JACKSON TWP — Scores of military veterans, volunteers and local sportsmen came out Saturday to Conway Sportsmen's Club on Magill Road for a morning of fishing and camaraderie.

The event was put on by Project Healing Waters, a national initiative to promote healing in veterans through fly fishing, in partnership with EdgeMarc Energy Holdings and hosted by the Conway Sportsmen's Club.

“Part of the project of Healing Waters is healing through fishing rather than medication, and doctors believe in it too, said Dale Fatchet, a Vietnam veteran and Project Healing Waters volunteer. “The doctors at the VA recommend it highly.”

Dozens of volunteers from each of the three organizations fanned out to teach newcomers and mingle with their guests.

“Especially (those with) PTSD, they get around here and forget about everything except fishing,” Fatchet said. “You get guys around here with legs missing and stuff and you see smiles on their faces.”

Fatchet fought in Vietnam as an Army Ranger and is now heavily involved in the program, teaching newcomers and leading fishing trips around the country.

Like many in the program, he was introduced to Healing Waters through time spent at the VA.

Read the full story in Butler Eagle.