 4X or 5X leaders along with a hopper or foam stimulator and a dropper. Nymph patterns varied but Copper Johns and Prince Nymphs were suggested by guides. Four of the veterans were assisted by two guides these two days. The guides took the veterans to productive places, helped them rig up, provided flies and equipment as needed, coached them, and provided lunch and water. The other two veterans and trip leader, who are more experienced, fished nearby without guides. Both groups caught several cutthroat and whitefish.
The third day we fished the main Wind River south of Dubois off highway 26 and in town. We stayed with 5-weight and 6-weight fly rods but all went to 3X leaders to help with casting because of stronger winds. They fished hoppers and droppers and also did some indicator nymphing. The “town group” went to a paved path-accessible public area and fished with hoppers and droppers as well as high stick nymphing. Both groups caught several cutthroat, rainbows and some very nice brown trout. Every day we saw beautiful scenery and few if any other people.
Nick Beyer caught this 16-inch brown trout with guide Noah of Dunoir Fishing Adventures.
Bill Hopkins caught this huge brown trout – one of the largest caught this year on the Wind River!
Our veterans use and enjoy fly rods they’ve built, flies they’ve tied, fly casting and other fishing skills they’ve learned, and team with other veterans they’ve met. The veterans commented that they felt ready based on the weekly PHWFF fly fishing program. One first-trip veteran was told by the head guide that he looked like he had been fly fishing for a couple of years.
PHWFF knows that disabled military veterans make real healing progress through this fly fishing program. These benefits are due to the hobby, science, sport, outdoor environment and camaraderie of fly fishing. As one veteran commented after the trip: “We were telling stories from the trip and laughing and smiling….We have developed bonds and trust and brotherhood that cannot be taken away….I hope that in the future I can take my blessings from Project Healing Waters and give back to someone who could benefit as much as I have!”
Full Time Position Announcement: Customer Relationship Management Administrator
July 10, 2018
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF), Inc., a nation-wide non-profit 50l (c)(3) organization incorporated in Maryland in 2007, is seeking a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Administrator. For the complete job description and more information please visit our Career Opportunities Page at https://projecthealingwaters.org/about-us/career-opportunities/
PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. As the Nation’s premier nonprofit organization, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. envisions a community where all participants can heal. We hold the following core values as central to our success:
Compassion – Our organization enables the physical and emotional recovery of our participants as it restores the bond of trust that they built while serving this great Nation
Accountability – Our organization remains accountable to our Nation, to our participants, to our volunteers, to our sponsors, and to our donors
Consistency – Our organization reliably provides high-quality programs for all volunteers and participants based-upon well-understood standards of excellence
Community – Our organization creates a sense of family by supporting one another with dignity, passion, respect, and humility
PHWFF Headquarters is located in La Plata, Maryland, within commuting distance of Washington D.C. PHWFF established its first program at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2005. Since 2005, PHWFF expanded to include 23 Regions, encompassing 222 Programs, serving disabled veterans in all 50 States. PHWFF maintains a small Headquarters Staff of 12 full-time personnel assisted by 3500 volunteers nationwide to support the organization’s mission, vision, and core values.
To Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to: resume@projecthealingwaters.org. Your resume should include relevant experience, educational background, as well as two to three references. The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 July 2018. Career Opportunities >
Thank you for your interest in Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABLED
Mike Harsh Receives Distinguished Service Award
May 25, 2018
Project Healing Waters Anchorage sponsored a special volunteer recognition ceremony on May 12th and awarded the Distinguished Service Award to Mike Harsh at the event. Todd Desgrosseilliers, President and CEO of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, presented the award to Mike and several other dedicated volunteers who have been part of a leadership team since the program began in 2010.
