FX 6-08 has been rescheduled to commence two weeks later than originally scheduled.  It will now start on Tuesday, 23 September and conclude on Sunday, 28 September.

FX 3-08

From 5 to 11 July, 2008 with Wounded Warriors (WWs) from

Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC); Center For The Intrepid (CFI); Balboa Naval Hospital (BNH)

                Like March, FX 3-08 came in like a lion, and left, if not quite like a lamb, like a calmed ram!  The original plan was to take four WWs and a Recreation Therapist (RT) on the camping and cutthroat trout fishing trip of a lifetime-a four-day trip into world famous Slough Creek in northern Yellowstone Park via horse-drawn wagons.  However unseasonably cool weather and 300% annual average snow pack combined with a week of hot weather to produce a sudden, un-fordable, dirty river and flooded meadow campgrounds.

                And so, with very little time and a lot of effort, a wrenching “octaflugeron” maneuver tamed the problem by producing some legendary fishing on alternative day-trips to local area rivers.  And thanks to the flexibility and generosity of Lynn and Jan Perkins, their beautiful and spacious home (overlooking the Bridger Golf Course, Bozeman, the Gallatin and Bridger mountain ranges) was swiftly turned in to the bed, breakfast and dinner home away from home.

                Saturday 5 July, 3 WWs plus a recreation therapist from “CFI” & BAMC arrived at Gallatin Field via the courtesy of Veterans Airlift Command and its donor pilots, Phil Rosenbaum (with his PC-12 Pilatus flying from San Antonio to Fort Collins) and David Schump (and his Piper Malibu flying from Fort Collins to Gallatin Field).  WW passengers were John Carter, US Army; Jamie Pistoli, US Army; TJ Edwards, USMC; and Heather Gardner, civilian RT.  Also arriving from San Diego via commercial air was David Belcher, USMC.  After orienting to their new home, volunteers, guides, board members and WWs assembled for a tenderloin barbeque.

                Sunday, 6 July, after a hearty and hot breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, milk and coffee, all 5 guests climbed in Tom O’Connor’s new Honda Pilot for a guided trip along the Yellowstone River up “the Paradise” valley, through the Gardiner Gate and into the Park.  Sights included the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with Upper and Lower Falls, Artists’ Point, some buffalo and elk, Old Faithful, some mud pots and boiling springs, Gibbon Falls, the Firehole and Madison Rivers, West Yellowstone and the equally beautiful trip out of the Park and down the Gallatin River Canyon, past Lone Mountain and Big Sky, MT.  After 12 hours enroute, they arrived to a Sunday dinner of baked ham, sweet potatoes, broccoli and rice, ambrosia and ice cream.  They needed it-and enjoyed it with a host of other guests!

                Monday, 7 July began with another great breakfast followed by a quick trip to Simms Fishing Products “gear issue” hosted by Colleen Trayser and crew fitting the WWs and RT with boots, waders, rain jackets, hats, T-shirts, and issuing sun screen and lip balm for all.  All then were driven to John and Ramona Baden’s ranch and ponds for a day of “Fly Fishing-101″ taught by master guide, outfitter and FFF-Certified instructor, Dave Kumlien and his crew of certified guides, aided by volunteers.   After a tasty chicken lunch, provided by “Moms”, all WWs and guides jumped on the spring-fed series of ponds for some practical application of theory and techniques.  Within minutes whoops, whistles and cries of “fish on” were heard.  All WWs immediately began adapting techniques to accommodate their particular disabilities-all of which began to recede into the background as non-dominant arms took over, problems were solved and coordination improved.  Doc Flaherty took an office call at 7:00 p.m. in order to calm a growing ear infection.

                Tuesday, 8 July began very early with another great breakfast, a quick trip to Montana Troutfitters where the WWs and RT were paired with their guides and their volunteers for a day of float fishing on the upper Madison on the beautiful stretch from Palisades to Story Ditch.  The day was beautiful, the company and comments exquisite-but the fishing was downright, well, “fishing” with very little “catching”.  But…all successfully caught some fish with a few browns in the 16-inch category.  All returned home hungry to a make-your-own taco and burrito extravaganza.  Sleep came quickly and easily, as all were refreshed by their experiences.  Doc Flaherty made a house call to calm severe allergies and a scratched cornea before the eye went “hard down”! 

