Veterans fishing the North Fork Blackfoot River.
The veterans relaxing with their guides.
All of the meals, drinks and lodging are provided for the veterans during the trip.
For the fifth consecutive year, Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited (BBCTU) was privileged to host the Project Healing Waters (PHW) fly-fishing trip for three honored, military veterans from Montana, Idaho and Washington. Joshua Dockery, Joe Axtell and Tom Bowyer were selected by PHW to participate in this worthwhile trip. These three decorated veterans have completed multiple tours in Iraq, Afghanistan or Vietnam.
BBCTU Project Healing Waters chairman and Army veteran Michael Pecora planned the trip again this year, with the help of many volunteers from the surrounding areas. The veterans enjoyed a two-day float trip on the middle Blackfoot and a wading day on the North Fork of the Blackfoot.
Volunteers and BBCTU board members provided boats and guide services to make this year's trip a success. Community members opened their homes and properties to the group's overnight accommodations. In addition, fishing supplies were donated by The Blackfoot Angler fly shop in Ovando and the Montana Fly Company.
The appreciation and contentment expressed by these veterans to get out on Montana rivers continues to inspire us to keep this tradition going. Scott Gordon, BBCTU board president also commented on how critical the community's support of this program has been.
"The generosity of people in this area is amazing", said Gordon. Planning is already underway for 2017's Project Healing Waters trip.
Those interested in volunteering their time to help are encouraged to contact Pecora at nativesolution@hotmail.com.
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