Mike grew up in Elmira, New York where he learned to fly fish the Finger Lakes region. He spent 27 years in the Air Force retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Mike’s career was focused in air defense, both ground and airborne. He served as the Operations Superintendent 962nd Airborne Warning and Control Squadron (AWACS), Alaska NORAD Region Operations Control Center Superintendent and Senior Enlisted Adviser 11th Air Control Wing. Following his retirement in 1995, he and his family remained in Anchorage.
In 2005, he joined Alaska Fly Fishers (AFF) and served as a member-at-large on their board of directors for two years. Mike was instrumental as the Anchorage Program of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) was initiated with AFF and has remained a key leader since that 2010 founding. He’s contributed at equipment manager, donations manager and as leader of a new satellite Fly Tying Clinic at the Wasilla VA facility among so many other efforts. The Wasilla sessions now meet weekly due to Mike’s strong relationship with the VA, local military community, and the cadre of PHWFF volunteers he has trained. He provides fly casting instruction, fly tying demonstrations, and rod building instruction and takes participants fishing on local lakes to polish fishing skills while float tubing.
Through numerous sports shows and special fishing events at local businesses, Mike has exposed active military and disabled veterans, as well as the general public, to the art of fly fishing and the goals of PHWFF. He is also recognized widely for his decorative flies depicting armed forces medals and decorations on hooks. These mementos of service are meaningful to so many in the area and also serve as a fund-raiser for PHWFF.
For Mike it’s not just donating time but freely giving of his talents and emotional support for veteran participants who might be struggling. He invites participants to his home for extra help with fly tying and provides mentorship/friendship. Mike is a gentleman who is always engaging, friendly, encouraging, helpful, and participants benefit greatly from his gentle spirit.
David Rooker Recognized for his Volunteer Service
May 25, 2018
On May 12th, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Anchorage presented the Distinguished Service Award to David Rooker during a special volunteer recognition ceremony. Todd Desgrosseilliers, President and CEO of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, presented the award to David. Several other dedicated volunteers who have been associated with the program since it’s inception in 2010 also received awards.
Todd Desgrosseilliers, Jan Schnorr and David Rooker
David Rooker was born in Germania Township, Minnesota and as a young child moved to Glendale, CA living in various locations in California during the Second World War.
In 1950, Dave’s family moved to Tucson, AZ, where graduated from Tucson High School and then joined the USAF. Following basic training he was sent to supply school at Warren AFB. Some of Dave’s air force assignments included Arizona, Korea, Thailand, Alaska, Colorado and finally Elmendorf where he retired as a Technical Sergeant in 1975.
Dave and his family stayed in Anchorage where he worked for the Indian Health Service, retiring again in 1996. He enjoys fishing and flying his Cessna 140. He is a member of the Alaska Fly Fishers (AFF) and has helped coordinate the clubs monthly fly tying clinics for some time where he can be found leading the beginners’ table with patience and humor.
When AFF asked for volunteers to start the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) program in 2010, Dave immediately stepped forward. Dave brings this love of fly fishing to veterans, active military and their families every week. Dave staffs weekly tying sessions on Wednesdays at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson’s Fisher House, a facility where military & veterans’ families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. His sessions have offered a brief distraction and respite from many over the years. On Thursdays, Dave is at the regular PHWFF Anchorage Program meetings. He really loves working with beginning tiers and helps them learn the basics with a no stress no fuss approach to tying. Dave has a calm and seemingly effortless casting style he shares during annual casting training and practice for PHWFF participants. During the fishing season, he frequently takes folks fishing on local lakes to learn and enjoy the independence of float tube fishing and hone skills and build confidence in fly selection and presentation.
