The PHW Spotlight is our way of shining a bright light on those members of our PHW family whose accomplishments and contributions inspire us all. 

These individuals, and their stories, are an essential part of the healing journey happening for Veterans across the country. Project Healing Waters transcends fly fishing and these Spotlights are a glimpse into what is happening throughout our programs. We are honored to share these with you each week.

Paul Bohorquez – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

When Did You Serve?

Enlisted January 11, 2010.

Project Healing Waters Program:

PHW Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Why Did You Join Project Healing Waters?

I was looking to clear my mind of the things that were happening around me. My best friend asked me four years ago to check out Project Healing Waters as they teach veterans the art of fly fishing. Years later, I finally decided to give it a chance. I wanted to learn a new craft as well. I now find peace in the streams and pleasure in doing something I love and have passion for fishing in general.

What Is Your Favorite Activity With Project Healing Waters? Why?

One of my favorite activities is the fishing portion, but also the fly tying portion. I have learned a lot. It’s given me a chance to build a small community on my YouTube channel where I can share what I learn in fly tying class on a live segment. I get to share and meet others that are passionate about fly fishing and fly tying.

What Do You Most Look Forward To With Project Healing Waters In The Upcoming Year? Why?

I look forward to making memories out on the stream with fellow Veterans from the group. It’s the peace on the water that brings everyone together, where there is no animosity or disruptions from the outside world.

A Bit More About Paul:

My name is Paul Bohorquez, a Marine Corps Combat Veteran from Hamilton, New Jersey. I joined the Marine Corps in 2010 and deployed to Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2011. A lot has changed since those past times. It was a struggle to get my mindset to a place where I can feel “normal” after coming back from a war that had taken so much from us. I had my brother Joshua Barrett, a combat veteran as well, who helped me get back to my feet, as I had mentally declined shortly after getting out of the service. It was a struggle but I was able to get back up on top. Years later, I was faced with a couple challenges in life, where I ultimately had to restart my life again. I was able to get myself out of a situation that had brought nothing but chaos to my world. But with God on my side and the people who He had put in my life to guide me, like my family, I was able to overcome these issues. As I continue to work on building a more structured lifestyle, I am blessed to have met my Beautiful wife Angela Bohorquez, who I married 08/28/2022. A phenomenal woman who has stuck by me as I worked on rebuilding my life. In 2022 I had the opportunity to be re-introduced to Project Healing Waters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. My Brother Josh had told me about the organization in 2019 but I kindly shrugged it off and missed out. Once I finally joined the local program in 2022, I was able to learn and meet some really great people along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to have met Vincent Taylor, who has been a positive and knowledgeable role model, as well as my fly tying mentor Rusty Berrier. PHW has played a role in my healing process, for which I am grateful. They have provided me with tools to be able to pursue a career for which I never even intended to form a passion. In the past year that I have been involved with the program, I have been able to learn how to fly fish, learn to tie flies, as well as pursue attending Sweet Water Guide School out in Montana to become a fishing guide. I also create fly fishing content for my YouTube channel (LastCast31 is the YouTube Handle) for other Veterans to see that there are opportunities like the one PHW offers. I’ve learned that with the right people and tools like PHW offers, you can move forward in a more positive mindset. THANK YOU TO PROJECT HEALING WATERS AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES MAKING ALL OF THIS A POSSIBILITY.

The PHW Spotlight will publish each Friday morning on www.projecthealingwaters.org. Learn more about this inspiring series HERE

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