The Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited Chapter partnered with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. and Boy Scout Troop 465 to hold a special event for nearly 50 military veterans to test their fly fishing skills on May 11.
The event was held at the Foggy Mountain Lodge Lake in Stahlstown, Westmoreland County with the support of a grant from Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.
The event was designed to introduce veterans, particularly those with physical disabilities and/or suffering from PTSD, to the sport of fly fishing as a means of relaxation and healing. Expert mentors from Forbes Trail TU provided one-on-one instructions and support.
Many of the veterans, some in wheelchairs, had built their own fly rods and tied their own flies. Some had not fished for a long time. Others had never tried using a fly rod. All of the veterans said it was a day they’ll not soon forget.
“When I learned of all the good work Trout Unlimited was doing with veterans and children, I knew this was the program for me," said Leonard Dulik, 31st District Commander for the American Legion. "I joined that night! Since that day, three weeks ago, I've participated in a stream clean-up and today’s veterans’ fishing event. What an outstanding and fun event it was.”
Trout Unlimited member, Michele Yocabet, used her "Give Back Day," paid by her employer, to come and work with the veterans. “I really enjoyed fly fishing with the veterans and listening to the numerous stories they had to tell.”
She and her husband can’t wait for the next veterans’ fishing event.
Foggy Mountain Lodge owners Jim and Karen Dunn enjoyed the first event in 2018 so much so they invited everyone back this year. Having many military veterans in their own families, they welcomed the opportunity to serve as hosts.
Boy Scout Troop 465 from Greensburg presented an opening ceremony, prepared and served lunch, and assisted the veterans as needed.
Forbes Trail TU President, Larry Myers, and Fish and Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Office, Matt Kauffman, presented the Troop with a community service award. After their work was complete, the scouts received fly fishing instructions and caught fish as well.
Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited was able to stock the lake with trout, purchase fly fishing equipment, and provide a cooked lunch for a crowd of over 85. The event was free to all participants.
Trout Unlimited and Project Healing Waters has had extensive experience and success across the country teaching fly fishing and related activities to disabled veterans as part of their rehabilitation process. It works!
Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $35 million in 2018 to community causes in their service territory.
For more information about programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited website. To look for a Trout Unlimited Chapter near you, visit the PA Council of Trout Unlimited website.
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