Meet Sergeant First Class Trent Myer – Honorable Mention in the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition
November 17, 2017
The 5th Annual Fly Tying Contest began on January 2 and concluded on September 15, 2017. During this time period, dozens of amazing flies were submitted by veteran participants from across the country. Each fly was judged by a fly-tying panel comprised of PHWFF volunteers, celebrity fly tiers and professionals. Out of the many incredible flies entered, a total of 5 finalists were selected. Each of the finalists are invited to attend the International Fly Tying Symposium at the Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, PA November 11-12. Sergeant First Class Trent Myer received Honorable Mention in the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition. Click here to read about it
Trent is the third generation to serve in the military. His grandfather served in the Army during WWI and his father served in the Navy as a Corpsman from 1953 to 1979. He enlisted in the Army as a Field Artillerymen and served 22 years and 18 days and attended numerous military schools and earned a few awards throughout his career. His deployments include two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. During his career Trent was able to earn his Bachelor degree. After retirement, he has been able to start his second career in healthcare and is currently working on his Masters in Healthcare Administration.
When he was stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA is when Trent contacted the local PHWFF program which at the time was led by Mike Cherwek. He started volunteering the following week with the program helping where he could, tying, casting, and rod building. In 2009, Trent received orders for Fort Drum where he continued to volunteer with PHWFF. During his last deployment, he was asked to teach fly tying on his FOB in conjunction with the resiliency program. He had classes on Sundays after lunch. He dubbed this program “PHWFF Ft Drum forward”. Once he returned to Fort Drum he served as the Program Lead until his retirement in 2015. Trent is still active with the Fort Drum Program volunteering and assisting when needed.
Trent has seen PHWFF do amazing things not only for the Veteran but for their families. He has had numerous spouses thank him for what PHWFF has done for their husbands as well as families. For this reason alone, Trent will always be a supporter of PHWFF.
Trent married his best friend Tracy, they meet in 8th grade. In September of 1994 they were married. Together now 23 years he and Tracy have 5 children, one 20-year-old son and four 17-year-olds (three girls and one son). Trent and his family live near Ft Drum, NY
Meet Specialist Jeremy Bristol – Honorable Mention in the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition
November 17, 2017
The 5th Annual Fly Tying Contest began on January 2 and concluded on September 15, 2017. During this time period, dozens of amazing flies were submitted by veteran participants from across the country. Each fly was judged by a fly-tying panel comprised of PHWFF volunteers, celebrity fly tiers and professionals. Out of the many incredible flies entered, a total of 5 finalists were selected. Each of the finalists are invited to attend the International Fly Tying Symposium at the Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, PA November 11-12. Specialist Jeremy Bristol received Honorable Mention in the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition. Click here to read about it
Born April 19th 1979 in Morganton North Carolina. I grew up in a very rural neighborhood with two older sisters and three older brothers. When I was a kid living on the farm with my family we enjoyed all the luxuries that most poor families did in those days from hunting and fishing to raising our own beef and pork, chickens, goats, eggs etc. My mother worked several jobs that would allow her to be as involved with my life as possible and my father worked as an electrician. When I was old enough I attended elementary school at Glen Alpine Elementary School in Glen Alpine North Carolina where I was not only educated in math, science, and social studies but also in growing friendships as well. When I got older and out of school I started working with family full time as a commercial painter and also as a builder which I did for several years until I decided to follow my love for food and cooking for others and took a job in a pizza restaurant. After a few years, hard work and a couple of dining establishments I found myself in a top position at a five star restaurant preparing meals for some of the top names in Hollywood. While working in Florida I decided to move back home to be closer with my family and my dad whom had developed cirrhosis of the liver which eventually led to his death and after his passing I decided I needed a career which led me to enroll in local college back home. While attending school I met who is now my ex-wife and got married and moved a short distance away in a town called Old Fort North Carolina. After graduating and realizing that there were no jobs in my field of study I decided to enlist in the army, made it through basic then AIT and got to my first duty station at Fort Bragg. During my years at Bragg I made and lost many friends, deployed and received a lot of great training, got remarried, and another degree but got injured and after 5 years got medically separated. After getting out and moving home I developed PTSD with major anxiety and battled depression and all the other great symptoms of traumatic life changing events, dealt with drug addiction and an unhappy wife who had also been dealing with the effects of my illness. Then I met the guys from PHWFF and met with them weekly and got more and more involved with the program. Now I have a new outlook on life as well as a lot of great friends and some great fishing adventures.
