Wounded Vets in Montana: As told by SSG Brian Mancini

July 20 – 27, 2008

There are very few times in the course of a human life you are given the opportunity to see such amazing beauty, that it truly leaves you speechless. Such beauty, that you are literally at a loss for words when trying to accurately depict the miraculous views and picturesque landscapes of the big sky state. The Recent Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) outing to Montana was nothing less than spectacular and provided eight wounded warriors an expense free trip that was truly an opportunity of a lifetime. The undeniable splendor of this state coupled with the overwhelming generosity of the people associated PHW, without a doubt has left an everlasting impression on their hearts and minds as this week long journey unraveled. Please follow me as I illustrate their amazing stories and experience’s as these eight soldiers find out that life is far from over!

 

Sunday the 20th of July: This journey begins with a grueling, all day, coast to coast flight leaving from Washington D.C. and arriving in Spokane, Washington. Despite stiff muscles, aches and pains, the anticipation of what lies ahead was definitely a temporary elixir for the vast array of ailments and combat injuries that these wounded warriors deal with on a day to day basis. The excitement and enthusiasm was abundantly evident as bags were gathered and greetings were exchanged. Talk’s of all night tying sessions and last minute rushes to various different fishing shops in preparation for anticipated needs, seemed to be a common conversation amongst all. It was only a matter of minutes before checked baggage was being pillaged through in search of fly boxes and other equipment, which were promptly displayed to fellow anglers, much like a small child showing off his new toys on Christmas morning. As the convoy headed east down I-90 to their final destination in Montana, one stop would be made at the Sportsman’s Warehouse in Spokane, WA. Last minute supplies were gathered and a small token of appreciation was handed out by the General Manager. Armed with the gift of flies, that would prove to be beneficial for their future endeavors the wounded warriors said there goodbye’s and continued on with their journey east.

The astonishing views of the temporary living quarters were well received after the six hour trek across the North West. Upon arrival at the Sheep Mountain Lodge they were welcomed by the owner who had generously opened his doors for a four day lodging experience that would not be forgotten. After sorting out sleeping arrangements and dropping off gear that had become cumbersome, everyone gathered around the dinner table for a meal that would prove to please the pallets of any gourmet chef. As they gathered around the dinner table they were de-briefed from Ed Nicholson “founder of PHWFF” on the upcoming events and talked about the expedition that would be on the horizon.

Monday the 21st of July: On day one they were all woken to the smell of hot pancakes and coffee that proved to set the standard for the morning rituals as the week passed. After Ed’s mounds of Montana flapjacks were consumed they were washed down with enough coffee to keep Folgers in business for the next twenty years. The soldiers headed out to the front lawn for one last crash course on casting and drift boat techniques. After all the questions were answered, they packed their gear and headed to the Clark Fork Trout and Tackle shop. They were welcomed by the owners and introduced to their guides, who they would be paired with for an amazing two day voyage down the mighty Clark Fork River.

Finally it was time to get a line wet! As all the soldiers gathered around the launch point waiting for the guides to finish their preparations, you could see utter amazement on the soldiers faces as they tried to take it all in. The view would truly glorify the gods. Majestic mountains that cupped the golden sun, as it rose into the clear blue sky. The water reflected like a mirror looking into the heavens. The cool breeze was welcomed upon their scared faces as they stood in bewilderment, it was a far cry from the bloody chaotic battle fields that they were accustomed to only a short while ago. As they shook hands and wished each other luck it was time to catch the famous Montana trout they had been hearing about for months. As they boarded their boats and headed down the river it looked like a military convoy. This was not a convoy heading out on a military mission, but was a mission of military men on a new vessel with a different objective. A mission of healing and the means was through the cool Montana mountain water and objective was the tenacious trout it held.

After the days fishing was over the soldiers and their guides re-assembled at the Clark Fork Trout and Tackle. Cameras were out and stories were being told, some sounding a little fishier than others. The fourteen mile drift down the Clark Fork was plentiful for many and had proven to have its favorites. Ceamus McDermott had hooked into a very ornery and respectable nineteen inch trout that gave him a fight that would drudge on for fifteen minutes. After running up and down stream and crossing both sides of the bow, there guide finally managed to get it into the net after a number of failed attempts. The day was more then generous to the dynamic duo of David Folkerts and George Draper, with a team total of twenty trout, which without a doubt capturing the day’s honors. The fish stories continued on over another great meal. Ed had managed to dazzle the soldiers with a spaghetti dinner that would be well respected in any Italian home. The night ended with Ceamus replicating the churnobble ant that helped David and George pull in so many trout throughout the day, his marathon tying session would prove to be beneficial for the next go round on the Clark Fork.

