This article was published in the Herald Democrat on June 16. By Lori Meurs-CMC
Amongst the tranquility and splendor of the mountains, wounded soldiers were renewing their minds and bodies. This was the scene in Lake County as ten Fort Carson soldiers and their two fellow medic/driver troops took in the grandeur of the surrounding mountains and fished three different waterways in Lake County. They were participants of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. (PHWFF) for Fort Carson and were accompanied by two PHWFF staff.
This was the second year the Fort Carson soldiers visited Lake County. They were hosted by Colorado Mountain College Leadville Campus and stayed in its residence hall from June 3 through 6. They received fly tying instruction; fished at Hayden Meadows and Homestake Trout Club where they were overwhelmed with the abundant barbecue lunch they received from the Club’s residents. The soldiers also fished at Mt. Massive Lakes and were treated to a delicious fish fry. Local volunteers experienced in fly fishing assisted the soldiers in learning the necessary skills.
Another highlight of the trip was a private tour of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum by Bob Hartzell, Executive Director. Hartzell gave a detailed, informative tour of the many mining displays at the museum; and the soldiers were fascinated at the variety of exhibits.
Fishing all day and eating good food in a spectacular location, what could be better than that? Staff Sgt. Dan Gomez expressed, “Fishing is awesome, and I have a new grandma – Grandma Judy! [referring to one of the lunch volunteers]”
The soldiers were overwhelmed by the community’s generosity. Staff Sgt. Rob Abbott summed it all up with, “Would love to come back again. Fishing was great and the people were outstanding!”
Since its inception in 2005, PHWFF has been helping disabled active duty personnel and veterans to overcome the obstacles associated with their military service related injuries. The relearning of the fine motor skills needed in fly fishing and fly tying helps in the overall rehabilitation of the disabled.
Many soldiers struggling with Post Stress Disorder (PSD) particularly find the calmness of being in or by a rushing stream and catching one of Colorado’s beautiful species of trout to be very relaxing and takes their minds off their issues. A number of soldiers credit this program with their being able to successfully transition to and live an almost normal life again.