FVTU LOCAL PROGRAM
Locally, our program officially started in 2012 sponsored by the Farmington Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The program in Connecticut is affiliated with the Newington VA. Our fly tying and rod building sessions are held at the American Legion Hall on Willard Avenue in Newington, about ½ mile away from the hospital.
Our program meets monthly for fly tying and rod building sessions and we also take the vets on 4 outings on the water to allow them to fish the flys they have tied, use the flyrods they have built and develop and hone their skills in fly-fishing. Most importantly, being out on the water experiencing the sport of fly-fishing, they can focus on the fly on the water and enjoy the tranquility, solitude and camaraderie with their partner on the water. It helps them to cope and heal.
In 2019 here in CT, 45 volunteers donated 2,337 hours to service some 28 active vet participants in 12 fly tying sessions, 8 rod building classes, 6 Fly Fishing Classes and 3 outings on private water. Additionally, this year, some of our more advanced participants took part in some trips. We sent 4 vets to MT, 7 vets and two volunteers traveled to the Adirondacks, 2 vets went to South Carolina and 2 went to RI. All of this with $0 cost to the vet.