These fly fishing classes in Weatherford can help heal wounds for veterans and everyone

Dan Robertson has seen firsthand the effects of healing waters.

Now, he and his Parker County American Legion Post 163 are partnering for the first time with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. (PHWFF) to offer a couple of fly fishing classes in January and February. The events are supported by Fort Worth Fly Fishers.

The first event is a fly tying class on Jan. 18, followed by a fly rod casting class on Feb. 22. Both events are from 9 a.m.-noon at the Post 163, 200 Cartwright Park Road in Weatherford.

PHWFF began in 2005 serving disabled military service members returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Since, PHWFF has expanded nationwide.

PHWFF brings a high-quality, full-spectrum fly fishing program to an ever-expanding number of disabled active military service personnel. They focus their resources wherever the need is greatest. PHWFF has become recognized as an innovative leader and model in the field of therapeutic outdoor recreation for the disabled, through its successful application of the sport of fly fishing as a rehabilitation tool.

“I have been a volunteer helping the PHWFF when they take veterans on fly fishing outings. I am not a fly fisherman. I am a helper,” Robertson said. “I do this because I have witnessed the change in behavior of the men and women who have been associated with PHWFF. It takes them out of a shell and puts their minds on concentrating on tying the perfect fly and ultimately landing a fish on a fly rod.

“This idea for us to do this at the American Legion came from my association with PHWFF and what I have seen them do for veterans and others,” Robertson said. “We also wanted to create an environment for younger veterans and their families to spend quality time together.”

There is no charge for the classes. Also, all equipment and materials are provided by the PHWFF voluteers.

While the PHWFF events primarily target disabled veterans, Robertson said the Weatherford American Legion has opened participation in its two events to all in hopes of expanding awareness.

“While PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military members and veterans through fly fishing and associated activities, it aligns with the four pillars of the American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization,” Robertson said.

The four pillars are Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children and Youth.

“We feel this program promotes stability, not only for the veterans, but for their families as well. The fly tying teaches them to concentrate and focus again. Casting a fly rod does the same, and actually fishing teaches them how to hope again,” Robertson said. “Once the first fish is caught, doubt in the ability to catch a fish changes to hope, in that they are hoping to catch another, and another, and another.

“The five words most often heard from PHWFF participants are, ‘This program saved my life.’”

For more information on the classes, email pcalpost163@gmail.com or call 817-706-8936.

This story was originally published January 9, 2020 at 5:45 AM.