                Wednesday, 7 July was another early jump out of the chute with a great, hot breakfast.  By 7:00 a.m., Dave Kumlien dispatched 5 teams of WWs, guides and volunteers to Willow Creek for exclusive use, courtesy and generosity of the Millers and the Wards.  Dave Belcher, Bob Frey, TJ Edwards and Ted Campbell went high, at the top of the canyon, hiking down the creek.  Literally from the first few casts, fish were either missed or “on”, eating  “*&^^%*” flies (now why would anyone in their right mind divulge that secret fly?).  Their day was heightened by the presence of a nesting pair of bald eagles with immature still at home; a six-foot bull snake (looks enough like a rattler to get anyone’s attention in well known rattlesnake country) that literally fell off a cliff at their feet; and too many browns and rainbows to count!  Meanwhile, Jamie Pistoli, Ernie Strum, John Carter, Mark Fogelsong, Heather Gardner and Dave Robinson all went low in the meadows below the canyon and below the Millers’ headquarters.  Besides one-armed fishing (reflect for a moment on the difficulties of hooking, keeping and retrieving with one arm and a hook a fighting fish) Jamie and John simultaneously had to learn to compensate for light, above-the-knee leg prostheses-either getting it stuck in the mud and walking out of it, or losing balance in the stream as the light prosthetic leg washed downstream in strong current.  But these heroes still learned and adjusted and caught fish while they solved problems until they were pleasantly exhausted!  That night, all were treated to a pork loin BBQ, Key Lime Pie and ice cream.  Regrettably, TJ had to leave the following morning for a wedding and “best man” duties.  Even changing his last name to “Perkins” couldn’t keep him in Montana.

                Thursday, 8 July dawned early and warmer, yet with a cold front tightly on the way.  Driving 40 miles to the “Climbing Arrow Ranch” and the Andersons’ legendary Sixteen Mile Creek stretch, Dave Kumlien said:  You may not be in heaven-but you can sure see it from here!”  Jamie Pistole and John Carter and their guides Mark Fogelsong and Bob Frey stayed lower in the meadows; while Dave Belcher, Dave Robinson, Dave Kumlien, Kevin Kumlien, Heather Gardner and Eric Hastings all went higher, across the famed movie “A River Runs Through It” tunnel and bridge and into the canyon.  In one phrase, fishing-and catching-were spectacular, in spite of wind!  Numbers; size; fight; surroundings:  so many wonderful and memorable jousts, no one wanted to quit.  Notwithstanding a fish-eating rattlesnake (see photo), the experience passed and everyone was forced to go eat broiled tri-tip and chicken dinner at the Gourmet Gas Station as all WWs, guides, volunteers and some donors enjoyed one last dinner together.

                Friday, we all marched off to the airport as if condemned.  No one wanted to leave, so we traded a few more stories and recollections of big ones and fighters that got clean away-or maybe were caught.   Dave Schump arrived with his Piper Malibu, we took some group photos, hugged each other, shed a tear or two, said “Aloha”-and promptly forgot the in-flight lunches the Moms prepared.   All got home safe, refreshed and determined to come back!

Here’s some words of wisdom from one of our WQW volunteer guides, Chris Fleck.  Chris writes a fly fishing article for the Stillwater County News, and this excerpt came from a recent column. 

…….Finally, I have a few thoughts regarding the therapeutic effects of fly fishing. This past week, I had the pleasure of spending a few days helping guide a group of Soldiers and Marines who are recovering from traumatic wounds as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation in Bozeman is a 501(c) (3) organization that was founded in 2007, and hosts several groups of these veterans during the year for a period of six days of rehabilitative recreation centered around fly fishing for trout on some of Montana’s pristine waters. For further information, visit their web site at www.warriorsandquietwaters.org. Most of these veterans have suffered severe injuries or wounds and have been undergoing extensive medical care for several months. However, to a man, they look at their wounds simply as part of their job. They don’t feel they are owed anything, and don’t expect, nor want to be treated any differently. Just receiving a short break from life in a military hospital is much appreciated.

As they learn to cope with life altering injuries, these young people display extraordinary enthusiasm and gratitude merely for the opportunity to enjoy a recreational activity that many of us routinely take for granted. While I may have helped these veterans learn a bit about fly fishing skills, in return, they showed me what the true meaning of fly fishing is all about. I definitely came out ahead in that deal. While most anglers I encounter fret over how many fish are caught or how big they are, that was all irrelevant to this group. Imagine fly fishing purely for its own intrinsic value. What a concept!  We could all benefit from this perspective. The opportunity to spend time with these veterans was extremely inspirational. Seeing firsthand the rehabilitative impact of fly fishing is as rewarding as it gets. I don’t think I’ll ever look at it the same way again. Talk about a humbling experience!  

