Testimonials
I think that Rivers of Recovery is a great organization that is going to do great things and have hit the nail on the head in regards to accommodations, hospitality and overall wholesomeness. They are like the buddies and family that I have at home. This has been an experience that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. The staff and guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. In all honesty, there aren’t enough words to describe how absolutely wonderful this experience has been. I would recommend this and am going to encourage everyone that I can to take part in this great opportunity. Breathtaking scenery, awesome fishing, and caring and wonderful people to be around.
– Ed D.
This has been an opportunity of a lifetime. The staff of Rivers of Recovery and Old Moe’s Guide Service were very kind, knowledgeable, flexible and most of all, personable. During my 2 days of fishing I caught many beautiful trout, including Browns, Cuttbows and Rainbows. If anybody reading this gets this opportunity you should DEFINITELY take it and have an awesome experience like me and my fellows vets had.
– Nick C.
This was a great confidence builder. I really felt like I could do anything I put my mind to. The camaraderie was excellent; it was good to feel the feeling of brotherhood again. The fishing was fantastic and the scenery gorgeous. I definitely look forward to coming back next year.
– J.C. W.
The idea is great and the guides were very knowledgeable.
– Dan R.
“Rivers of Recovery provided the opportunity to fly fish on one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, as well as the chance to share this remarkable experience with some amazing and inspiring veterans. We saw river otters, Big Horn sheep, Golden Eagles, Peregrine falcons, antelope and a Blue heron—not to mention catching scores of gorgeous Rainbow and Brown trout. The guides were able to turn completely inexperienced veterans into master fishermen in two days. The beauty of Flaming Gorge is only surpassed by the exhilaration of hauling in trout after trout. I never could have expected the amount of fish I caught, the incredible people I met, nor the fun had with Rivers of Recovery.
– Chris M.
The guides were amazing. 3 of the 4 participants had never fly fished before and everyone caught fish. The meals were home cooked and the hospitality was unparalleled. The Flaming Gorge section of the Green River was beautiful and I saw wildlife that I have never seen before. No effort was spared to provide us with a memorable trip.
– Bill J.
Fresh mountain air
Lucked out for sunshine too
Fascinating people
And fishing to do.
River of green
True to its name
Sharing its vibrant life
Allowing us to be a part.
Staff of enthusiasm and high competence
Conspiring among themselves
That even the sourest puss
Was going to lift the corner of his mouth
And be amazed that he’d learned to fish!
Food galore
BBQ each night
Great conversation and acquaintance moving toward friendship
And future contact.
– Ron M.
I enjoyed the fishing and catching 12 trout in two days (for someone who never fly fished before).
– Mike D.
I am the proud mom of a participant who went on your 19-22 June trip. I just want to say thank you for being an Angel from Heaven, you and your staff have touched his and others' lives in more ways than you can imagine. God bless you.
– Jana W.
My son visited your beautiful facilities June 19-22. Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time he had and what a bright outlook you left him with. Your program is outstanding and your reaching out to these soldiers is breathtaking. Just wanted to let you know how wonderful and how much this trip meant to our son and family. God Bless & Thanks
– Marti C.
The special people, place and challenge that Rivers of Recovery provides will be easily recognized by any Veteran or Service Member as they are blood cousins of the same unique trinity that military service provides. Who would have thought that a fly fishing trip was capable of immersing us in the company of truly great teachers and teammates, exposing us to one of the most amazing places on earth and then present us with a challenge that requires many of the same skills we developed during service? Dan, Lynda, the ROR crew and the trout of the Green River delivered it all in a very big way. If I could make a wish that would stick, I'd wish a trip like this on every American that has ever served... period.
– Bob A.
Amazing time! I would love to do it again!
– Michael O.
Rivers of Recovery gives veterans the opportunity to focus on fun for one weekend and leave all personal problems behind. They are all caring people with good hearts; just wanting to make a positive difference in this great country of ours. They showed us the great people that we are fighting for so that their families can live without fear and enjoy their personal journeys through life. Thanks again!
