By Lori Meurs
Skip Lee, Dean, Campus Student Affairs, CMC Leadville Campus, met with Gordy Rothoff and Gary Spuhler, representatives for the Fort Carson program of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. (PHWFF) earlier this year. PHWFF was founded in 2005, and is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings. There are 82 active programs including two in Canada and one in Germany.
While PHWFF emphasizes the skills of fly fishing and fly tying to help the wounded warriors regain the use of their damaged bodies, perhaps the greatest benefit is in their realization that a more normal life is possible. It helps them discover physical abilities they didn’t know they have and increases their fine motor skills.
When Skip Lee learned of this organization, he thought it would be a perfect fit with the campus and its fly fishing program. The Fort Carson program of PHWFF will be bringing 6-8 active duty soldiers along with 2-3 staff members to the Leadville Campus June 27-30 where the group will stay in the campus residence hall, and receive fly fishing instruction and enjoy outings on the Arkansas River and local lakes with guides and volunteers. Local organizations and businesses have generously donated funds, venues, meals and supplies to facilitate this worthwhile endeavor.