Our Fishing Experience schedule is:

• FX 1-10 11-16 May 6 Warriors
• FX 2-10 22-27 June 6 Warriors
• FX 3-10 20-25 July 4 Couples
• FX 4-10 17-22 August 4 Couples
• FX 5-10 14-19 September 6 Warriors
• FX 6-10 5-11 October 6 Warriors

Another honor for WQW Alum Matt Bradford! Matt received the USO Van Cleave Award in recognition of distinguished service presented at the USO Gala and Gold Medal Dinner in NYC, December 9, 2009. Matt and his Mom Debbie attended the event.

The following is an excerpt from a USO Facebook post by General Raymond T. Odierno who received the USO’s Distinguished Service Award at the Gala:

“On December 9th, I had the honor of attending the 48th Annual Armed Forces Gala and Gold Medal Dinner in New York City. The event, which was co-hosted by NBC’s Brian Williams, and retired Army Col. Jack A. Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in Vietnam, raised over $1 million dollars for the USO. The mission of the USO of Metropolitan New York is to positively contribute to the morale and personal welfare of U.S. military personnel and their families who reside in, are stationed in, or are visiting the tri-state area. The organization helps channel the American public’s desire to give back to those who serve the country into programs and services that enrich their lives.The USO’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to the only five living Air Force Medal of Honor recipients, Col. Bernard F. Fisher, Col. James P. Fleming, Col. Joe M. Jackson and Col. Leo K. Thorsness. Col. George E. Day was also honored, but was not present.

I was honored to receive the USO’s Distinguished Service Award, which was also awarded HBO for its outstanding military-themed programming, and Bruce Whitman, president and CEO of FlightSafety International, Inc., and co-chairman of the Medal of Honor Foundation. The USO’s Distinguished Service Award is USO’s premiere award that recognizes exemplary leadership and service to the armed forces.

Five Service Members, representing each branch of service were given the Van Cleave Award in recognition of distinguished service, accomplishments and demonstrated leadership while deployed overseas: First Sergeant James Meltz; Lance Corporal Matthew Bradford; Captain Justin Conelli; Petty Officer Benjamin Foster; and Construction Mechanic First Class William Albano. These service members represent the new great generation of young men and women, who in an era of persistent conflict have raised their right hands and volunteered to bear the heavy burden of war on behalf of a nation. Their bravery and resiliency never cease to amaze me, and they deserve our recognition and thanks.”

“I’ve been in the wounded warrior community for over 3 years, both as a patient and staff. The level of commitment, passion, and resources that Warriors and Quiet Waters offer these veterans is unequivocally the best I’ve seen to date.” 

