Project Healing Waters

We’ve seen it time and time again. A Veteran walks through the door quiet, unsure, maybe even skeptical. They’re not looking for a hobby. They’re looking for a reason to get out of bed. And a few months later? They’re tying flies for others. Teaching new participants. Leading a trip. Smiling. Laughing. Alive again. That’s what happens when you surround someone with purpose, community, and something worth showing up for. Thousands of veterans have found that through Project Healing Waters. Will you? #veteranshelpingveterans #projecthealingwaters #flyfishingsaveslives #flyfishing

Tomorrow is the last day to support this campaign! Now is the perfect time to not only support Veterans through Project Healing Waters, but to do it through our partnership with onWater. #veterans #projecthealingwaters #flyfishing

As we step into 2025, our mission remains clear: to serve more Veterans, strengthen our community, and provide a safe space for healing through fly fishing. Recovery happens in connection, and this year, we aim to expand our reach, create deeper bonds, and help more Veterans find peace on the water. Join us in making a difference:?https://lnkd.in/e8QADe5 ?#ProjectHealingWaters #HealingThroughFlyFishing #Veterans

Established by Congress to recognize the bravery, sacrifice, and extraordinary heroism of those who have earned our nation’s highest military decoration, March 25th marks National Medal of Honor Day. Since the award’s inception in 1861, it has been presented to 3,528 service members each one a testament to the highest ideals of valor and selflessness. The most recent recipient, General Richard E. Cavazos, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on January 3, 2025, for his fearless actions during the Korean War. A true warrior and leader, Cavazos led from the front, charging through relentless enemy fire to rally his men, hold the line, and get the job done. His story has set the standard for generations of Infantrymen to follow. Cavazos wasn’t just a soldier, he was a fighter, a leader, and an inspiration to every warfighter who came after him. His legacy isn’t just remembered, it’s lived by those who continue to answer the call. The first Medal of Honor was awarded on March 25, 1863, to Private Jacob Parrott. At just 19 years old, Parrott and a small group of hand-picked volunteers infiltrated deep behind enemy lines in what became known as "Andrews' Raid." Their mission was to destroy bridges and railroad tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta.? Eventually the group was captured and then held and beaten by their captors, Parrott and his fellow raiders never broke. His courage under fire and resilience in the face of near certain death set the tone for every Medal of Honor recipient who followed. Parrott was eventually returned to the Union in a prisoner exchange in March 1863. He was the first, but far from the last, to prove that valor has no limits. Today, only 61 Medal of Honor recipients remain with us, living reminders of the sacrifices made in defense of our freedom. From the Civil War to modern conflicts, these warriors have demonstrated courage beyond the call of duty, often at great personal risk, many times resulting in them laying down their own life for those around them. At Project Healing Waters, we honor these individuals, remembering their courage and the legacy they leave behind. #medalofhonorday #medalofhonor #projecthealingwaters

This is what we love to see and hear!

"Right there, that's the hole that I am pulling a fish out of." Who else is calling out their catches before they happen? It's a great way to have fun with friends, especially when you were correct. #flyfishingsaveslives #projecthealingwaters #flyfishing #onthefly

Check it out! onWater x Project Healing Waters #veterans

Healing isn’t just about individual effort it thrives in community. At Project Healing Waters, we believe that shared experiences and strong bonds strengthen recovery. Our programs don’t just teach fly fishing; they create a network of support where Veterans find connection, understanding, and purpose. Many of our participants come to us feeling isolated, but through our local programs, they build lasting friendships with others who understand their journey. The encouragement of a fellow angler, the shared joy of a successful cast, and the collective support during challenges all contribute to the healing process. By fostering camaraderie, we help Veterans regain a sense of belonging, purpose, and confidence. Together, we are stronger. Learn more about our mission here:?projecthealingwaters.org #VeteranCommunity #HealingTogether #FlyFishingTherapy #MentalWellness #ProjectHealingWaters

22 Years Ago Today: The Invasion of Iraq The day it all kicked off. On March 19, 2003, in a televised address, President George W. Bush announced that coalition forces had begun an invasion of Iraq.? Most people probably don’t think about it much. But for those who were there, for those who spent time in that conflict, it’s a date that sticks. Over 4,400 Americans never made it home. Thousands more came back with wounds that can’t be seen, the kind that don’t go away just because the war is over. At Project Healing Waters, we serve a lot of Veterans who spent time in Iraq. Infantry. Artillery. Medics. Pilots. Every job, every MOS. Some deployed once. Some went back five, six, seven times. They gave years of their lives to a war that shaped them in ways most people will never understand. A lot of them are still carrying it. This is why we do what we do. Fly fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It’s about finding something steady when everything else feels unsteady. It’s about the quiet, the focus, the way the water slows everything down when the mind won’t stop running. It’s about the community, having a place where you don’t have to explain anything, because everyone already gets it. Today, we remember. We honor. And we keep showing up for the ones who came home. If you know an Iraq War veteran, check in on them today. And if you are one, know this, you are not alone. #projecthealingwaters #iraqwar #veteranshelpingveterans #flyfishingsaveslives

At Project Healing Waters, we believe in the profound connection between angling and healing. Central to this philosophy is the practice of catch and release, which not only sustains fish populations but also enriches the angling experience for everyone. Here are some tips to follow if you're new to the world of fishing and practicing catch and release.? Handle with Care: Minimize handling time and avoid touching the gills. Wet your hands before contact to protect the fish's slime layer, which is vital for their health. Use Appropriate Gear: Opt for barbless hooks and tackle that match the size of the fish to reduce injury and stress during the catch. You don't need a 10wt while fishing a Montana stream, just like you don't want to use a 4wt when fishing for tarpon off the beaches. Limit Air Exposure: Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If a photo is desired, have the camera ready beforehand to ensure a quick capture. Every fish released is an opportunity for another angler to experience the joy of the catch. It's a cycle that fosters community, conservation, and a deeper appreciation for nature. By practicing catch and release, we not only contribute to the sustainability of our fisheries but also ensure that others can find solace and connection through angling, just as we have. Embrace the practice of catch and release. Let's ensure that the waters we fish today remain vibrant and bountiful for those who cast their lines tomorrow. #flyfishingsaveslives #projecthealingwaters #veteranshelpingveterans #onthefly #catchandrelease