Meet Specialist Robert Fletcher – 3rd Place Winner in the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition
November 17, 2017
The 5th Annual Fly Tying Contest began on January 2 and concluded on September 15, 2017. During this time period, dozens of amazing flies were submitted by veteran participants from across the country. Each fly was judged by a fly-tying panel comprised of PHWFF volunteers, celebrity fly tiers and professionals. Out of the many incredible flies entered, a total of 5 finalists were selected. Each of the finalists are invited to attend the International Fly Tying Symposium at the Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, PA November 11-12. Specialist Robert Fletcher took 3rd Place in the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition. Click here to read about it
Robert Fletcher was born in Berwyn, Illinois in 1969 and within six months he and his family relocated to Westminster Colorado. Bob graduated from Arvada high and enlisted in the Navy that same year. He was honorably discharged in 1991 as a 3rd Class Petty Officer after being stationed in Adak, Alaska and serving on the USS Sacramento.
Bob re-enlisted with the Army in 1994 and served as a Specialist, Stationed at Fort Hood Texas as a combat Engineer. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1997.
Bob shares his love of the Rocky Mountain West with his two brothers who have lived in the region since the sixties. He’s been in Healing Waters for six years. He’s an active participant tying flies, building rods and fishing in cold and warm water. His most notable day on the water this year was this spring where he hooked and landed 33 fish, from healthy bass to trophy bluegills.
Meet Master Sergeant Son Tao – Winner of the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition
November 17, 2017
The 5th Annual Fly Tying Contest began on January 2 and concluded on September 15, 2017. During this time period, dozens of amazing flies were submitted by veteran participants from across the country. Each fly was judged by a fly-tying panel comprised of PHWFF volunteers, celebrity fly tiers and professionals. Out of the many incredible flies entered, a total of 5 finalists were selected. Each of the finalists are invited to attend the International Fly Tying Symposium at the Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, PA November 11-12. Master Sergeant Son Tao took 1st Place in the 5th Annual Fly Tying Competition. Click here to read about it
Master Sergeant Son Viet Tao (age 43) was born in Vietnam and grew up in central Pennsylvania. He is an active duty service member with a combined 22 years of service (6 reserves, 16 active duty). Son initially entered the Army Reserves in 1993 and was honorably discharged in 1999. After the events of September 11, 2001, Son re-entered the service on active duty status as an Infantryman, MOS 11B.
During Son’s combined 22 years of service, he has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, The Philippines and Bosnia. He has served in multiple positions to include Machine Gunner, Grenadier, Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, Weapons Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Observer Controller, and currently serves as a Headquarters and Headquarters First Sergeant.
Son is a Vietnamese immigrant. His family lived in a refugee camp in Malaysia for 18 months. The United States was the only country to offer his family political asylum. So when the nation was at war, he gave up his comfy job as an engineer and answered the call to serve for a second time. He is a Purple Heart recipient, Sergeant Audie Murphy Club awardee and an active member in the fly fishing community and Project Healing Waters.
Since Son started tying 18 months ago, his determination at the vise has led to garnering the attention of the fly fishing community. He has tied at the Sowbug Round and has a Fan Wing Ginger Quill with the Masters Fly Collection that is bequeathed to the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum.
Project Healing Waters has made a profound impact on Son’s life. He has lost many brothers in arms over the course of multiple deployments. Compound those losses with multiple service related surgeries, Son was in a dark place. With the encouragement of PHWFF volunteers, he took up tying and fly fishing. Time spent on the river and behind the vise slowly made the demons go away and afforded him with peaceful nights for the first time in years. Sharing his knowledge of tying and fishing, recruiting other active duty service members to participate in PHWFF are small ways Son is trying to give back to this amazing program for veterans.
He is married with 3 wonderful children.