                   Wounded Marine Captain and 2009 FX Participant

There were so many 2009 Fishing Experience highlights that it’s hard to select which ones to feature. FX 1 was held in early May.  For the past two years, wounded warriors (WW’s) have stayed in a private home southwest of Bozeman.  This home was not available for ‘09, and WQW made arrangements to rent a vacation home a few miles northwest of Bozeman on the East Gallatin River.  The 356 Ranch was a great location for the WW’s, and WQW is very grateful to the 356 Ranch owners who made a generous donation to help with the cost of rental.  FX 2 in June offered some great fishing for the WW participants including a trip to legendary 16 Mile Creek on the CA Ranch.  The Anderson family, owners of the CA and 16 Mile Creek, have kindly allowed WQW access to this amazing fishery, and trips to 16 Mile are very special.  In 2008, we arranged to take a group of wounded warriors on a combined fishing and camping trip to Slough Creek in Yellowstone Park.  Due to extraordinarily high water, we were unable to do the July ’08 trip to Slough.  Undaunted, we scheduled another July trip in 2009.  Yellowstone Park cooperated by allowing us to secure a reservation for a Slough Creek campground and waived the entrance fee for the wounded warriors, and the Ohrstrom family, owners of Silver Tip Ranch (STR) on Slough Creek located just outside the Park boundary in Montana, arranged for the four wounded warriors and the four volunteer guide companions and their gear to ride up to the Slough Creek campground in the horse drawn, rubber tired Silver Tip Ranch wagons.  The weather and the trout cooperated, too, resulting in a spectacular trip that went so well that Bob Frey, WQW volunteer guide leader, commented “The trip went so well it was scary!”  Included in the group of 4 wounded warriors who went to Slough were 3 one-armed amputee anglers.  I had the good fortune to accompany the group for the first couple days of the adventure, and it was amazing to watch 3 one armed guys catch one beautiful Yellowstone cutthroat after another on big Green Drake mayfly imitations.  Nobody kept count, so, I can say whatever I wish, but I’d say that collectively, the Slough Creek wounded warriors caught well over 100 trout, all on dry flies!!  In August, WQW ran the second Couples Fishing Experience.  In 2008, we offered the first Couples FX or 4 couples, and it was so well received that we did it again in 2009 for 5 couples!  The opportunity for the wives to accompany their wounded warrior husbands is a unique occasion.  The Couples FX is run in a fashion similar to our regular FX’s with some special events added for the women which included a full day at a local spa!  All of our wounded warrior participants are very special, but on the September FX 5 event, we met a most extraordinary young man, Matt Bradford.  Matt, a Marine, was blown up in an IED explosion in which he lost both his legs and his sight.  The challenge of teaching a blind wounded warrior with no legs how to fly fish and then to take him fishing was daunting, but Matt wanted to come on the trip so much that we agreed to bring him to Bozeman.  The experience with Matt was remarkable.  Not only did he master the technique of fly casting, when we took the wounded warriors out on the pond to fish following the morning’s instruction, Matt was the first angler to catch a trout!  On the following day, Matt caught trout on dry flies on the Madison River. That’s right, a blind wounded warrior angler catching trout on dry flies.  Remarkable!!  Matt had a wonderful trip and all that met him and worked with him remarked on his positive attitude, his great sense of humor, and his dedication to dealing with his handicaps.  Heading into the final FX of the year in mid-October, the weather was miserable.  During the prior week, it was very cold and snowy and there was some concern about whether the FX could occur.  The decision was made to move forward in spite of the weather, and our patience was rewarded as the weather moderated and warmed up, and FX 6 was a grand success.  Due to the previous week’s cold weather, the water had cooled down, and the fishing was a bit slow, but all the wounded warriors caught trout and had fun.  FX 6 included a slight twist in that all the WW’s got to attend a Montana State University Bobcat football game where they tailgated with MSU fans and were introduced during the pre-game flag and National Anthem ceremony.  It was moving to see the response of the students and fans and hear 10,000+ folks applauding the wounded warriors as they walked out to mid-field for the anthem and flag ceremony.  It was a fitting ending to another great year for the Warriors and Quiet Waters program. 

There are many factors that contribute to the success of the Warrior and Quiet Waters program.  Living, as we do, in arguably the finest location in the US for fly fishing for trout, the abundant-God-given resources at hand provide lots of outstanding fly fishing opportunities, and many Bozeman area landowners kindly open up their properties for WQW use.  WQW is blessed by numerous donors who provide generous support which allows us to provide these amenities to the WW’s, and the 100’s of volunteer companions, “WQW Mom’s”, drivers, and volunteer guides surround the wounded warrior participants with a warm, caring “family” atmosphere that allows them to relax and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of fly fishing for trout in the mountains and around the moving water of southwest Montana.  Thank you. 

As we near the end of 2009, many consider charitable gifts to their favorite charities.  Warriors and Quiet Waters asks you to consider giving to support our 2010 Fishing Experience program.  You may send donations directly to WQW at PO 1165, Bozeman, MT  59771 or simply visit the donations page on this website and make your gift online.  Thank you for your support! 

Dave Kumlien, WQW Board member and Director of Fly Fishing Operations

2008 IRS Form 990-W&QW.pdf

By Chris Fleck

Instead of fishing tips or comments, I felt compelled to share with the readers something truly worthwhile regarding the sport of fly fishing and the impact it can have on an individual. Last year about this time, I wrote a column about the therapeutic effects of fly fishing following my experience helping guide a group of Soldiers and Marines with the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation in Bozeman. Last week, I had the pleasure of once again helping out with this outstanding program.

