Dear Project Healing Waters Staff and Volunteers;
On behalf of the Boise VAMC and our veterans please accept our greatest thanks for your efforts in providing our veterans with a fantastic experience on the South Fork of the Snake River. We could not have asked for a better experience that included fun, education and training from a great group of fisherman. The staffs willingness to teach and encourage veterans to experience all aspect of fly fishing in a location that was in one word “incredible”. Veterans were quoted to say that this trip was: “awesome”, “over the edge”, “it has been a long time since I had so much fun” and “wow, am I tired!”
Personally, I am always amazed at how much we can fit into a day. I was also surprised when driving home as our veteran did not sleep but remained emotionally up and excited. This is the outcome we look for; building momentum, encouraging excitement and welcoming what tomorrow brings. Veterans who are dealing with physical and emotional issues including PTSD, loss of limb or depression have a tendency to isolate, have difficulty connecting with others and building trust. These are conditions that seemed to evaporate as we connected with each other, Idaho’s wonders and the task of catching fish.
Again, thank you!
In Health and Good Fishing
Kelly Odell MS CBIS
Recreation Therapy
