The local program also takes area participants on several trips each year, including trout fishing outings to streams and fishing holes in southwestern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and even as far away as Montana. In the colder months, participants stay indoors and learn the intricate art of tying flies.

“Each time, I learn something different,” said Army veteran Levi Jones of Spotsylvania. “It’s very relaxing, very calming. It requires you to concentrate, so it takes my mind off of other things.”

Alex Colonna, assistant program lead of the Fredericksburg program, said participants come from all walks of life and from all branches of the armed forces.

“The majority, if not all, have some kind of disability,” said Colonna. “The program is the perfect tool to cause them to focus and challenge their injuries, or just have a great time and learn something new, like building a fly rod.”

Latoynia Ransom–Harvey of Stafford County was medically retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of active-duty service. She has been a participant in the Healing Waters Project since March, and said she already feels better.