Fly fishing program for veterans launched in eastern Idaho
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IDAHO FALLS — A new chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is beginning in east Idaho as a way to give veterans a place to talk and relieve themselves of their troubles.
The organization was created to help veterans cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other injuries in relation to their service. Untreated PTSD often leads to other problems, including panic disorder, substance abuse, depression and suicidal feelings.
Project Healing Waters began in 2005 and is now a worldwide organization. The program was brought to eastern Idaho several years ago but became inactive until late last year.
“Teaching a new hobby and skill trait gives them something to focus their minds on instead of getting distracted by their troubles,” said assistant program leader Keegan Berrett. “It gives them the opportunity to meet more veterans they can reach out to for help. There is no better person to talk to than someone who understands what you went through and understands why you have the struggles that you have.”
Berrett found the program through Facebook. He and two others sent the organization emails around the same time and learned the closest program was located in Boise. That’s when Project Healing Waters launched a branch in east Idaho.
The group meets every month at different locations in the Idaho Falls and Rigby area. Businesses, such as Jimmy’s All Seasons Angler, provide their facilities for free and other provisions are donated.
“They let us take the stuff home to practice with. Most of the time if my PTSD kicks in, I go to the gym, but I can’t go to the gym five times a day. It will kill me. So instead I started to do this,” said veteran Jake Versteeg.
The program is run by local veterans and volunteers. Other events, such as an upcoming float trip, are held to give participants some relief.
“I thoroughly enjoy it. I’m in love with it and even when the program is done, I will continue with it,” Versteeg said.