Wounded Warriors

[Jet]

Joey and I had the honor to attend a Wounded Warriors event held at the Horseshoe Bar Preserve on the middle fork of the American river. The event lasted 3 days and gave 7 vets the opportunity to learn fly-fishing, pan for gold and just kick back. We were able to spend a day and half with one of the vets. They all have recently returned from active combat and are recovering from various injuries. Most of the volunteers were also veterans but I was not one but I am very thankful for the opportunity to meet these extraordinary kids/men. I learned so much but just observing them and how they interacted with each other. The Veteran's association of Foresthill put on an awesome steak dinner with a live band and open bar at the veteran's hall. We had vets from WWII to Iraq and many in between. The basic premise of the program is to teach the vets to fly-fish which is good therapy for their injuries and it also helps them acclimate with nature and re adjust to civilian life. If you ever get an opportunity to volunteer you should jump on the chance. It was a life changing experience for me and I'm sure Joey learned a lot too. I have a much more deep respect for our military and the jobs they perform to ensure our freedom. Joey and I plan to keep in touch with our vet as we have formed a deep bond after spending such little time together.

Tight Lines,

Jet

[Darian]

Thanks for the post. Sounds like you/Joey got as much benefit from the event as our warriors did. Shows how important it is to make sure returning vet's receive a warm welcome and acknowledgment of their service/sacrifice. Also, my thanks go out to all of the volunteers who hosted and participated in this event.

Good job everyone.... :nod: :D :D :D

[Grampa Spey]

Our local flyclub is working with a group at the California Veterans Home in Yountville.

With my own body repair this year, I have not been able to get connected with any of them yet. However, I was able to direct a new widow's fly fishing gear from her former husband, to our club for them.

In October, my wife and I were at the Pismo Beach Lighthouse. 107 WW's, who were on a bike ride from San Francisco to south of LA spent a night there. I got to meet some of the leaders of the bikers, their escorts on "Hogs" and a few of the Wounded Warriors. Driving a vehicle up and down Coastal HiWay One is a challenge. Riding a bike is an incredible challenge.

What a great group of young men to guys my age were in this biking event.

The Wounded Warriors is a tremendous organization and worthy of whatever support we can give them personally or with our donations of gear and $'s.

[Charlie S]

Thank you Joe. Just volunteering to help others makes one feel much better and your efforts on the behalf of vets is not only commendable but you become a hero in the eyes of others who care as well. Keep it up and see you at the tying table in Sac.