A new partnership between Rivers of Recovery and the Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) enabled six combat veterans to learn fly fishing on the Delaware River in September.
“It was the best group dynamic we’ve had,” said Dan Laffin, RoR board member and director of our North East program. “These guys had already bought into fly fishing. They really wanted to learn, and they soaked up everything we were saying.”
Bringing the Healing Power of Water to Veterans
The TU Veterans Service Partnership (VSP) is a nationwide effort initiated in 2011 to bring the healing power of the water to those who have served our nation.
Bill Nolan, who runs the TU Donegal Chapter, was essential in getting the trip together. The TU VSP typically does day trips with veterans, and this joint effort with RoR for a multi-day trip was a test run to see if it was a good fit.
It ended up being a very successful trip for the RoR North East chapter.
“One of our biggest challenges is getting vets, and getting vets to show up,” Dan said. “With 24 hours, Bill had six vets.”
Becoming Better Anglers & Fly Fishermen
Most of the veterans had some previous experience with fly fishing, but not everyone did.
“One guy who had never fly fished was tying flies and caught two fish during the trip,” Dan said. “They were absolute sponges. They wanted to know details about how to be better anglers and fly fishermen. It really jazzed up our guides and our crew. We hope to do more in the future.”
Rivers of Recovery would like to extend our thanks to Bill Nolan, the Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the TU VSP and all our volunteers. Watch this blog for more information about upcoming Rivers of Recovery trips.
