PHWFF  Holds the Kick Off meeting at Ft Eustis, VA - Warrior Transition Unit 

On November 10, 2009 the first session of fly tying and fly casting was held in the conference room of the WTU. Seven Volunteer instructors from Fly Fishers of Virginia introduced the skill of fly tying and casting to six Warriors. For many it was the first time they had ever been involved with this aspect of fishing.

At first there was the usual apprehension “Can’t do that”. Well by the end of the session all had tied two or more flies and started on developing their skills in casting a fly line. All were pleased with the progress they had made in such a short time

During the tying session the conference room had a steady stream of Warriors wanting to find out more about the Project Healing Waters program.

Supporting FFV will be Ford’s Colony Fly Fishing Club (FCFFC) as well as Sgt Dennis White, who is stationed at Ft Eustis. With the cooperation of all parties the plan is to hold two day time sessions per month run by FFV and a third evening session headed up by Sgt White and members of the FCFFC. More will be added if there is the need.

In the future , plans will be developed for fly fishing day trips within the state of Virginia, both salt and freshwater. However, one of the highlights of Ft Eustis is the post is on the banks of the James River and there are three fishing pond on post. This will give the Warriors ample opportunity to gain to fly fishing skills.

This is three locations FFV has started up PHWFF programs in the State of Virginia. Currently they work with McGuire VA Center and up until last June worked with the WTU at Ft Lee Virginia. That unit has been folded in to the Ft Eustis unit

Phil Johnson

Program Leader

FFV / PHWFF 

Flip Pallot with the PHW -January, 2010

Here is a thank you note from a PHW participant:

Project Healing Waters 

I’m a pretty normal guy by most people’s standards.  At least I appear that way when out in public.  Some days I walk with a limp, always with pain, but it’s the emotional scars that people don’t understand.   

I had the pleasure of attending a Project Healing Waters (PHW) fishing excursion to  “Escatawba Farms” just outside of Covington, VA.  I got to meet some fellow service members and veterans who were all there for different reasons, mostly for the therapy that comes from being on the water.  The water was chilly, 40 degrees Fahrenheit on the first day but the water eased the strain on my back and slowly the pain melted away in my legs and back.  I was under the excellent tutelage of some very generous guides who had given their time freely to come out and show us how to “fly-fish” but more importantly, they let us in on the secret of the serenity that comes from being on the water.  

I had never fly-fished in my life.  I had always wondered what the big deal was.  After landing about 15 Rainbow Trout in the two day trip, I know what the deal is.  There are few pleasures in life, like the feel of a strong Rainbow on your line, as you play it hard to get it in the net, then release him back to the water, to give someone else the thrill another day.   

There is something about slowly wading into a hole, and having a trout sit in the hole with you, as he looks for food, and you look for a bite.  It shows me that I can get along just fine if I put my mind at ease.  The only thing better than fly-fishing to me, is being able to do along side my brothers and sisters in arms.  We may all come from different backgrounds and places, but the water and the fish have the ability to help us see ourselves as normal.   

Thank you Project Healing Waters, and thanks to my three guides, Mark, Mike and Dan.  Regretfully I can’t remember there last names, the pills do a job on my memory, but I will forever remember the lessons on fishing, and the lesson they gave in giving back to the Veteran community.  Thank you again.