Healing Through Fly Fishing - WordPress.com · 1/15/2010 · Mission. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active

Healing Through Fly FishingHealing Through Fly Fishing

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From This…From This… …To This!…To This!

I am going to talk about Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. This is one of our early participants shortly after he was injured in Iraq and later when he became involved in PHWFF. He will tell you that PHW pulled him out of a “deep, dark place” in the aftermath of his injury.

HistoryHistory2004 2004 –– While a patient at Walter While a patient at Walter

Reed, founder Ed Nicholson Reed, founder Ed Nicholson saw many wounded and saw many wounded and wanted to helpwanted to help

2005 2005 –– Program launch at Program launch at Walter ReedWalter Reed

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Walter ReedWalter Reed

January 2007 January 2007 –– 501(c)(3) non501(c)(3) non--profit status through FFFprofit status through FFF

February 2007 February 2007 –– First VA launch at Togus, MaineFirst VA launch at Togus, Maine

February 2008 February 2008 –– Hire fullHire full--time Administrative Assistanttime Administrative Assistant

May 2008 May 2008 –– Hire fullHire full--time Program Managertime Program Manager

While recovering from surgery at Walter Reed Army Hospital in 2004, Retired Naval Captain Ed Nicholson saw many young men and women receiving care for serious injuries suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ed knew how therapeutic fly fishing can be, and thought it might be helpful to some of these wounded warriors. He solicited the help of some fishing friends and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing was born. The Program was officially started early in 2005 at Walter Reed, and initially focused on active duty personnel hospitalized there. Classes in fly tying and casting were taught, and fishing outings were offered. After witnessing the benefits of these fly fishing activities, a decision was made to expand nationwide to both Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs hospitals. In order to do this, PHWFF obtained 501c3 nonprofit status through the Federation of Fly Fishers, and incorporated in the state of Maryland early in 2007. Rather than create new local organizations, existing FFF and Trout Unlimited clubs were invited to participate. The first VA program launched in February 2007 at the Togus Veterans Affairs hospital in Maine. In 2008, two full-time employees were hired to help manage the administrative responsibilities of the rapidly growing organization.

MissionMissionProject Healing Waters Fly Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is dedicated to the Fishing is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active

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physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.fishing and fly tying education and outings.

PHWFF, Inc. OrganizationPHWFF, Inc. OrganizationOfficersOfficersPresident, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, SecretaryPresident, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, SecretaryVP Military Affairs, VP CommunicationsVP Military Affairs, VP Communications

Board of TrusteesBoard of Trustees25 Trustees25 Trustees

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25 Trustees25 Trustees

Regional LeadershipRegional Leadership12 Geographic Regions12 Geographic RegionsRegional CoordinatorsRegional Coordinators

FullFull--Time EmployeesTime EmployeesProgram ManagerProgram ManagerAdministrative Assistant/FinanceAdministrative Assistant/FinanceProject AssistantProject Assistant

National Program OverviewNational Program Overview12 Regions covering 34 states12 Regions covering 34 states

76 Active programs76 Active programs

13 Department of Defense programs13 Department of Defense programs

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63 Veterans Affairs programs63 Veterans Affairs programs

as of 9/2009as of 9/2009

As of February 2009, there are 50 locals programs operating in ten geographic regions. Eight of these programs are in Department of Defense military hospitals, and 43 are in Veterans Affairs hospitals or other facilities.

