PHWFF First Annual Salmon River Trip — Altmar, NY
October 5-7, 2008
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF) had it’s first ever trip to the Salmon River October 5-7th, 2008 and it was a huge success. Over a dozen wounded soldiers and vets attended this event with many coming from the New York area Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC), the Ft. Drum Warrior Transition Unit, and several from the Ft. Belvoir, Virginia Warrior Transition Unit.
Many organizations and volunteers from the Altmar, NY and Oswego County area came together to support and make this event happen. Of note were Fran Verdoliva the Salmon River Program Coordinator for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, who opened up the waters near the NY Salmon River Fish Hatchery for use by the soldiers and veterans, and did a lot of the coordinating and planning for the event. Steven Murphy of Brookfield Renewable Power played an important role in raising support for the event, and cooperation from the Lake Ontario Production Center. Hans Karlsen of the Salmon Hills Outdoor Adventure Center provided lodging for the soldiers and vets and was an exceptional host during their stay. Fred Kuepper, an outdoor adventure fly fishing guide worked closely with Fran Verdoliva in organizing the event and provided guiding services during the event. He is now currently the Program Lead for the Oswego County Chapter of PHWFF and doing great things for the organization. Local fly fishing guides for the event were David Agnes, Charlie Blaas, Don Kennedy, Wayne Sherwood, Bett Hopkins, Paul Miller, Ron Nix, Jim Kelso, and SSG Bob Fleming of Ft. Drum. Members of the local American Legion Post supported the event by providing lunch for everyone on the first day of fishing. Other people to play an important role were LTC Edward Lachance, a PHWFF participant from Ft. Belvoir and a native of Syracuse, New York first suggested a trip to the Salmon River and played a big role in the initial planning of the event. Ray Markiewicz the PHWFF Northeast Regional Coordinator also played an important role in organizing and bringing in veterans from the area VAMC’s.
Being able to fish the open and secluded waters by the Salmon River Fish Hatchery was quite a treat for the soldier and veterans. Most other places along the Salmon River where packed with anglers standing elbow to elbow. Almost every soldier and veteran caught a large Salmon and event a few caught a nice Steelhead. For most it was their first time ever fishing for Salmon, especially ones as big as were in the Salmon River. It was an experience that was first rate and enjoyed by all, leaving everyone looking forward to next years trip!
By David Folkerts
Program Manager, PHWFF
