Branford Reaches Out... “Take a Vet Fishing” Program engages veterans year-round.

Fourteen veterans enrolled at the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center (EBRC) at the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center were special guests at a hands-on fly-tying workshop held at the First Congregational Church of Branford on two recent Saturdays in January and February.

Church members and volunteers from around the state joined together to engage vets in a relaxing activity that challenged them as well. All the needed materials were provided along with one-on-one instruction in the art of fly tying. Despite the limitations of having little or no sight, each participant completed three or four fly patterns to take home with them. Lunch, refreshments, home-baked cookies and much camaraderie were provided along the way.

Several vets also tried their hand at casting fly rods in the large hall. Casting without visual reference is actually very similar to fly casting at night in pursuit of striped bass along the shoreline, as Mike Harrington of Branford pointed out.

During the summer months of 2009, Take a Vet Fishing hosted 11 fishing outings at both salt and freshwater locations and was able to serve 222 vets. Each event was staffed by volunteers including church members and friends from the community, members of the Hammonasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited, C.A.R.E. (CT Aquatics Resources Education) instructors, members of the Stony Creek Fire Explorers Unit and many others.

As he was coaching his student in fastening deer hair to a hook, John Springer of Stratford pointed out that, “this is my small way of giving back to those that served our country, and it’s a great time for all involved.”

Ed Ochman of Branford, who has been instrumental in directing the workshops, noted that, “these last two sessions we’ve had, have been the best yet. Whenever I stepped back and took in the whole scene, I couldn't help but notice that every Vet was "engaged" with a member of our team.”

“Fishing and fly tying are the doorways to friendship, and our hope is that the vets carry home with them lasting memories of accomplishment and joy,” Ray Luhn of New Haven explained. “Our goal is to honor, and to thank our veterans for their service, and developing that friendship makes it very personal.”

Tim Wells, of Branford observed, “…how powerful the feedback is that we get from participants. They definitely feel the love…there is no mistaking it, and that is what we’ve set out to do from the beginning.”

Karen Ligammari, a VA specialist and instructor at the EBRC who participated along with the veterans said, “The fly tying workshop was nothing short of amazing. It had to be one of the best “work” days I have had in the past 19 years of being at the VA!”

Take a Vet Fishing was started in 2007, seeking ways to engage and provide fellowship to disabled and recovering veterans in the New Haven area. The program has expanded rapidly by filling an important need and by embracing the goodwill and caring spirit of Connecticut residents.

This level of activity would not be possible without the generous support of many individuals and businesses in the area. Additional volunteers and financial contributions are received with gratitude and a commitment to continue serving the veterans who have served our country.

For additional information please contact Jeff Buggee at 203-488-7201. Checks may be sent to Veterans Outreach c/o First Congregational Church 1009 Main St., Branford, CT 06405. Web info at www.firstcongregational.org/vets.html