County Residents Asked To Help Greet Wounded Warriors

Potter County residents are being asked to turn out in force on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 22, when 15 patients from three veterans hospitals will be arriving for the fifth annual “Project Healing Waters” fly-fishing experience. God’s Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting the event in cooperation with Big Moore’s Run Fish and Game Preserve, Tuesday through Friday, May 22-25. The parade departs from Ceres at 1 pm and follows Rt. 44 through Shinglehouse and into Coudersport at about 2. A welcome reception will be held at American Legion Post 192 on Rt. 872. At 3, the parade will continue, passing through Austin on its way to First Fork Lodge in Costello, where the guests will stay. Arrangements are being made with the Potter County Department of Veterans Affairs to provide flags to wave for those who want to line the parade route and welcome the veterans.

Project Healing Waters serves military personnel who have been wounded, injured or disabled to aid in their physical and emotional recovery. The program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting and fly tying classes and clinics. More information is available at projecthealingwaters.org. Above, TU volunteer Rich Nicka (left) assists one of the veterans in landing a large trout from the Big Moore’s Run pond. The other photo shows David Saulter, left, a former Marine who is coordinating the event, with long-time TU president Dr. Pete Ryan.