– Stephen C.
Having two days on a river, in the middle of nowhere Utah, on one of the greatest fly fishing rivers known…. I found peace. I was able to get away from the daily challenges I face where I live and put them aside for a while. Getting my mind back on track for those two days was a great relief that I needed.
The guides and everyone involved on this trip was top notch. They wanted to help, assist and to share an incredible experience with us. They showed interest in our stories. They cared. I think all of the veterans felt like they were a part of something. I know I did. I loved it. If Rivers of Recovery would have me, I would come back in a heartbeat. I thank them for a great time and also for the shirt, hat and bandana that was given to me.
Thanks again! I had a tremendous time with you guys fishing the Green River.
– Sam F.
Rivers of Recovery was a great experience. I had such a incredible time. Everyone involved with the program is truly dedicated to making sure we have a great time. The guides on the river were awesome! I learned a ton of information from them and also caught 24 fish in two days--thanks to their help. Everyone coordinating the program is doing such an incredible job. Everything is planned and there are no problems with schedules, forgetting things or hold ups—everything runs smoothly! Dan Cook is an amazing guy. From the first call he gave me till now, he always is positive and brings an atmosphere with him that is amazing. It is good to have spent the weekend with him. I hope to go on more trips with him. The food was great thanks to a great set of cooks. Overall, this was one of the best trips I have been on.
– Justin C.
I felt I was a special guest; though an outsider to a reunion. To observe these brave men share answers to questions they didn’t even know existed. They seem to fill a void each was looking for. Using fly fishing as a tool to bring these souls together is brilliant. It has a mystical quality and those who fish seldom get this opportunity. The staff and guides adapted techniques making success for beginners and a challenge for the experienced.
– Peter L.
Coming here to Utah with Rivers of Recovery has been incredible--definitely something that I’ll remember forever. Meeting other veterans who I have a lot in common with has been something that has helped me and being out in nature fly fishing will help these guys as well. The guides, food and lodging have been superb. It’s great that there are such great people like Dan and the rest of the Rivers of Recovery crew that care so much for our disabled vets. It’s something you don’t see every day and it’s extremely heartwarming that they do this for us. Again, I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for bringing my father and me out here.
– Dan L.
I just want to thank everyone who helped make this possible. I had a great time meeting everyone and learning how to fly fish. Everything was 5-star! My father and I had some great “father-son” time and I thank you for giving us this opportunity. Rivers of Recovery has a great thing going here. Hopefully next year I can come back and fish again. Thank you very much for everything.
– Andrew P. Jr.
Rivers of Recovery has provided an outstanding experience that I would never have otherwise been able to have. Being on the river and enjoying the spectacular scenery has been a welcome change from the stresses of everyday life. Sharing stories with the other vets, talking to the volunteers and sometimes just drifting down the river saying nothing at all makes me remember why this country is worth fighting for. My son and I will never forget all that Rivers of Recovery and its supporters have done for us.
– Andew P.
For the first time in my adult life I was able to bond and be comfortable with other vets. We shared personal experiences and shared some of our war experiences. But most of all we could laugh at each other and with each other. Each person I feel was touched by sharing experiences. The trip down the river was unbelievable. The greatest gift that can be given is one that stays in the memory and becomes one of the best events in your life. I want to thank all that made this possible. And a special thanks to Rivers of Recovery. God bless you for your wonderful gift.
– Phil S.
I was fortunate to be selected for the Rivers of Recovery program. Since my arrival here we have been treated with respect and have been able to experience the Green River and learned to fly fish. It has been the most wonderful experience of my life. I will never forget this gift you have given me and the wonderful people here at Rivers of Recovery. The past few days have been free of thoughts about the war. Again, I thank you for your efforts and the support you have given me, someone you do not know.
– Don C.
