Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 41

giving a little something back to those who gave so much. Your
volunteer service will be appreciated. Sometimes, these brave
men and women just need someone to listen as they reveal
their thoughts while spending time on the water. It is rewarding
to observe veterans and their family members surrender to the
calming effects of Pennsylvania's streams and rivers.
Anyone who is interested, whether veteran or volunteer,
should contact any of the local TU chapters. An internet search
will provide contact information. Severely wounded veterans
may feel more comfortable with the organization Project
Healing Waters, because they specialize in providing dedicated
fly fishing services geared toward wounded veterans.
TU veteran's volunteer Reg McClelland with United States
military veteran Steve Wiseman, who never previously fished
with a fly rod.

benefit most from the soothing comfort offered by fishing
on Pennsylvania's waterways.
Although TU does not limit its veteran programs to fly
fishing like Project Healing Waters, this activity can offer the
most mental benefit. Even when not on the water, anyone may
work at a fly tying bench. Tying is an activity that fills time
in a productive manner, and each creation brings with it the
imaginative visit to a cool, free-flowing stream, surrounded by
the sights and sounds of nature. Even investigating what flies
to own and then collecting a substantial selection to fill a fly
box takes thought and consideration.
In June 2019, our chapter teamed up with the Oil Creek
Chapter of TU for a joint event. Nearly 24 veterans and some
of their family members joined us for a picnic, fly tying
demonstration, fly casting lessons, and time on the water. We
even stocked trout for the event. After spending a few hours on
the stream, some veterans said their time on the water brought
appreciated tranquility. Most expressed a desire to participate
again in the future.
Our TU veteran's volunteers do not limit activities to trout.
The Shenango River flows through our vicinity, and it holds
a good population of Smallmouth Bass. One of the people
attending an event asked about bass fishing with a fly rod,
and I explained that bass fishing is a lot of fun, and in the
heat of summer, bass are a worthy target. We got together to
catch Smallmouth Bass in August. It became obvious my new
friend, who served our country during the Vietnam War, was
becoming extremely interested in fly fishing. I recommended
a good entry level fly rod and reel. I did not expect to make a
new fishing partner while volunteering. In fact, I received a text
from my new friend, "Hey, the Shenango water looks good.
Any interest in fly fishing for Smallmouth Bass?" it read. The
next day, we shared an incredible experience, and the fish we
caught and released were only part of it.
It only takes a first step to get involved. If you are a veteran,
these organizations will help turn you and your family
members on to an activity you may find a welcome relief from
the pressures of life. If you would like to volunteer, please
do so. Many veterans thanked me for finding this means of
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Pennsylvania Chapters of Project
Healing Waters and Contacts

*	 Allentown - Not Forgotten Fly Fishing,
Fly Fishers International
Program lead: Zach Taylor
zach.taylor@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Altoona/Hollidaysburg - John Kennedy Chapter TU
Program lead: Dave Thomas
dave.thomas@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Coatesville (Philadelphia) - Valley Forge TU
Program lead: Ken VanGlider
Ken.VanGlider@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Erie - Northwest PA Fishing Association
Program lead: Craig Brandick
craig.brandick@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Harrisburg - Juniata Fly Fishing Club,
Fly Fishers International
Program lead: Glenn Klinger
glenn.klinger@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Kunkletown - Brodhead Chapter of TU
Program lead: John Rocchio
john.rocchio@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Lebanon - Juniata Fly Fishing Club,
Fly Fishers International
Program lead: John Killinger
John.Killinger@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Pittsburgh - Penn's Woods West Chapter of TU
Program lead: Amanda Thompson
amanda.thompson@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Royersford - Valley Forge TU
Program lead: Thaddeus Nowakowski
Thaddeus.Nowakowski@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Sellersville - Bux-Mont Freedom Fly Fishers,
Fly Fishers International
Program lead: Jerome Coviello
jerome.coviello@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 West Bradford Township - Valley Forge TU
Program lead: Jason Scrafford
jason.scrafford@projecthealingwaters.org
*	 Wilkes-Barre - Stanley Cooper Sr. TU
Program lead: Heide Cebrick
heide.cebrick@projecthealingwaters.org

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