Finding Peace on the Water
“It's kind of funny. When you’re trying to focus on what fly to use … you don’t have to think about anything else.”
Joshua Green, a volunteer service specialist at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), didn't envision himself with a group like Project Healing Waters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but life seemed to have a different plan for him. His co-workers encouraged him to join and how he would benefit from the healing and stress relief.
“Like a lot of other stuff, the first step, the first meeting is the hardest,” said Green, a Veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. “I talked to Ross Schweinforth, the program lead for Project Healing Waters [Chattanooga chapter], a few times and then finally made the decision to come on out there and check it out.”
The most difficult part in healing is taking that first step. Just like the first step into the recruiter’s office, entering a meeting with new people and surroundings can be anxiety-inducing and deter most individuals.
According to Sarah Howard, recreational therapist at TVHS, Veterans dealing with mental health barriers may find it challenging to muster the courage needed to take that first step toward healing. Malicious and sneaky thoughts linger with Veterans whose military service has created a legacy of stress. Too often, the buildup of anxiety can impact Veterans in ways they may not be aware of. TVHS Recreational Therapy Programs and organizations like Project Healing Waters give Veterans a chance to channel their stress in active and positive ways.
For Project Healing Waters, that outlet is fly fishing.
I was completely hooked
Green is not the first or last Veteran to find camaraderie in the organization. Schweinforth, a Veteran himself, started the Chattanooga chapter of Project Healing Waters. He saw the need to combine his joy of fly fishing with the need to help Veterans work through their stress and re-connect to their community.
“It’s an organization that cares about healing mentally, physically, and socially. It’s healing your wounds. I’m blessed and I don’t believe in coincidence, but God sent me here for a reason,” said Daniel Ferrere, Sr., a Veteran and member of Project Healing Waters.
Each meeting of the Chattanooga chapter teaches Veterans various skills such as fly tying, casting, and more. The Veterans are educated and led by chapter volunteers with more than 200 years of combined fly fishing experience. It is an environment where Veterans from all generations come together, regardless of experience, and have a chance to learn a new passionate skill.
“After the first meeting, I was completely hooked,” said Green.
The use of a fly fishing rod, reel, and fly may appear simple compared to the rigors of military field manuals. But, just like great non-commissioned officers teaching basic training to new military recruits, the volunteers at Project Healing Waters are up to the task of training Veterans.
“We could have you catching a fish…with basic flies in an hour. More complicated fly placement may be a little longer,” said Kevin LaGoo, a volunteer at Project Healing Waters. “I could take you outside and I could cast 70 feet and I can put it over there, but I only really need to teach you how to cast to the fish and catch him.”
What makes fly fishing a stress relief opportunity is that it can be practiced almost anywhere. Before the meeting, several pairs of Veterans and volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder casting in the grass. It was a chance for Veterans to show their volunteers/coaches their development since the last meeting.
“We build [upon these skills] in between meetings. It's the same with flies. You can get your flies pretty quick. As you master the basic stuff, you keep building and building and building,” said LaGoo.
It’s an unbelievable experience
The monthly meetings are just the first nibble at the line for Veterans joining the organization. Meetings are where Veterans learn about the equipment, the skills, and the team, but it’s on the water where Veterans find themselves.
Out on the water, Mike Pepper found a peace that he did not know he was missing. Pepper, a U.S. Navy Corpsman in Vietnam, found relaxation in the river.
“I had no idea what to expect,” he said. “For about four hours, I stood in one spot because I was really enjoying what I was doing. It was something fun.”
Pepper is like many Veterans who find the tranquility of the water releases stress they may not realize they are carrying.
“Project Healing Waters is an amazing outlet for [Veterans] to get them back to the outdoors, making connections with other Veterans and getting the peace and tranquility of being on the river, casting, and catching fish. It’s an unbelievable experience,” said Green.
What makes the Chattanooga chapter unique is the combination of Veterans from all different eras of military service like Vietnam, Gulf War/Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and more. It’s the different perspectives but the combined brotherhood and sisterhood that unites these Veterans and volunteers under one banner –the love of fly fishing. Attacking the rivers, streams, and ponds of Georgia and Tennessee, the organization cements those bonds on the water.
“You know, my best day of fishing, I didn’t catch a fish. One of my best days of fishing, I assisted some Veterans catching fish – and that just really got me,” said David Ligon, volunteer with Project Healing Waters.
Learning to walk again
Project Healing Wsters is one of many organizations and programs that partner with TVHS where Veterans can find support through physical activities to tackle stress and trauma. At TVHS, the recreational therapy program offers several opportunities for Veterans looking to improve their mental and physical health.
“TVHS’ Recreational Therapy Program is a holistic, strength-based approach to care that uses various leisure and recreational activities to help Veterans find joy in their lives,” said Howard. “Our goal is to help improve a Veteran’s physical functioning, mental health, independence, and overall quality of life
through participation in activities that are meaningful for the Veteran. Treatment is based upon the Veteran’s strengths, needs, and goals.”
Part of recreational therapy is the adaptive sports program which includes a range of activities such as bocce ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, pickleball, rowing, bowling, archery, and more. Aquatic therapy, vibroacoustic therapy, and the center of equine therapy for Veterans are other activities that TVHS offers to eligible Veterans to promote a healthier lifestyle.
“Whether it is learning how to walk again, regaining the strength to participate in activities they haven’t participated in since they were kids, successfully reintegrating into the community of their choosing, finding their new purpose in life, and more. We have had Veterans transform right before our eyes and use what they have learned to give back to other Veterans,” said Howard.
Green was hesitant to join a new group, but he is now the one spreading the word to others like him. He is keeping the tradition alive and supporting his fellow Veterans both at TVHS and on the water.