PHWFF Programs by regionPHWFF Programs by regionNew EnglandNew England

(ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT)(ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT)

Togus VAMC / Kennebec Valley TU Togus VAMC / Kennebec Valley TU Togus, METogus, MEWest Roxbury VAMC / Massachusetts Bay Fly Fishers West Roxbury VAMC / Massachusetts Bay Fly Fishers West Roxbury, MAWest Roxbury, MA

Brockton VAMC / Massachusetts Bay Fly Fishers Brockton VAMC / Massachusetts Bay Fly Fishers Brockton, MABrockton, MABedford VAMC / Massachusetts Bay Fly Fishers Bedford VAMC / Massachusetts Bay Fly Fishers Bedford, MABedford, MANorthampton VAMC / Pioneer Valley TU Northampton VAMC / Pioneer Valley TU Northampton, MANorthampton, MA

Providence VAMC / New Horizons Providence VAMC / New Horizons Providence, RIProvidence, RI

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NortheastNortheast(Western NY, Western PA)(Western NY, Western PA)

Batavia VAMC / Lake Erie Chapter FFF Batavia VAMC / Lake Erie Chapter FFF Batavia, NYBatavia, NYBuffalo VAMC / Western New York TU Buffalo VAMC / Western New York TU Buffalo, NYBuffalo, NYBath VAMC / Twin Tiers Chapter FFF Bath VAMC / Twin Tiers Chapter FFF Bath, NYBath, NY

Pittsburgh VAMC / Penn’s Woods West TU Pittsburgh VAMC / Penn’s Woods West TU Aspinwall, PAAspinwall, PACanandaigua VAMC / Canandaigua TU Canandaigua VAMC / Canandaigua TU Canandaigua, NYCanandaigua, NY

PHWFF Programs by regionPHWFF Programs by regionMidMid--AtlanticAtlantic

(Eastern NY, Eastern PA, NJ, DE, MD)(Eastern NY, Eastern PA, NJ, DE, MD)

Allentown, PA / Hokendaqua Chapter TU Allentown, PA / Hokendaqua Chapter TU Allentown, PAAllentown, PALyons Campus of East Orange VAMC / Lyons Fly Fishing Club Lyons Campus of East Orange VAMC / Lyons Fly Fishing Club Lyons, NJLyons, NJ

Manhattan VAMC / Veteran Anglers of New York Manhattan VAMC / Veteran Anglers of New York New York, NYNew York, NYOswego County VA Clinic / Tug Hill / Black River TU Oswego County VA Clinic / Tug Hill / Black River TU Oswego, NYOswego, NY

Ft. Drum WTU / Tug Hill / Black River TU Ft. Drum WTU / Tug Hill / Black River TU Ft. Drum, NYFt. Drum, NYWilkesWilkes--Barre VAMC / Stanley Cooper TU Barre VAMC / Stanley Cooper TU WilkesWilkes--Barre, PABarre, PASyracuse VAMC / Iroquois Chapter TU Syracuse VAMC / Iroquois Chapter TU Syracuse, NYSyracuse, NY

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Syracuse VAMC / Iroquois Chapter TU Syracuse VAMC / Iroquois Chapter TU Syracuse, NYSyracuse, NYPerry Point VAMC / Patapsco Valley TU Perry Point VAMC / Patapsco Valley TU Perry Point, MDPerry Point, MD

Lake Placid VAMC / TriLake Placid VAMC / Tri--Lakes TU Lakes TU Lake Placid, NYLake Placid, NYCanandaigua VAMC / Canandaigua TU Canandaigua VAMC / Canandaigua TU Canandaigua, NYCanandaigua, NYDauphin VAMC / Doc Fritchey Chapter TU Dauphin VAMC / Doc Fritchey Chapter TU Harrisburg, PAHarrisburg, PA

National Capital RegionNational Capital Region(DC metro area)(DC metro area)

Walter Reed AMC / PHWFF National Walter Reed AMC / PHWFF National Washington DCWashington DCFt. Belvoir WTU / PHWFF National Ft. Belvoir WTU / PHWFF National Ft. Belvoir, VAFt. Belvoir, VA

Ft. Meade WTU / Potomac Patuxent Chapter of TU Ft. Meade WTU / Potomac Patuxent Chapter of TU Ft. Meade, MDFt. Meade, MD

PHWFF Programs by regionPHWFF Programs by regionMidMid--SouthSouth

(VA, NC, SC, GA)(VA, NC, SC, GA)

