June 8, 2021
Memorial Day to veterans and service members is much more than a backyard barbeque, playing volleyball at the beach, or spending time with family and friends. This is a time to remember and reflect on the honorable sacrifices of our comrades. This weekend is exactly what our Johnson City program did after months of isolation, separation, and quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although they were very successful throughout the past several months conducting virtual meetings to reach out to one another, nothing compares to an in-person event.
This Memorial weekend was the first time that volunteers and participants of the Tennessee Valley region have been able to plan such activities. An all-veteran group of twenty gathered on the banks of the South Holston River to spend time together and remember our fallen heroes. The service opened with an invocation followed by words of remembrance and the presentation of the “Missing Man Table”.
Many passersby stopped to review the display, ask questions, and offer their gratitude. After lunch we provided some casting instruction and helped new participants catch their very first trout on a flyrod.
Just being present on the river with these fellow veterans during this first catch and witnessing the smiles on their faces helps us to remember “why” we do which is far more important than “what” we do. May we always remember our fallen heroes and remember why they served.
“May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.”-Sgt. Major Bill Paxton
February 9, 2021
The Tennessee Valley Region is happy to announce the implementation of their first photo contest! We welcoming any participants in the TN Valley Region who would like to join us in sharing to send their favorite photo for a photo contest on the TN Valley Region Facebook Page.
During the COVID-19 shutdown our programs did not have the ability to meet physically, so we have turned to social media resources such as Facebook, Zoom, and MS Teams to conduct virtual meetings. Over the past several months, we have held numerous fly tying demonstrations, rod building classes, and many other instructional activities surrounding the art of fly fishing. During this process, we shared many photos and stories from our fly tying desks with one another. Veterans take pride in their work and personal accomplishments so we decided to start sharing photos of our fly tying desks to the public.
We have asked that any participants in the region who would like to join us in sharing to send their favorite photo to the Program Leads who will forward to the region to be showcased on our Facebook page. The deadline to enter is February 26th. We will then keep the photos posted on Facebook and on March 5th, the photo with the most “Likes” will be declared the winner.
The link to our regional Facebook page is: Project Healing Waters TN Valley Region | Facebook
May 15, 2018
The Tennessee Valley region conducted their regional casting competition May 11th at Audubon Acres in Chattanooga, TN. The event was hosted by the Chattanooga Program and five programs across the region participated in the competition. Congratulations to Henry Stockman, USMC, from the Chattanooga Program for winning first place! Watch the short video below:
Related: The Inaugural Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Casting Competition
The Casting Competition was made possible by a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF). BWF leverages its expertise and collaborative network to find, fund and shape innovative programs that help our impacted veterans, service members and their families thrive. Receiving a grant from BWF is an honor that recognizes the dedication, focus and effectiveness of our staff, volunteers and supporters.
January 2, 2018
On the weekend of December 9th , eleven veterans from the Tennessee Valley Region were given the opportunity to visit Rose River Farms, Syria, VA. The temperatures were cold and it snowed most of the weekend, but, that didn’t stop them from spending time on the Rose River fly fishing. The water was cold, low, and clear, which made for some stealthy measures to luck up on a strong fighting rainbow or brown. Everyone enjoyed a great time of fellowship, camaraderie, and healing on the river along with tying flies and swapping stories back at the cabins.
“Memories like these do not fade quickly, but, are kept in the hearts and minds of those with whom they were created.”