Arlington, Va.—Trout Unlimited (TU) announces its new Veterans Service Program that will serve U.S. veterans throughout the country, through conservation projects and fly fishing instruction.
With 140,000 members and 400 chapters throughout the country, TU will engage its extensive network of volunteers to introduce wounded and returning veterans to TU’s conservation work through fly fishing. Teaching fly casting basics and providing an introduction to conservation issues throughout the country, TU chapters and partner organizations will provide instruction, camaraderie and local networks of anglers to veterans around the country.
“TU members will have a greater opportunity to thank the people who have served our country in so many ways by offering the healing experience of fly fishing while at the same time, working on rivers and streams throughout the country,” said Bryan Moore, Trout Unlimited’s Director of Volunteer Operations. “This program will allow TU’s 400 chapters to coordinate with veterans groups in a new, comprehensive manner,” Moore said.
The program will receive primary funding through the generous support of the Telos Corporation.
The project will work with veteran rehabilitation groups across the country, assisting veterans in rehabilitation after physical and emotional injuries. In addition to the unique therapeutic value of fly fishing, veterans will be introduced to TU’s conservation work, youth education programs and various community outreach initiatives.
Alan Folger of Hendersonville, N.C. is the project’s program coordinator. Folger is a lifelong conservationist, a fly fisherman and disabled veteran. He served throughout Southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict as a member of the U.S. Air Force.
Trout Unlimited is the nation’s largest coldwater conservation organization, with 140,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.