Hunter McGuire VAMC / Fly Fishers of Virginia Hunter McGuire VAMC / Fly Fishers of Virginia Richmond, VARichmond, VAFt. Eustis WTU / Fly Fishers of Virginia Ft. Eustis WTU / Fly Fishers of Virginia Ft. Eustis, VAFt. Eustis, VA

W.G. Hefner VAMC / Carolina Fly Fishing Club W.G. Hefner VAMC / Carolina Fly Fishing Club Salisbury, NCSalisbury, NCCharlotte VAMC / Carolina Fly Fishing Club Charlotte VAMC / Carolina Fly Fishing Club Charlotte, NCCharlotte, NC

Salem VAMC / Roanoke Valley TU Salem VAMC / Roanoke Valley TU Salem, VASalem, VADurham VAMC / Triangle Fly Fishers Club Durham VAMC / Triangle Fly Fishers Club Durham, NCDurham, NC

Charles George VAMC / Carolina Casting Club Charles George VAMC / Carolina Casting Club Asheville, NCAsheville, NC

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Charles George VAMC / Carolina Casting Club Charles George VAMC / Carolina Casting Club Asheville, NCAsheville, NCAtlanta VAMC / Fly Fishing for Vets, Inc. Atlanta VAMC / Fly Fishing for Vets, Inc. Atlanta, GAAtlanta, GA

Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune Jacksonville, NCJacksonville, NC

Deep SouthDeep South(FL, MS, AL)(FL, MS, AL)

James A. Haley VAMC / Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club James A. Haley VAMC / Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club Tampa, FLTampa, FLBay Pines VAMC / Suncoast Fly Fishers Bay Pines VAMC / Suncoast Fly Fishers St. Petersburg, FLSt. Petersburg, FL

Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System / Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System / Mississippi Coast Fly Fishers Biloxi, MSBiloxi, MS

PHWFF Programs by regionPHWFF Programs by regionSouthernSouthern

(AR, OK, MO, KS)(AR, OK, MO, KS)

Memphis VAMC / Delta Chapter of TU Memphis VAMC / Delta Chapter of TU Memphis, TNMemphis, TNFayetteville VAMC / Tightlines Fly Fishers Fayetteville VAMC / Tightlines Fly Fishers Fayetteville, ARFayetteville, AR

St. Louis VAMC / Ozark Fly Fishers St. Louis VAMC / Ozark Fly Fishers St. Louis, MOSt. Louis, MOTopeka VAMC / Free State Fly Fishers Topeka VAMC / Free State Fly Fishers Topeka, KSTopeka, KS

Leavenworth VAMC / Free State Fly Fishers Leavenworth VAMC / Free State Fly Fishers Leavenworth, KSLeavenworth, KS

Tennessee ValleyTennessee Valley

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Tennessee ValleyTennessee Valley(TN, KY, WV)(TN, KY, WV)

ThomsonThomson--Hood Veterans Center / Blue Grass Sportsmen’s League Hood Veterans Center / Blue Grass Sportsmen’s League Wilmore, KYWilmore, KYTennessee Valley Healthcare System / Lynchburg Fly Fishing Club Tennessee Valley Healthcare System / Lynchburg Fly Fishing Club Murfreesboro, TNMurfreesboro, TN

Mountain Home VAMC / Mountain Home VAMC / Johnson City, TNJohnson City, TN

PHWFF Programs by regionPHWFF Programs by regionMidwestMidwest

(IL, MI, MN, OH, WI, IN, IA)(IL, MI, MN, OH, WI, IN, IA)

St. Cloud VAMC / St. Cloud Fly Anglers St. Cloud VAMC / St. Cloud Fly Anglers St. Cloud, MNSt. Cloud, MNEdward Hines Jr. VAMC / Drift Edward Hines Jr. VAMC / Drift Maywood, ILMaywood, IL