Tuesday the 22nd of July: We were woken once again by the delightful smells of another great breakfast being conjured up by Rick Patterson and Earl Rich. After breakfast the soldiers were ready for their second go round of drift boating down the Clark Fork. The fishing on the river the second day seemed to slow down for most of the soldiers. There was a few exceptions though, Al Altangerel had earned the title of “Trout Slayer “. Al had managed to keep his lines tight all day and boated six respectable fish while the others seemed to only be catching glimpses of wildlife that consumed the banks. David Folkerts managed to keep his previous day’s legacy alive by netting four fish that would definitely keep him entertained during the slow afternoon drift. The boats were out of the water by six, and all the soldiers were looking forward to a BBQ that was being prepared in their honor back at the Sheep Mountain Lodge.

As the vehicles turned the bend, down the long gravel road toward the lodge a small army of volunteers could be seen in the distance. It was clearly evident that the welcoming party had been at work for quite some time. As the guys dismounted the vehicles they were welcomed by handshakes, hugs, and cheers that would bring a tear to any soldier’s eye. It seemed that the volunteers from the St. Regis American Legion, and local VFW chapter had prepared a spread that would please any king. The smells of buffalo burgers and polish sausages filled the air as the wounded warriors grabbed their plates and headed for the never ending tables of side salads and desserts. With their plates pilled high and heart’s content the soldiers visited with locals and shared some amazing stories and laughs. As the evening came to an end, all the soldiers were presented with a little Montana memento. It seemed that a local artist had felt so inclined to give each soldier a “Montana Back Scratcher”. It was a simple gift of a buffalo rib bone, with a wide array of Montana scenic paintings on each one. They all varied and ranged from scenes that depicted Montana in all its glory; the velvety plains, snow covered caps, and beautiful river landscapes, just to name a few. As the night geared down, the soldiers were left with some amazing options to ponder for the next day’s events.

Wednesday the 23rd of July: As the sun rose over the over the lodge and brought life to world, the soldiers were preparing for another journey, this time they had a choice! They were presented with three different options on how they wanted to explore the stunning Montana country side and all the options would prove to have their highlights. Rick Patterson, Ceamus McDermott, Greg Cartier, and David Folkerts would head out in the exploration of the St. Joseph River in Idaho. Their hour and a half drive down the St. Joe’s Scenic BI-way and thirty minute hike down to a remote section of the river would prove to be well worth it! The amazing Native Westslope Cut Throat Trout would prove to be a great reward despite the turned ankles and sweat it took to access this isolated section of water. They were entertained all day by the astonishing array of colors that these amazing creatures displayed. The second team of explorers made up of Earl Rich, Al Altangerel, Chuck Tye and Jesse Scott would set their sights on Trout Creek. Even though they were not blessed with an over abundant amount of fish they would prove to make some great memories. The final group consisting of Ed Nicholson, Ferris Buttler, George Drapper and myself would find themselves admiring the abundant Montana wildlife as they drove through the National Bison Range. They were in awe as they drove the outer loop of the park. The breath taking views corresponding with the sight of so many magnificent animals, was inspirational to say the least. They were greeted with the visions of Prong Horn Antelope, Buffalo, White Tail and Mule Deer; but the most memorable moment of this hour long drive had to be just before they exited the park. As they turned the bend in the road, on top of a hill about one hundred and fifty yards away, were two monster Bull Elk. They were standing proud with their muscular chest held high, it was as if they were put there for us to observe in all their glory. As the soldiers gathered around the dinner table that evening, you can only imagine the conglomeration of stories that were being shared. It had been a wonderful day for all, and yet tomorrow would provide evidence that it was far from over.

Thursday the 24th of July: An old wise tail says that the early Bird gets the worm! Granted most respectable fly fisherman would not be caught dead using a worm, but these soldiers were definitely early birds. Morning had come fast and alarm clocks could be heard going off at five o’clock, it was time to go west young man. Haven’t you been told that the Flat Head River holds trout that are tenacious and bold! There were more fish to be caught and more natural beauty to be discovered! They linked up with their guides on the bank of the Flat Head around nine o’clock; they had been ashore to long and could hear the river calling their names.

