It was my distinct pleasure last night to speak to a group of veterans from Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Crystal Coast Program on the topic of fishing rod building. These disabled vets are entered in a national rod building contest with all the other national chapters. A good many of these veterans sustained psychological injuries during deployments and the Project Healing Waters uses fly fishing, fly tying and now rod building as a way of healing these battle scars. Hook and Hackle donated ten rod-building kits with gorgeous gloss green 6-wt. blanks for the competition. The group was enthusiastic and I was honored to be with these heroes. I referred them to this site and this site's sponsors and many will no doubt be on the forum for advice. I know from experience that the board here will welcome them. I told them, "register, log-in, tell them you are a "newbie" and the advice avalanche will commence! On their behalf, thank you for your help.

Great group!! I worked with a group of vets at Ft. Eustis in Va, through this organization a few years ago and it was an incredible experience. These guys and gals are truly amazing and great heroes. Like you, I was honored to share the craft of rod building to such incredible individuals!

Project Healing Waters is a GREAT organization..I know Hook and Hackle company does a great job supporting the cause. Thank you Hook and Hackle Company.
The Batson Family and TEAM are honored to be part of this great organization.
If you ever get a chance to participate please do, it does make a difference.
Thank you to all Vets and active military personel.
Freedom is not FREE..And we live in the greatest

Bill Batson
CEO
Batson Enterprises
Rainshadow/Forecast/ALPS product lines.

Excellent National program. I have been involved with the Long Beach Programs for the about 3 years. This year is the biggest group ever. Bill really came to the plate in the past and I can tell you they really appreciate any help they receive. The Long Beach group also benefited from the excellent seminars on feather work of Terry Hensen. It is so wonderrful to watch the growth and smiles The Program on rod building runs usually from Jan thr Mar. If any of you ever get a chance to help your local program I an assure you it will be an experiance you will never forget.

Let me know if there are any of these Vets that might need help in the Edmonds, WA area. I would be happy to be a part of it. Randy

I am proud as a participant on this forum to see so many caring individuals. Anything that we as a group can do to help our heroes is always much appreciated. The attitude in this country is much different than when I returned in 1971. Back then we had to sneak through the airport in civilian clothes to not be singled out, but that was in another era. We now honor those that go in harm's way to protect our freedom and they need us more than ever. Whatever we can do to ease their pain upon returning is next to nothing compared to what they have endured. Sorry for the rant but I am ver passionate about this as a veteran Knowing what I went through.