Louis Stokes VAMC / Ohio Council FFF Louis Stokes VAMC / Ohio Council FFF Brecksville, OHBrecksville, OHRoudebush VAMC / Indianapolis Fly Casters Roudebush VAMC / Indianapolis Fly Casters Indianapolis, INIndianapolis, INMinneapolis VAMC / Twin Cities Chapter TU Minneapolis VAMC / Twin Cities Chapter TU Minneapolis, MNMinneapolis, MN

Appleton VAMC / Central Wisconsin TU Appleton VAMC / Central Wisconsin TU Appleton, WIAppleton, WIMilwaukee VAMC / Southeast Wisconsin TU Milwaukee VAMC / Southeast Wisconsin TU Milwaukee, WIMilwaukee, WI

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Milwaukee VAMC / Southeast Wisconsin TU Milwaukee VAMC / Southeast Wisconsin TU Milwaukee, WIMilwaukee, WIGrand Rapids VAMC / Grand Rapids VAMC / Grand Rapids, MIGrand Rapids, MI

Cincinnati VAMC / Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers Inc. Cincinnati VAMC / Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers Inc. Cincinnati, OHCincinnati, OH

Rocky MountainRocky Mountain(MT, CO, WY, SD)(MT, CO, WY, SD)

Ft. Carson WTU / Pikes Peak Fly Fishers Ft. Carson WTU / Pikes Peak Fly Fishers Ft. Carson, COFt. Carson, CODenver VAMC / Front Range Fly Fishers Denver VAMC / Front Range Fly Fishers Denver, CODenver, CO

Grand Junction VAMC / Grand Valley Anglers TU/FFF Grand Junction VAMC / Grand Valley Anglers TU/FFF Grand Junction, COGrand Junction, COFt. Harrison VAMC / Pat Barnes Chapter TU Ft. Harrison VAMC / Pat Barnes Chapter TU Helena, MTHelena, MT

PHWFF Programs by regionPHWFF Programs by regionNorthwestNorthwest

(WA, OR, ID, AK)(WA, OR, ID, AK)

Seattle VAMC / Washington Fly Fishing Club Seattle VAMC / Washington Fly Fishing Club Seattle, WASeattle, WAFt. Lewis WTB / Puget Sound Fly Fishers Ft. Lewis WTB / Puget Sound Fly Fishers Ft. Lewis, WAFt. Lewis, WA

Portland VAMC / Tualatin Valley TU Portland VAMC / Tualatin Valley TU Portland, ORPortland, ORAmerica Lake VAMC / Olympia Chapter of TU America Lake VAMC / Olympia Chapter of TU Olympia, WAOlympia, WA

Spokane VAMC / Spokane Fly Fishers Spokane VAMC / Spokane Fly Fishers Spokane, WASpokane, WASouthern Oregon VAMC / Southern Oregon Fly Fishers Southern Oregon VAMC / Southern Oregon Fly Fishers White City, ORWhite City, OR

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Texas Texas

Brook Army Medical Center / Guadalupe TU Brook Army Medical Center / Guadalupe TU San Antonio, TXSan Antonio, TX

PHWFF Programs by regionPHWFF Programs by regionSouthwestSouthwest

(CA, AZ, HI, UT, NV, NM)(CA, AZ, HI, UT, NV, NM)

Long Beach VAMC / Long Beach Casting Club Long Beach VAMC / Long Beach Casting Club Long Beach, CALong Beach, CAWest LA VAMC / Wilderness Fly Fishers West LA VAMC / Wilderness Fly Fishers Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA

San Fernando Valley VAMC / Sierra Pacific Fly Fishers San Fernando Valley VAMC / Sierra Pacific Fly Fishers Sepulveda, CASepulveda, CAShow Low VAMC / White Mountain Fly Fishers Show Low VAMC / White Mountain Fly Fishers Show Low, AZShow Low, AZ