When I was offered this opportunity, I was hesitant to go. I did go and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. The staff was superior. I learned how to fly fish and tie flies. It felt like real family. I met other vets that I will continue to keep in contact with. I know I was only supposed to write 5 or 6 lines, but there is no way to express my gratitude to you and to the staff.
Again, thank you very much.
– Harold P.
Everyone involved has been absolutely wonderful. The hosts, Rivers of Recovery, Dan and his family were magnificent to us all.
The guides took us down the river teaching us not only how to fly fish, but how to catch fish as well! I was taught how to tie my own flies by a man named Pete, who was volunteering his time to give back in appreciation for the benefits the Rivers of Recovery program gave his son last year. You have given me the means to find peace and tranquility in my life that I had given up looking for.
Bless you and thanks to you all.
– Glen J.
Thanks to you for the great hospitality. You made me feel at home right away. I was impressed with your sincerity and eagerness to make us feel appreciated. You are all wonderful people. The fishing was great and my guide (Dan-o) was top notch.
Special thanks to Lynda and her son Dan. You’re the best!
– Harold S.
Thank you for your kindness and the warmth that you showed us. The trip will be one I will cherish always. What you have done and shown us is unbelievable. Dan and Lynda—WOW! You two are amazing. You made me feel like I was part of the family from the time you both picked us up at the airport and throughout the trip.
The guides from Old Moe were great. Dan-o (the guide that I had) was informative and patient as well as funny. Thank you for what you are doing. People like you are why I served my country.
Again, thank you for what you are doing for the veterans of this great country.
– Guido G.
I served in Vietnam for 15 months 1968-69 and I am very thankful for Rivers of Recovery and mostly thankful to Stanislaus Fly Fishers. You gave me something that I would not ever have done and I’m very grateful.
Thank you very much.
– Robin L.
Rivers of Recovery really did their homework. The planning, assistance, knowledge and teaching make this program operate like a fine machine. They have it down to a science. The staff is 1st class. I want to thank everyone for teaching and exposing me to fly fishing. I’m hooked! God Bless You!
– Mike T.
Any words of thanks and praise for the wonderful work you each have done would fall short of how grateful I am to have been a fortunate participant. I am awestruck by the beauty of the Green River and the generosity of your staff, the guides and the volunteers. When patience wears thin and frustration and stress reach an apex, I will turn to the memories and lessons learned here and apply them in the future. I feel privileged to have been a guest among your warm company and exposed to the majesty of “the Green.” I would have been content simply escaping to the Red Canyon and taking in the natural beauty you share with disabled veterans. In the words of one of our outstanding guides, “the fishing is just a bonus.”
This investment in fly fishing instruction and the awesome ExOfficio shirt are grounds to pursue fly fishing further and cast out when I return home.
– Justin M.
Dan and the Rivers of Recovery personnel have provided a first class, remarkable and memorable experience second-to-none. This was absolutely (pardon the pun) what the doctor ordered. I have never been accepted to, and probably never will again, a program as “world class” as Rivers of Recovery.
I personally have seen other participants, to include myself, change so quickly and positively, both physically and mentally, for the better. It is truly remarkable.
I cannot say “thank you” enough for this enlightening and great experience. It is so awesome that I will be volunteering in any capacity to ensure that others will be afforded the same opportunity to experience Rivers of Recovery.
– Jerome M.
I came here thinking “What did I get myself into?” Now my life has changed 180 degrees. Coming from poverty most of my life, this was one thing I will forever remember. It was as if I was in another world; from a broken, unsure future to a wide-open, new view on life. Thank you for everything. I will always remember this as bringing me from the depths of life's worries to, as the song says, “Don’t worry, be happy.”
– Josias D.
The program is life-altering. Not once when I was on the river did I think about “life” and the stresses I have. To be stress-free for two days is a gift. What Dan does, and everyone involved, is so selfless, and to give so much makes me humble. I have a renewed interest in fishing that I plan to take back to my kids.
