Project Healing Waters is Great Therapy
Recovering Service Men and Women Discover Fly Fishing
Many wounded active duty military personnel and veterans suffer severe physical and emotional trauma in the line of duty. Through Project Healing Waters, expert fly fishermen help them learn to enjoy fly fishing, even though they may be recovering from amputation, reconstructive surgeries, or post traumatic stress disorder. Dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of these service men and women, the project sponsors fly fishing outings and fly tying education.
Military Veterans Benefit Physically and Emotionally From Fishing
Following the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center in the United States, Canadian author and psychologist Dr. Udo Erasmus wrote about ways for people to recover physically and emotionally following severe trauma. In a press release dated September 18, 2001, he wrote that, “. . . it’s possible for individuals to take positive steps to reduce or eliminate many of the mental and physical problems which often follow in the aftermath of cataclysmic events.”
Among other steps, Dr. Erasmus recommended that “physical activity brings awareness and concentration away from thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness, and away from the stressful images of trauma. Mourning is also important, but not to the exclusion of all else. For the survivors, life must go on. It helps to have constructive goals.” People who are recovering from traumatic injuries and emotionally painful experiences can strengthen their mental and physical well-being by participating in activities such as fly fishing.
Fly Fishing Gives Focus and Enjoyment
Fly fishing enthusiasts can all attest to the peaceful, contemplative nature of the sport. Standing in the middle of beautiful natural surroundings, the fly fisher’s rapt attention to the rhythm of the cast and the sheer joy of water, wind, sun, sky, and (he hopes) fish creates a deep, inner tranquility. The December/January 2008 issue of Field & Stream magazine features a portfolio of profiles of soldiers who have rediscovered hunting and fishing in spite of amputations, severe burns, and PTSD.
Brent Humphreys and Chris Mueller, the authors, quote Staff St. Jack Cormack, who suffered a spinal injury while serving in Iraq. Cormack wears a prosthetic device to support his foot, allowing him to walk with a cane for support. After participating in a Project Healing Waters event, Cormack said, “Fishing also gives me such a strong focus that it helps me deal with my PTSD.” Cormack became an enthusiastic fly fisherman. According to the article, after catching a 4 ½ pound bass on a subsequent fishing trip, he said, “I felt like one of the guys again.”
National Council of Fly Fishers Among Supporters of Project Healing Waters
The list of corporate sponsors for the project reads like a Who’s Who of fly fishing outfitters. Companies such as Orvis, Bass Pro Shops, Royal Wulff products, Simms Fishing Products, Hook & Hackle, and many more fine corporations give their support. Organizations such as the National Council of Fly Fishers, Mid Atlantic Council, and the National Capital Chapter of Trout Unlimited are on the list of donors as well. Project Healing Waters also accepts assistance from individuals who wish. to help wounded veterans learn fly fishing.
Future Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Events
Plans are currently underway for events in November of 2008, as well as in April and May of 2009. The trips are provided at no cost to the participants. Fly fishermen wishing to become involved with the project or service men and women who would like to participate can find out more about Project Healing Waters by visiting the project's website.
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