Project Healing Waters 2013

This past September, Blue Valley Ranch hosted the Project Healing Waters fly-fishing event again, for the ranch’s 4th year in supporting the highly successful national organization that provides programs for wounded military service members.  Good food, good company, and great fishing along the Blue River are the foci of the 3-day event, intended to provide service members with the opportunity to relax and recuperate through recreational fly-fishing.

Although the first morning was a little frosty, that didn’t keep everyone from getting a line in the water.  The weather for the remainder of the event was beautiful, and everyone was able to get in some great time on the river, including a little rafting on the nearby Colorado River.

Attended by 20 service members and veterans, including two national trip winners (awarded for rod building or fly tying), the event included a visit from high-ranking military officers, as well as Tony and Janet Seahorn, nationally known authors and veterans advocates. Cheddars and Texas Roadhouse donated lunches, as well as staff time for food preparation and serving. 

Although it is a key component in the program’s approach, fly fishing is really just a starting point for the recovery process.  The event is truly about building a bridge for wounded service members on the road to physical and mental health.

Project Healing Waters continues to expand its reach to wounded service members across the nation, and Blue Valley Ranch will continue to support its mission of healing.  Many thanks to them and to their families for their service.

Special thanks to John Knight for the fabulous photos!