Ft. Huachuca WTU / Old Pueblo TU Ft. Huachuca WTU / Old Pueblo TU Tucson, AZTucson, AZSchofield Barracks Tripler AMC / Waikahe’olu Chapter of TU Schofield Barracks Tripler AMC / Waikahe’olu Chapter of TU Honolulu, HIHonolulu, HI

Pathway Veterans Home / Napa Valley Fly Fishers Pathway Veterans Home / Napa Valley Fly Fishers Napa Valley, CANapa Valley, CA

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Pathway Veterans Home / Napa Valley Fly Fishers Pathway Veterans Home / Napa Valley Fly Fishers Napa Valley, CANapa Valley, CACamp Pendleton / San Diego Fly Fishers Camp Pendleton / San Diego Fly Fishers San Diego, CASan Diego, CALivermore VAMC / Mission Peak Fly Anglers Livermore VAMC / Mission Peak Fly Anglers Fremont, CAFremont, CAAlbuquerque VAMC / New Mexico TU Albuquerque VAMC / New Mexico TU Albuquerque, NMAlbuquerque, NMFt. Bliss WTB / Mesilla Valley Fly Fishers Ft. Bliss WTB / Mesilla Valley Fly Fishers Ft. Bliss, TXFt. Bliss, TX

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Who We ServeWho We Serve

•• Active, Guard and Active, Guard and ReserveReserve

•• Veterans of Veterans of ALL cALL conflictsonflicts

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•• Disabilities of all typesDisabilities of all types

•• Doesn’t matter when or Doesn’t matter when or how a person was how a person was

disableddisabled

Trip to Martha’s Vineyard September 2009

“It isn't that you can't do it. It's that we haven't figured out a way that you can do it. “

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What We DoWhat We DoGroup CommitmentGroup Commitment

Willingness to serve othersWillingness to serve othersNo military experience necessaryNo military experience necessaryNo Fly Fishing Experience NecessaryNo Fly Fishing Experience NecessaryLongLong--term commitmentterm commitment

Teaching SessionsTeaching SessionsCasting, tying, rod buildingCasting, tying, rod building

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Casting, tying, rod buildingCasting, tying, rod buildingBasics of fly fishingBasics of fly fishingFishing outingsFishing outings

PartnersPartnersMilitary or VA hospitalMilitary or VA hospitalPhysical, occupational or recreational therapy staffPhysical, occupational or recreational therapy staffPatients….our customersPatients….our customers

Commitment to National PHWFF, Inc. idealsCommitment to National PHWFF, Inc. idealsCentralized planning, decentralized executionCentralized planning, decentralized execution

We start with a FFF club or TU chapter that has members willing to serve others. That club or chapter provides volunteers to teach fly casting, tying, and the basics of fly fishing. Recently some programs have started teaching rod building as well. Participants are taken on fishing outings, which may be day trips or overnight. The local club partners with the staff of a military or VA hospital. In some locations, we interface with the physical therapists, occupational therapists, or recreational therapists. In other locations, we work through the Department of Voluntary Services. Each hospital has its own unique characteristics. And, of course, we have to recruit and partner with a group of patients interested in learning to fly fish. Everything is provided to the military personnel at no cost. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing provides centralized planning, but the execution of those plans is in the capable hands of local fishing clubs.

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Benefits of Fly FishingBenefits of Fly Fishing•• Fine motor skillsFine motor skills•• EyeEye--hand coordinationhand coordination•• Adjust to use of prosthetic or injured limbAdjust to use of prosthetic or injured limb•• Lifelong recreational activityLifelong recreational activity•• BalanceBalance•• ExerciseExercise•• Improve concentrationImprove concentration

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•• RelaxationRelaxation•• Confidence buildingConfidence building•• CamaraderieCamaraderie•• Family bondingFamily bonding•• Physical strength & power Physical strength & power are not necessaryare not necessary

•• Therapy translates to Therapy translates to everyday skillseveryday skills

There are many potential benefits to fly fishing. These will vary with the disability or injury of each participant.

Success Stories

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Rather than try to tell you how beneficial PHWFF can be, here are some testimonials from actual participants.

