Wounded Warrior / Military Appreciation Day @ NCWRC Pechmann Ctr 6-8-11

Wheeeooooh, it was hot today. Well past 95 degrees at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center but today was also the 2nd Wednesday of the month which made it Wounded Warrior & Military Appreciation Day. On that day we open the facility to our brave men and women and their families for an afternoon of fishing. The fish didn't seem to mind the heat and we had about 25 brave souls who alternated between the Gatorade jug and the ponds for a change of pace from their rounds of medical appointments and normal military routine.


This gal may seem all smiles but she is also a no nonsense company commander of one of the Warrior Transition Companies assigned to Womack Army Medical Center. She brought a group of soldiers who needed that change of pace. Thanks for coming Captain. Bring the whole company next month.



One of Womack's speech therapists works with soldiers recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) which seems to be the signature injury in our current war. She is a strong supporter of our fishing program and always brings several patients. They usually start with our fly tying instructor who helps them tie a simple pattern (sorry I did not obtain a photo today). Army medical personnel tell us the thought process and eye/hand coordination required to tie a fly is very good therapy for TBI patients. Today they worked on a San Juan Worm which proved to be a good choice for the catfish.


That smile and look of accomplishment is what we work for. You just know moments like this are the highlight of many of these folks day.


Not a big one but he caught it all by himself and that feels real good!



Them catfish get real slippery at times.

Hot as all heck but we had a good time and made some memories. Hopefully next month the weather will give us a break. School will be out so we expect more families which is fine with us. We specialize in fly fishing but have over 200 spin casting outfits for those who want to dunk a worm or try some "stink bait" on the catfish. Our next Wounded Warrior / Military Appreciation Day will be July 13, 2011 from 1-5 pm.

For those who are reading this and think they might like to learn more about fly fishing we are offering a Warm Water Fly Fishing Clinic this coming Saturday, June 11th for 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. This is a basic clinic and "newbie's" are welcome. We furnish all the equipment. Registration through Lake Rim Park (424-6134) . The cost is $5