There are things that people should do for their mental health. Sleep, eat the right foods, exercise, reduce stress, participate in a physical community, and practice some form of meditation. (For an exhaustive list, go talk to your therapist (or closest friend)… something else you should do for your mental health)

“Meditation, which is the practice of focused concentration, bringing yourself back to the moment over and over again, actually addresses stress, whether positive or negative.” Meditation can also reduce the areas of anxiety, chronic pain, depression, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Mayo Clinic

A proven form of meditation is Fly Fishing. There are quite a few veteran specific nonprofits which now utilize this form of sports therapy as a gateway to promote life change. Bringing someone (out of isolation) into a community of like-minded individuals and teaching them functional recreation is often the catalyst to a positive cascade of changes. 

The nonprofit, Warrior Community Connect recently began hosting fly fishing trips for local veterans. I was asked to assist in the process because of my previous experiences and obliged. It’s a sincere pleasure to watch those new to the sport find the peace that it brings. Getting outside into nature and away from the noise of everyday life is a respite everyone needs. But sometimes it’s hard to arrange and sadly, fly fishing is not a cheap sport to start on your own. 

A Short Few Days

Meeting up on Thursday we got together for dinner. Dinner with this group is never just dinner. Have you observed a meal with veterans? It’s much the same with active duty but they are more reclusive… veterans are all around you. Find some and invite them to dinner. Ask questions, sit quietly and learn.

Anyway, amazing food and drinks paired with harrowing tales, and deviant topics spill out around the fire. As the darkness of night deepens, so do the topics.

Friday we started with a block of instruction on the sport and then broke up to practice casting and be mentored at our specific skill levels.

After lunch we fished local water for a few hours. The undertone of the Marine Corps birthday was felt by all, mostly because the Marines wouldn’t stop talking about it. We ensured there was a birthday cake and that the first slice was passed from oldest to youngest Marine present; then an Army vet presents them with crayons.

Dinner, drinks, deviance to depth; we repeat the cycle again around a bigger, warmer fire that night. Fostering a conversation of meaning when everyone is tired can be difficult but we were up to the task. Medications and varying schedules caused staggered departures, while some had to return home to responsibilities; not everyone can slow down for an entire weekend. 

Saturday we broke up to fish different locations of the guide’s choosing. This is always a treat. A fishing guide is so much more than an instructor or fish gps. Sure, they know where the fish are and work to enhance your skill so you can catch them, but the best guides are good with people. 

Fish stories, life and family, world travel and tragedy, the conversations wax and wane mixed with periods of quiet. The kind of quiet in which the soul can mend. We put away our troubles and focus on the water, the fly, and the fish. We become part of nature, finding a sense of belonging and peace. 

But there is always an end. We negotiate with time, hoping to delay the inevitable return to responsibility and stress.

We claim things like, “just one more cast” or “let me try this fly and then I’ll be done.” This is less about the fish and more about the moment. Only after you witness or experience an event like this can you understand the ROI for society. Bringing our warriors into community to strengthen each other ripples out to their neighborhoods and makes an impact day to day. 

Saturday night, after an excellent Veterans Day, surrounded by our people, we gather again around the fire and hold our brother’s burdens. We find we are not alone in our struggles and receive encouragement to continue the fight. These necessary moments are difficult, but difficult is what we do. Late night conversations lead to early morning as the embers burn low, the ash still warm a few hours later when we wake to say goodbye. 

Sunday morning coffee and bitter-sweet admissions of impending reality tinge the weekend with sadness but are easily offset by our reunion with loved ones and the promise of a future fish, another fire, and deeper friendships. 

Thanks to:
Jake Villwock and the guides of Relentless Fly Fishing
TCO Flyshop
Allenberry
The generous supporters from Ride Allegheny
And Walt with Warrior Community Connect who brought this trip to life.

-Drew OUT!

These Veteran stories of struggle, adventure, and post traumatic growth need to be heard!
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Drew founded Mental Grenade Jan 2020. He is a follower of Jesus Christ, a medically retired Marine, EOD Tech, husband, father, writer, mountain biker, photographer, facilitator, and fly-fisherman. He seeks to bridge the civilian – military divide and bring hope through honest communication about difficult issues.

These Veteran stories of struggle, adventure, and post traumatic growth need to be heard!
Join the cause to de-stigmatize mental health issues.
Please SUBSCRIBE, share our website with friends / co-workers, and support us by donation or at the STORE.