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Success Success StoriesStories“I would like to say thank you to the board members of PHWFF for your support and dedication to the men and women of the Armed

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and women of the Armed Forces who are healing not only on the outside, but on the inside through your graciousness of time and money to helping us heal.” [SFC, USA, Walter Reed PHWFF wounded warrior]

“ PHWFF helped in getting my head together during my recovery at Walter Reed. It was the perfect outlet for me while I was trying to adjust to my injuries and was a great help in broadening my horizons,

Success StoriesSuccess Stories

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broadening my horizons, giving me the hope and confidence that, no matter what my disabilities, I could still achieve and enjoy the activities of the outdoors and accomplish what I wanted to.“ [SGT, USA, Walter Reed PHWFF wounded warrior]

Success Success StoriesStories

“The generosity and kindness of the people affiliated with this organization was overwhelming. There is a healing that no doctor or medical professional can prescribe that will replace the healing of the heart and mind I experienced on this trip. Not only have you

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trip. Not only have you welcomed me, but you welcomed my wife and made a fly fisher out of her. Thank you for an incredible experience.”[SSG, USA, Walter Reed PHWFF wounded warrior after the May 2008 Two Fly Tournament]

Success StoriesSuccess Stories““Never have I felt less in control of my life as I did when I arrived at Walter Never have I felt less in control of my life as I did when I arrived at Walter Reed Army Medical Center with wounds and injuries sustained in Reed Army Medical Center with wounds and injuries sustained in AfghanistanAfghanistan.”.”

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““It is through events such as a day on the river fly fishing that has allowed It is through events such as a day on the river fly fishing that has allowed me to regain some control over my life and limbs. Any day on the river is a me to regain some control over my life and limbs. Any day on the river is a good day. The pain goes away, and for a while I am allowed to be one with good day. The pain goes away, and for a while I am allowed to be one with naturenature.”.”

Diane CochranDiane Cochran

What We BelieveWhat We Believe

�� Medical research has shown that the natural environment can promote more

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natural environment can promote more rapid healing than an engineered environment. This suggests that a fly fishing outing that gets veterans out of a hospital setting may offer valuable therapeutic benefits.

BIG FISH

• Recreation often has a competitive component: winners and losers. So does fly fishing but it is with fish, not

What We UnderstandWhat We Understand

does fly fishing but it is with fish, not people. This often contributes to positive self-image and confidence.

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What We’ve LearnedWhat We’ve Learned• We have to be flexible.

There is no rigid program or schedule that is appropriate for each group. We must evaluate and adapt to their abilities.

• We have to be creative. Figuring out how to teach to a particular disability can be challenging but it makes us better instructors. For example, how does a vet with almost no use of one arm build a rod or tie a fly?

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does a vet with almost no use of one arm build a rod or tie a fly?

• We have to be sensitive. We must respect the needs of someone who has undergone a traumatic experience or great deal of stress, including their right to privacy. Many times we do not know exactly what their disabilities are.

• We have to keep it fun. The smiles say it all.

We as volunteers have learned much from our participation in PHWFF. We’ve learned that we must be flexible. There is no one way to teach fly casting or fly tying. We can start off with a tentative schedule and plan, but it has to be regularly evaluated and modified as we get to know the needs and limitations of the individuals in a particular group. And each group will be different. We’ve also learned that we must be creative. Some types of injuries present challenges. If you can’t figure out how to work with a particular disability, ask your Regional Coordinator. If he or she doesn’t know, they can tap into the nationwide network to get recommendations. We must be sensitive. It goes without saying that most of the veterans we are working with have been traumatized, physically or emotionally, or both. We have to be patient and good listeners. The right to medical privacy is federally protected, so we often do not know exactly what their disabilities are. Keep it fun. You will know you are doing a good job by all the smiles you see.

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Healing Through Fly Fishing - WordPress.com · 1/15/2010 · Mission. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active