Chris Fleck lives outside of Columbus and owns Semper Fish & Guide, a fly fishing outfitter service. He can be contacted at chris@semperfishandguide.com or by phone at 406-321-0564. 

Having concluded another Fishing Experience for Wounded Warriors the following is a summation of their stay in Big Sky Country.

 Tuesday, 17 June.  The second group of wounded warriors arrived on schedule shortly after noon to clear skies and warm temperatures.  After arrival “meet and greet” proceeded to Simms Fishing Products.  All the warriors were fitted with boots, waders and rain jackets as well as many other fishing accessories.  Following Simms the warriors were taken on a tour of Bozeman and Montana State University and then to the residence they will call home for the next six days.  Some snacks and relax before dinner.  Big steak dinner followed by massages for those that wanted them and then crash in preparation for the next day.

 Wednesday, 18 June.  Another perfect day, not a cloud in the sky.  Following a large breakfast the warriors proceeded to some local ponds for a day of instruction and practice.  Bob Jacklin, one of the preeminent fly casters in the world provided great guidance to the warriors, both theory and practical.  Following the instruction the warriors were teamed up with their guide and volunteer for practice casting on the grass.  An all you can eat fried chicken lunch was then followed by the real thing, getting on the water.  The fish were hungry, they were big, and everyone caught numerous fish.  Just about quitting time the afternoon thunderstorm came along and dampened the fishing but not the warrior’s spirits.  Home to a meal of home made lasagna and garlic bread and kick back in preparation for another day.

 Thursday, 19 June.  A day on the rivers and streams.  After teaming up with their guides and volunteers at Montana Troutfitters the warriors headed out to fish. The group was split with two going to Willow Creek ands the other four floating the Madison River in drift boats.  Everybody was successful in catching fish but the Madison was muddied by runoff and everyone had to work hard to catch fish.  Willow Creek was pretty clear and the fishing was better.  Back home after a great day outdoors to another large dinner.

 Friday, 20 June.  Big day in Yellowstone National Park.  Manned up in a Karst Stage bus equipped with DVD player so were able to see videos about Yellowstone before actually getting there.  Saw a grizzly bear enroute to the Park.  Picked up a park guide at Yellowstone Alpen Guides-Brenda.  The warriors were enthused to have female company.  Picnic lunches from Mama Mac’s on the deck at Old Faithful Inn after watching Old Faithful erupt.  Back in the van to middle geyser basin to view grand Prismatic Spring and other thermal activity.  A stop at the mud pots concluded the trip within Yellowstone.  45 minute stop in West Yellowstone for Tee shirt & souvenir shopping and then home.  All you can eat taco bar concluded the day

 Saturday, 21 June.  Another day of fishing.  Due to high water conditions on most streams two warriors went to DePuy spring creek and four warriors went to Willow Creek.  Everybody had a good day.  The weather was perfect and the fish hungry.  The day concluded with a farewell dinner at the Gourmet Gas Station.  All of the guides and volunteers joined the wounded warriors for a great meal of prime rib and salmon.

 Sunday, 22 June.  Leisurely get up to a mid morning brunch.  Pack up and to the airport at noon.  Goodbyes all around and the warriors were off, winging back to California

Friday, 2 May.  Up early and in a small bus for the trip to Yellowstone National Park.  Picked up a guide in West Yellowstone and then into the park.  All entrance fees were waived by the Park-A most welcome gesture of support for our wounded warriors.  As we had a predicted time for Old Faithful we moved fairly rapidly, stopping only to see numerous buffalo and elk.  There were a few baby buffalo out but still pretty early in the spring.  Lots of snow remains in the park.  Got to Old Faithful just in time to see it erupt.  The Park graciously allowed us the use of one of the yurts to get out of the cold while we ate our Moms packed lunches.  After lunch we headed to a rumored grizzly sighting and indeed there was one.  We all got an excellent look at the very large grizzly feeding on a bison carcass thanks to our guides spotting scope.  Moving on down the road a Ranger pointed out to us a black bear also feeding.  What a bonus-Both a grizzly and a black bear on the same trip.  We were unable to take any of the boardwalks around the thermal features as they were still covered with a lot of snow and impassable by wheelchair.  On out way out of the Park took a side trip to see Gibbon Falls.  In West Yellowstone the warriors shopped for souvenirs for a while and then back home for a pizza and taco night and just chill out.

