By Beccy Fortin, Program Lead PHW Bay Pines, Florida
The Project Healing Waters Bay Pines Program and Tampa Program have merged into one, and a local outing on the water for some fly fishing was the obvious way for the two Programs to celebrate their merger. It was a wonderful Saturday to get together and meet one another. Claude led a casting refresher and class for everyone. Once everyone was comfortable, they headed for the water which as always was clear and warm. The redfish were running as the tide came in. There were several strikes, but none were landed.
Everyone worked up quite an appetite: the participants enjoyed a large lunch followed by the presentation of some gear to take home! We have obtained a spot for the Tampa Participants and volunteers to meet twice a month: American Legion Post 138 in Tampa have offered their location. This will be a perfect spot for tying flies, building rods, casting classes, and even fishing as it is located right on Tampa Bay.
We are fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers here that are always available to help the Veterans in our program. They are all truly appreciated.
The Bay Pines Program has already taken some memorable trips this year. Check out these after-action reports from a couple of those trips so far this year:
Bay Pines PHW Veterans Fish the South Holston River
Fly Fishing the Florida Keys with PHW Bay Pines Veterans