Just as steady as the oars hit the water, the trout were hammering flies. There were so many bugs coming off the water, it seemed as if the trout were in a feeding frenzy. The dynamic duo of David and George continued the onslaught of trout slaying, it was as if their infectious trout catching disease had carried over from the St. Regis. Ferris Butler and Greg Cartier fared well on this new stretch of water as well; it seemed they managed to get a few nice hook sets that kept their rod tips bent for a while. The team of Brian Mancini and Ceamus McDermott caught an amazing colorful trout that would give any sapphire a run for its money in luster. The fish seemed to be plentiful for most; Earl Rich could be heard back at the pull out point talking about the number large fish he and his teammate had managed to net. All in all, the Flat head River seemed to be more than generous to this group of men who have selflessly given so much. A continuation of camaraderie and laughter would be enjoyed over pizza and specialty micro brews at the Mackenzie River Pizza Company that night. These were real American guys, enjoying real American things. Pizza, Pepsi and fishing, who could ask for more, there was even a toast, to good friends, good times and good memories…. Cheers to that!

Friday the 25th of July: It was time to visit the Federation of Fly Fishers Conclave in White Fish, MT that was being held at the local high school gymnasium. Upon entering the venue the soldiers immediately saw a familiar face, their beloved friend John Colburn had made the grueling drive from Washington D.C. to White Fish, MT. After helping John set up the PHWFF booth the soldiers began to explore the numerous other kiosks that the Conclave had to offer. At about mid-day the soldiers found themselves on the front lawn of the high school, receiving a once in a life time opportunity. Ed Nicholson had arranged for all the soldiers to receive casting lessons from the industries finest. As the Soldiers paired up with the Master Caster’s they fine tuned their casting skills and were introduced to some more advanced casting techniques. After casting lessons were over a few of the soldiers found themselves fine tuning their tying skills in a Fly Tying class. Ceamus had taken advantage of a two hour block of instruction that would help him fine tune his skills in tying realistic Grass Hopper patterns, deer hair techniques, and tying parachute tube body May flies. The advice and lessons were well received amongst the soldiers as they worked their way through the Gymnasium floor.

After a day’s worth of great mentorship and instruction, the soldiers decided to try their newly acquired skills on the Smith Creek. Littered with amazing natural structure, the fishing proved to be challenging but plentiful to some. Al Altangerel managed to dial in his casting and reeled in an astonishing five Cut Throat Trout in a two hour period. Rick Patterson a PHW board member had also managed to crack the code to the challenging Smith Creek early. His skills and caring personality proved to be beneficial to the other anglers as well, as he put others onto fish allowing for the continuation of tight lines and zinging reels.

Saturday the 26th of July: This would be the last full day in Montana before taking the long flight back to the east coast. You could tell the soldiers felt a little sorrow in their hearts knowing that this amazing seven day voyage was soon coming to an end. It seemed that Montana had one more gift to share before these men headed back to the day to day grind of the treacherous healing process. Ed, had scheduled a trip to Glacier National Park that was an absolutely remarkable experience. Despite the astonishing natural surroundings that these Soldiers had experienced in the days past, this trip would prove to send the senses into overdrive.

As the two vehicle caravan ascended up the bumpy, narrow road filled with hundreds of switch backs the soldiers faces were literally glued to the windows as they tried to take it all in. Eyes wide with wonder and astonishment it was indeed one of the most miraculous views they had ever seen. Grand majestic mountains rose up out of the deep valley floors, as if they were reaching for the heavens. The peaks were decorated with crisp white snow caps that shimmered in the sunlight. The small mountain streams littered the mountain sides until they fused together forming a massive body of rushing, angry water. The sounds of water rushing over the mountain side cliffs and crashing to the bottom of the enormous valley floors could be heard for miles. The small droplets of water that mixed with cool mountain air created a magical mist as they made their slow ascend. At the turn around point they received the opportunity to exit the vehicles and explore a small portion of the park on foot, they were now able to view the sculpted mountains free of obstruction. Many pictures were taken and memories made.

In Reflection
On the Iwo Jima Memorial carved in granite for the world to see are the words “Uncommon Valor Was A Common Virtue”. As these eight Soldiers carried out the duties of our nation, no one would disagree with this statement. These are men that are continuing to be virtuous as they fight the battle after the war. Often we hear about “uncle Joe” or “Jim’s son from down on the corner” being wounded, what we fail to realize is that the pain staking healing process drudges on for years and often throughout the course of a lifetime. No injury or wound being exactly the same, the healing process is unique to the individual, just as it is to the body and mind. With experiences such as this, Project Healing Waters allows for the healing of a different sort; a healing of the heart, mind and soul, something that cannot be duplicated from a surgery or pill bottle. Whether it be a missing leg, eye, fractured back or a Traumatic Brain Injury, they came to the realization that life is far from over. I know this first hand, for I am one of the eight that stood high atop the mountain with my fellow brethren and have come to the conclusion that life is still at our fingertips.