About Us

Locally, our veteran program officially started back in 2012 as a part of Project Healing Waters, sponsored by the Farmington Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited.  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 Newington VA 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 flies 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 volunteer partners on the water.  It helps them to cope and heal.

 

The program is funded 100% by financial donations, including gear/equipment donations.  Vets Healing on the Fly operates under FVTU as part of TU National’s Service Partnership Program umbrella and is a 501(c)3 organization with all donations flowing directly back into the program to support our Veterans.  The program is run completely by non-paid volunteers.  If you are interested in making a financial and/or gear/equipment donation, please go to the website under "Donations" or "Get Involved".
 

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; 1 vet to MI; and 7 vets and two volunteers traveled to the Adirondacks.  All of this is provided at no cost to the veteran participants.