Mariens helping Marines

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Camp Airy near Thurmont

On Saturday, May 28 John Mullican and I had the privilege of assisting with Marines Helping Marines fishing tournament held at the ponds at Camp Airy near Thurmont. The event was sponsored by the Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock (BOJC) and Project Healing Waters. Marines from the military support facility near Thurmont came to help with the event, along with representatives from BOJC and the Thurmont American Legion. Inland Fisheries provided 200 trout for the event.

Recovering service personnel, their families and support staff from Fort Belvoir, Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed traveled to Thurmont for a pleasant day of fishing. BOJC members and other volunteers assisted participants and provided lessons on fly casting and fly tying and after only a few lessons, many attendees were catching and releasing fish. Trout, green sunfish, crappie and one large orange koi provided a lot of fishing excitement. The young daughter of one of the soldiers caught several fish, and she and her dad had big smiles on their faces. Many of the soldiers thanked the organizers for getting them away from the hospital for a great day outdoors. Everyone was treated to a cookout mid-day , but some of the guys fished right through. The experience was rewarding for everyone involved.

Project Healing Waters works to rehabilitate physical and emotional wounds to disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fishing outings that teach fly tying and fly fishing techniques. For Memorial Day weekend, what better way to honor or service men and women than to help with their recovery. More information on the program can be found on their website at www.projecthealingwaters.org.