Book Author to donate some of the proceeds from his new book to PHW

From Bryan McMurry, the author of "It's Not about the Fish" - "My commitment to PHW is this:

I will donate $1.00 for every book that is sold in the form of an annual donation to the National PHW."

"It’s Not about the Fish": Synopsis

Less than thirty feet away from a monster steelhead, Bryan is on the brink of discovering one of life’s important secrets. About to cast, he is stopped by a chilling question. That thought initiates the recollection of a journey through learning to fly fish that has fortuitously brought him to this point in time.

Having always been fascinated with fly-fishing while growing up on a hardscrabble ranch too small to survive, Bryan’s journey begins on a quaint Montana creek at a time others his age are suffering mid-life crises. That first fly-fishing lesson leads to a host of encounters, each contributing to the understanding that the meaning of life has nothing to do with a peaty single malt scotch crisply splashed over ice, but the journey does. The cast of characters each add to Bryan’s appreciation that what you learn is never as important as what you will do with it.

In the end, after Bryan learns life’s single truth and the secret to all happiness, we return to the monster steelhead. However, life is not always what it seems and Bryan faces an unexpected ethical challenge.

Confronting that challenge Bryan uncovers the final piece of life’s puzzle, that there is a life going on around us that is all too frequently missed. Realizing that the peripheral life holds countless rewards, he discovers that there are even more gratifying prizes when you do the right thing.

www.bryanmcmurry.com

Project Healing Waters Volunteer honored for his participation with the veterans at the Minneapolis VA Hospital prior to his deployment to Afghanistan.

Chris is now spending some of his spare time providing the same fly tying and casting lessons to veterans still in Afghanistan.

"On 24 Dec. the 372nd EN BDE held a formation for promotions and awards. During this ceremony our commanding general, BG Charles D. Martin, presented the Project Healing Waters certificate and custom Orvis rod and reel to MSG Christopher Berens.

Attached are two photos from the ceremony. Thanks so much for making us aware and part of this honor. "

Sincerely,

SGM Janet M Jones

Happy Holidays all:

The past year was a banner year for our project - much was accomplished in 2009, and our growth continues to bring the healing waters of our project to more and more deserving service members and veterans, not only in the United States,  but now, Canada  too.

I am most appreciative and grateful for the incredible volunteer effort that has created our growth, and I am sure the same selfless commitment to our mission  will sustain PHWFF in theyears to come. You all have my sincere thanks for all that you have done to make our program the success it has become.

All the best wishes for a very Happy New Year.

Ed

Ed Nicholson, President

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.

"Looking back, my most memorable moment in 2009" was the first fly fishing"outing" of Project Healing Waters(PHW) on the Mississippi River's Hidden Falls with our wounded veterans from the VA Hospital. It was a magnificent hot day to be near water and fishing.

Being it was the very first "outing" for the PHW/Minneapolis VA Hospital, no one knew what to expect or what would happen. We had lots of volunteers anxious as well as hospital staff and veterans. The VA bus arrives and we help the Hospital Therapy staff unload the veterans and we wheel them down to the rivers edge and those ambulatory included a lawn chair so as not to have to stand too long. One veteran had his slippers on and was concerned about falling into the water. A tree landed some of his back casts but helpers retrieved his fly and back to fishing we all went. Then a whoop was heard all the way up to Minnehaha Falls and we rushed to the veteran's aid thinking he was into a giant sea creature.Three volunteers were there in a second to assist and all others gathered were expecting to see a big Small Mouth Bass, a Carp orNorthern Pike only to find out that he had not hooked up at all. A barge was coming up the river and the water level rose so fast theveteran was sitting in the river ankle deep with his pant legs andslippers soaking wet. We thought he would be upset and want to stop fishing only to have him settle back down in his lawn chair and wet slippers and say "lets catch some fish".

The afternoon was spent with many conversations, ending with a picnic under the giant basswood trees that line therivers edge and provide shade, telling stories, jokes and memories of the day and past experiences. All, I mean all, attending and observing left feeling elated and uplifted and looking forward to the next time. 

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings by volunteers from the community.

"Come Serve Those Who Have Served?"

Let's Say Thanks Website gives you the opportunity to send a free printed postcard to US Military Personnel stationed overseas showing your support and appreciation for their service to our country. 

Say Thanks Now

See the video at Real American Stories

Fly Tying Dave's Soft Hackle