The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Today's Front Page

Related Photos

  • Veterans Ted Martin, left, and Glen Bailey work on building their fishing rods during a recent rod building class at the Beckley VA Medical Center. F. BRIAN FERGUSON/THE REGISTER-HERALD

    Healing waters project
February 18, 2013

Project Healing Waters

VA program helps veterans heal

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

Veterans at the Beckley VA Medical Center are working with the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing program to assemble their very own fly fishing rods, which is both a fun and therapeutic activity.

VA Public Affairs Officer Debbie Voloski said this is the first year veterans have been able to build their own fishing rod, but they have participated in the fly casting and basic fly fishing classes before.

She said last year, one veteran told her that the fly casting class truly saved his life.

“He had felt isolated, which is a common problem among our Vietnam veterans.”

But being out there on the water, sharing a harmonious experience with other fly fishermen, greatly helped him reconnect, Voloski said.

Program coordinator David Hansford said the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) started in 2005 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and has since expanded to over 140 programs in the country.

The program ranges from basic fly fishing for beginners who have never fished before, to those with prior fishermen who are trying to improve on their skills.

All fly fishing equipment is provided to the veterans at no cost, and many participants can go on fishing trips to test out their skills, also at no cost.

Volunteers teach these courses on an on-going, long-term basis.

“The socialization and camaraderie of the classes are just as important as the fishing outings. There is also a thrill about testing yourself against the trout.”

Hansford said money is raised for this project through the national organization and Trout Unlimited is also a sponsor.

Trout Unlimited sends many volunteers to go alongside the vets on their fishing trips to provide a one-on-one experience.

Hansford said the program truly is a “healing” one and it has grown immensely.

He said he hopes to see more female warriors join PHWFF, but many females are a part of a group called “Casting for a Cure,” which supports breast cancer research and funding.

“It’s a good experience and if a veteran is interested, just contact the Recreational Therapy Department here at the VA Medical Center.”

For more information about Project Healing Waters, visit www.projecthealingwaters.org.

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

Text Only
Today's Front Page
  • 061913 1A News Flooding 1.jpg Heavy rain brings flooding

    Every time a heavy rain comes to the area, Jerry Fox and Dollie Stilton’s home on Ewart Avenue floods.

    June 19, 2013 3 Photos

  • Councilmen recommend no further action against Mayor Pugh

    After seeking outside legal guidance to determine whether or not Council could remove Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh from office, Councilmen-at-Large Tim Berry and Cedric Robertson have recommended that no further action should be taken against the mayor.

    June 19, 2013

  • 061913 Miley swearing in.jpg Tim Miley sworn in as speaker of the W.Va. House of Delegates

    Tim Miley says he never dreamed that the day would dawn when  the speaker’s gavel would rest firmly in his hands in the House of  Delegates.

    June 19, 2013 1 Photo

  • We appreciate your patience

    Beckley Newspapers is continuing its transition into another location during the temporary closure of our plant at 801 North Kanawha Street.

    June 19, 2013

  • Beckley Council will take no further action against Pugh

    After seeking outside legal guidance to determine whether Beckley Common Council could remove Mayor Emmett Pugh from office, Councilmen-at-Large Tim Berry and Cedric Robertson have recommended that no further action should be taken against the mayor.

    Although they have elected not to take action to remove the mayor from office, the two said according to their attorney, they had a right to do so.

    June 18, 2013

  • Miley officially takes gavel as Speaker of the House

    Judiciary chairman Tim Miley was elected speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates Tuesday in a strictly party line vote over Tim Armstead. Miley collected 53 votes and Armstead, D-Kanawha, 44. Three delegates were absent.

    June 18, 2013

  • Heavy rains cause flooding issues around Raleigh County

    Every time a heavy rain comes to the area, Jerry Fox and Dollie Stilton’s home on Ewart Avenue floods, the couple said Tuesday.
    Heavy rains in the area Monday night and steady showers throughout the region Tuesday morning caused a nearby creek to rise and water from run-off to flow into their backyard.

    June 18, 2013

  • parkway First 1.36 miles of New River Parkway completed

    U.S. Rep. Nick Joe Rahall, D-W.Va., was in Summers County Monday morning to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the New River Parkway.

    June 18, 2013 2 Photos

  • Trap Hill teacher fired by BOE for alleged sexual text messages

    The Raleigh County Board of Education voted unanimously Monday morning to fire a Trap Hill Middle School teacher accused of sending inappropriate texts to her student.

    June 18, 2013

  • Mingo sheriff murder suspect denied bail

    A West Virginia man accused of gunning down Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum was denied bail Monday prior to his first-degree murder trial, even as defense lawyers questioned whether evidence showed the killing was planned.

    June 18, 2013