I want to thank the wonderful guides, Lynda and Dan and all those behind the scenes—people who made this trip an unbelievable trip of a lifetime. I will always remember this. In therapy, I am taught that when I regress, or have a flashback or just feel overstressed, to go to a “happy place.” Before this trip my “happy place” was imaginary. Now I have two days of pure bliss to retreat to and regroup.
I would love to volunteer for the program and plan to campaign heavily for it. It is a great endeavor that needs to keep going. Thank you again for such a great time.
– Judith Y.
The Rivers of Recovery program, I feel, has been a very inspiring adventure. Emotions ran rapid. I was able to be in the moment and knocked down the walls I’ve built for defense. I feel I can and will survive by letting myself be vulnerable and accepting challenges that previously seemed impossible.
I’m relaxed and ready to take on these new challenges with confidence. I can trust my decisions to press on with recovery. I feel this program is necessary and important to the recovery of all vets suffering from PTSD. This program is a test that has helped to save my life. The staff acted and performed in a professional, loving and sincere manner.
– Rodney H.
Thanks, Dan. The overall experience was helpful in the realization of some thoughts that there are people who care about us, and that we are not alone in our fight to regain our stability in life and that there are great experiences to live for.
Thank you.
– Dennis M.
This experience was the best I’ve had in years. I’ve learned so much from ROR and the Old Moe personnel that will last for the rest of my life. Fly fishing is something I can live with because it is relaxing and the serenity of it all. Thank you for your time, effort and concern for what you are doing for the Veterans. You are truly a hero. Take care and the best to you and yours and all who helped you in this endeavor and adventures in the future.
– Stevan M.
Our guide Spencer was fantastic! I haven’t laughed so hard in years! He made me feel safe on the boat and accommodated our every need!
He added a positive sense of humor and brought out a part of me that has been tucked away for some time. I’m so thankful for Dan, Lynda, Kenn and the rest of the staff for caring so much--to reach out and do this for us Veterans.
It’s especially comforting to know our service and dedication to our country is not forgotten.
Thank you so much-- memories last a life time!
– Kelly V.
This was the best fishing experience of my life. The scenery was unrivaled, the guides were excellent. The staff was friendly and patient. I haven’t had this good a time in several years; for a while I even felt like the man I was before the war. Thank you for so much for what you are doing.
– Warren P.
ROR is a great opportunity for a Veteran to reconnect with nature and feel normal, doing something out of the ordinary. It gave me an opportunity to discover fly fishing and what all it entails.
For me personally, I enjoyed the times along the river when there were no other sounds than the birds and rippling water rushing by and the fabulous scenery. At one point I asked the guide to just allow our boat to drift without paddling just so I could take in the absolute silence and the natural sounds of the river and nature.
That is the ultimate therapy and I’m grateful to have had this experience.
Thanks so much to Dan, Lynda, Kenn, Dave, and Brian as well as all the guides at Old Moe’s Guide service!
– Anita P.
This is a great program. I got a chance to apply all the skills I learned at the classes at the VA and the skills learned the day before the actual fishing.
The staff was super-- that includes the guides, Dave and Dan.
Keep up the good work. Thanks a million- -words can’t express my true appreciation.
– Tahir S.
Josh is a wonderful guide and person. His knowledge and respect for us was over the top. You have a real treasure in him. I will never forget him or this trip. Thank you so much. You will help a lot of people Dan. You are a treasure. Rangers lead the way!
– Earnest M.
Hope- very important to show an extra effort of Kindness to the Vets- for they have seen and been through the meanest of times with humanity: War.
Learn to trust (and no betrayal in our lives). A walk with nature helps with the healing- and to walk the walk with nature with other vets and people who care (healers)! Must be sincere I felt these things on this trip--we need peace back in our lives.
It’s a joy to be around people who care about each other and who are sincere about it and sensitive with the needs and feelings of vets. This concept is in the direction of healing with nature and animals. People to help find peace.
– Steve B.