The camaraderie of being with other veterans going through the same things I have been going through has helped my well being tremendously.
Jesse, US Marine Corp
Any day on the river is a good day – even if it’s raining and the fish aren’t biting. It doesn’t matter because you have the perfect peace you need to get through the day and take away the stress.
Chris, US Navy
Volunteering with Project Healing Waters was a goal of mine over 12 years ago while I was still working. When I was able to participate, my expectations of the benefits to the veterans from fly fishing have been exceeded. I’ve fished with some of them for 10 years or more and the changes they’ve undergone have been very heartwarming. For many, it has allowed them to make the transition to civilian life much easier. In the extreme,
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I know of at least 3 vets who have told me that it saved their lives. On a selfish note, as a volunteer, I’m not sure that I haven’t taken more away from this experience than the vets. Great friendships evolve and that benefits everyone. PHW does a great service for the vets, the volunteers and ultimately, the community.
Bob
I have had the honor of volunteering beside Rich, Gary, Pledger, Bill, and many other men and women who make this program such a successful and enjoyable experience for our Veterans. I was blessed to be chosen to volunteer for a few fishing trips, fly tying classes, water certifications and holiday luncheon and I have watched every Veteran who joined us on any of the outings, smile and laugh as they spend the day at the lake or in class socializing and sharing fishing stories with other Veterans.
Dodie
I joined AVFF as a volunteer to try and give back to those Veterans who have been impacted in the course of their service defending our principles and way of life. I have found that I have taken away much personally through my association with the Veterans, enjoying their camaraderie and that of the other volunteers as well as gaining new insights into the nature of service and commitment. It is a highly rewarding and valuable experience that I enthusiastically recommend.
Glenn
Testimonials
The camaraderie of being with other veterans going through the same things I have been going through has helped my well being tremendously.
Jesse, US Marine Corp
Any day on the river is a good day – even if it’s raining and the fish aren’t biting. It doesn’t matter because you have the perfect peace you need to get through the day and take away the stress.
Chris, US Navy
Volunteering with Project Healing Waters was a goal of mine over 12 years ago while I was still working. When I was able to participate, my expectations of the benefits to the veterans from fly fishing have been exceeded. I’ve fished with some of them for 10 years or more and the changes they’ve undergone have been very heartwarming. For many, it has allowed them to make the transition to civilian life much easier. In the extreme,
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I know of at least 3 vets who have told me that it saved their lives. On a selfish note, as a volunteer, I’m not sure that I haven’t taken more away from this experience than the vets. Great friendships evolve and that benefits everyone. PHW does a great service for the vets, the volunteers and ultimately, the community.
Bob
I have had the honor of volunteering beside Rich, Gary, Pledger, Bill, and many other men and women who make this program such a successful and enjoyable experience for our Veterans. I was blessed to be chosen to volunteer for a few fishing trips, fly tying classes, water certifications and holiday luncheon and I have watched every Veteran who joined us on any of the outings, smile and laugh as they spend the day at the lake or in class socializing and sharing fishing stories with other Veterans.
Dodie
I joined AVFF as a volunteer to try and give back to those Veterans who have been impacted in the course of their service defending our principles and way of life. I have found that I have taken away much personally through my association with the Veterans, enjoying their camaraderie and that of the other volunteers as well as gaining new insights into the nature of service and commitment. It is a highly rewarding and valuable experience that I enthusiastically recommend.
Glenn
I became an Arizona Veterans Fly Fishing Volunteer to give back to and help those who served. I am a Navy veteran of 30 years and understand the hardships experienced by those in the armed forces. I saw volunteering as an opportunity to combine my hobby of fly fishing with working with disabled veterans.I’ve done this for several years now and found it very rewarding, helping others while building friendships and experiencing camaraderie with the group.
Cameron
I first became an Arizona Veterans Fly Fishing Volunteer for my own very personal reasons. I was trying to fill a void after losing someone very dear to me that I love going fly fishing with. While my fly-fishing skills were nowhere near those of many of the other volunteers, another volunteer convinced me I had other skills from my service and business background that were valuable to the organization. The saying of “You get back more than you give” is certainly true with this organization. The Veterans appreciate the time you donate, and I have made some great friends with the other Volunteers.
James
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When I first came to Arizona in 2013, I had a great Mental Health counselor in the VA, she was amazing. She had always tried to get me into group therapy. I always resisted, telling her, I would rather stay at home and socialize with my kids.
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After talking for several years, she finally suggested Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF-PHX). She gave me two names Mark Pearlstein and Richard Litz. When I contacted them, Richard invited me to an outside meeting at the Surprise Lake in Surprise AZ in 2019. When I showed up, I immediately felt like I was home again, with my brothers and sisters.
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Everyone has been positive, helpful, and even has provided counseling in their own way. Just by listening and letting me talk. Not only that, but they have also coached me on many endeavors OUTSIDE of fly fishing.
These folks have taught me, how to build a fly rod, tie a fly, where to fish, how to fish and have taken me all over AZ and other states for hands on application.
I have found a home and a place where I feel like I belong.
Robert, US Marine Corp