VETS HEALING ON THE FLY
Vets Healing on the Fly is part of, and supported by, the Farmington Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Trout Unlimited is a national cold water conservation organization committed to preserving, protecting, and restoring our cold-water resources.
For any inquiries, questions, or to donate to Vets Healing on the Fly please reach out at HealingOnTheFly@FVTU.org
Our Mission
Vets Healing on the Fly is dedicated to assisting veterans and active-duty military personnel as they progress on their journey of healing. This is accomplished through fly fishing, fly tying, educational and outing related activities. All equipment and associated costs are provided at “no cost” to program participants.
Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization and a 501 [c] 3. Since local TU Chapters fall underneath the national organization’s umbrella, donations to Trout Unlimited, the Farmington Valley Chapter and Vets Healing on the Fly are considered a donation to a 501 [c} 3.
Locally, our veteran program officially started back in 2012 sponsored by the Farmington Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The program in Connecticut is affiliated with Newington VA. Our fly tying and rod building sessions are held at the American Legion Hall on Willard Avenue in Newington, about ½ mile away from the hospital.
Our program meets throughout the year for fly tying and rod building sessions and we also take the vets on 14+ outings on the water to allow them to fish the flys they have tied, use the flyrods they have built and develop and hone their skills in fly-fishing. Most importantly, being out on the water experiencing the sport of fly-fishing, they can focus on the fly on the water and enjoy tranquility, solitude and camaraderie with their fellow vets and vo9lunteer partners on the water. It helps them to cope and heal.
In 2024 here in CT, 38 volunteers donated 2,000+ hours to service some 36 active vet participants in 10 fly tying sessions, 8 rod building classes, 62 Fly Fishing Classes and 14 outings on mostly private water. Additionally, this year, some of our more advanced participants took part in some trips. We sent 2 vets to MT, 7 vets and two volunteers traveled to the Adirondacks. All of this costs $0 to the vet.
CORE VALUES
We hold the following core values as central to our success
Compassion
Our organization enables the physical and emotional recovery of our participants as it restores the bond of trust that they built while serving this great Nation.
Accountability
Our organization remains accountable to our Nation, to our participants, to our volunteers, to our sponsors, and to our donors.
Consistency
Our organization reliably provides high-quality programs for all volunteers and participants based-upon well-understood standards of excellence.
For any inquiries, questions, or to donate to Vets Healing on the Fly please reach out at HealingOnTheFly@FVTU.org