The veterans participating in this program are in various stages of recovering from traumatic wounds as a result of their service in Iraq or Afghanistan, and in most cases, have been undergoing extensive medical care for several months. Most are in their early 20’s, married with young children, and have served multiple tours in one or both countries. Some are severely disabled. In addition to the physical scars they bare, their experiences have extracted a heavy toll mentally as well.

It is truly an inspiration to see these young veterans experience fly fishing on a Montana stream and receive the simple and pure rejuvenation of both body and spirit that fly fishing provides. Most have not even fished before, let alone fly fished. The opportunity to spend time with these veterans was extremely gratifying. The participation of one young Marine in particular stands out as an example of tremendous courage and remarkable attitude, and typifies the positive impact of this program.

Not only did this young man suffer from a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), he was also a double leg amputee. Oh, and by the way, he was blind. After a short bit of instruction, he was able to learn to fly fish from his wheel chair as well as in a boat. As if that wasn’t enough, through a combination of feel and listening to his guide, he also caught several fish. What an amazing experience!  This same young Marine has also completed a 5k race with his prosthetic legs, so that should also tell you something about his desire to overcome adversity.

I left that day feeling pretty sheepish about how I, like many others, often fail to enjoy fly fishing just for the sake of the experience. I can’t wait to share this story this summer the first time a client goes berserk because of a botched cast or a missed hook set. I think it will be a pretty humbling experience.

As they learn to cope with life altering injuries, these young people display extraordinary enthusiasm and gratitude simply 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, in return, they showed me what the true meaning of fly fishing is all about. While many anglers I encounter fret over the number of fish caught or how big they are, that was all irrelevant to this group. Imagine fly fishing purely for its own intrinsic value. We could all benefit from this perspective. 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.

I’ll admit that I’m partial to helping these young service men and women. Probably because they remind me of many of those with whom I have served. Even under the most adverse conditions, their indomitable attitude and spirit shines through. This isn’t about being pro-military or for or against a war. It’s about providing an experience that makes a difference for these “kids” over the long haul of their recovery and in their future lives. That’s what counts.

Many of these veterans’ injuries have a cumulative effect and the long-term impacts are uncertain. 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. Merely receiving a short break from life in a military hospital is much appreciated.

The Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization and hosts several groups of these veterans during the year for 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.

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.

FX 5-09 has been shortened by one day to the normal 6 day schedule.  FX 6-09 has been extended by one day to accommodate the football game and still allow the full fishing experience.

The current schedule is as follows:

• FX 1-09 5 May-10 May
• FX 2-09 16 June-21 June
• FX 3-09 13 July-19 July (Slough Creek Trip)
• FX 4-09 18 August-23 August (Couples)
• FX 5-09 15 September-20 September
• FX 6-09 13 October-19 October

• FX 1-09 5 May-10 May
• FX 2-09 16 June-21 June
• FX 3-09 13 July-19 July (Slough Creek Trip)
• FX 4-09 18 August-23 August (Couples)
• FX 5-09 15 September-21 September
• FX 6-09 13 October-18 October

 We pair each of the six warriors with a volunteer and an experienced guide.    We prefer that the volunteers be fly fishermen but are not hard over on that.  We ask that on the river the volunteers that are fly fishermen, not to fish, but rather be helpers and companions for the warriors.

 A typical Fishing Experience (FX) goes as follows:

Day 1   Greeting, Transportation to Residence, Dinner at Home by “Moms”

Day 2   “Fly Fishing 101″ at a Local Pond, Dinner at Home by “Moms”

Day 3   Guided Fishing, Dinner at Home by “Moms”

Day 4   Guided Tour of Yellowstone Park, Dinner at a Restaurant Enroute To “Home”

Day 5   Guided Fishing And Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Local Restaurant

Day 6   Goodbyes and Departure.

If you would like to contribute or volunteer select the appropriate button above.

Thanks for your interest.

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!