Saturday, 3 May.  The best weather so far for a day on the river.  After hooking up with their guides and volunteers all the warriors headed to the Yellowstone River for a full day float fishing trip.  The weather was perfect, the Paradise Valley scenery was magnificent and the fishing was poor for the majority of the day.  Lunch was on a rocky beach with huge sandwiches from Mama Mac’s deli.  After a frustrating afternoon we were about ½ mile from the take out point when it happened-The fish started to hit all warriors’ flies.  We delayed everything while they caught fish.  Big scramble to get back to the house, shower and get to Riverside Country Club for a scheduled 7:30 PM farewell dinner.  Most of the guides and the volunteers were there and we had a wonderful time.  Tom Travis, one of the guides, had polished pieces of petrified wood that he had picked up on the Yellowstone and each warrior got one as a remembrance of Montana.  The also all got Access cards, courtesy of Yellowstone National Park, that will allow them and accompanying carload access to all National Parks and recreation areas for the rest of their lives. 

Sunday, 4 May.  Lazy morning with a sleep in by most of the Warriors.  Brunch served at 10:00 by Moms with way too much food but appreciated.  Pack up to get ready to go to the airport.  With the donated waders, boots and jackets most had difficulty getting it all in.  Off to the airport at 12:30 to find the plane there on our arrival.  Load up the gear, take a few pictures and say our farewells and they were off at 1:45.  A most rewarding and satisfying event for all.

Thursday, 1 May.  The day broke clear and not too cold.  Two of the warriors went on two different radio stations in the morning prior to hitting the streams.  We divided the group with three going to the Madison River to float and three going to De Puy Spring Creek to wade fish.  Everybody caught fish-Except the corpsman.  But everybody had a good time.  We finished the day with an extraordinary meal at the Gallatin River Lodge hosted by the owner, Steve Gamble.  Most of the warriors elected for the 16 oz bison steak and all managed to get around it successfully. Back home and tucked in anticipating the trip to Yellowstone National Park tomorrow.

Wednesday 30 April.  Mother Nature showed us that we weren’t through with winter yet.  We woke up to six inches on new white stuff.  The two wounded warriors form Florida and San Diego were delighted to the point of making snow angels in their underwear.  With some scrambling and the assistance of Montana State University we moved the morning training session into one of the gyms on campus.  Warm, dry and well fed we concluded the morning with all wounded warriors gaining the basics of fly casting.  Mother Nature took pity on us in the early afternoon and under sunny skies moved to a local stocked pond for the real thing.  All warriors managed to catch fish and had a good time.  After all had caught fish Mother Nature decide that was enough and a snow squall blew in to wind up fishing for the day.  A few of the interested warriors went on a tour of the campus in the late afternoon and then all went to the Gourmet Gas Station for an excellent dinner.  Back to home to relax and to bed.

Our first FX of 2008 starts today with the arrival of six wounded warriors-3 Marines and 3 Army.  They are al severely wounded ranging from chest wounds to bi-lateral leg amputations but are all looking forward to their time learning to fly fish.  Following their six days here they will return to their respective military hospitals, bases or homes for continued therapy and recovery.

Last year Warriors and Quiet Waters hosted 13 wounded warriors on two Fishing Experiences (FXs).  This year we are hosting 34 wounded warriors on six FXs.  The schedule for this year is:

• FX1 29 April-4 May
• FX2 17 June-22June
• FX3 5 July-11 July (Slough Creek Trip)
• FX4 22 July-27 July
• FX5 12 August-17 August
• FX6 9 September-14 September

This is what we do during each regular FX:

Day 1        Greeting, Transportation to Residence, Dinner at Local Restaurant

Day 2        Fly Fishing 101″ At Baden Ranch, Dinner Cooked By “Moms” At Residence

Day 3        Guided Fishing, Dinner at Local Restaurant

Day 4        Guided Tour of Yellowstone Park, Dinner at Home by “Moms”

Day 5        Guided Fishing and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

Day 6        Goodbyes and Departure

We pair each warrior with a volunteer and an experienced guide.  We ask that on the river the volunteers with the warriors be fly fishermen although we ask them not to fish, but be helpers for the warriors.

If you want to help, either financially or with your labor, select the appropriate button

Thank you for visiting Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation on the web. We exist to provide high-quality therapeutic and rehabilitative recreation, primarily to young enlisted servicemen and women wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan still in rehab in the military hospital system.

If you are interested in making a donation please see our donations page. If you would like to donate your time or have questions regarding our program please see the contact page.