We are proud to support organizations devoted to serving those who have dedicated their lives to service. Project Healing Waters and Warriors & Quiet Waters offer veterans community and nature-based experiences to help them thrive.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing. Warriors & Quiet Waters is a nonprofit organization that helps post-9/11 combat veterans and their families heal and thrive through the therapeutic experience of fly fishing in the serenity of nature.
Thomas Vajentic, Program Lead at Project Healing Waters in Huntsville, Alabama, shares: “The veterans that are able to join us are able to begin as well as continue their healing journeys. As a disabled veteran myself, I know how easy it is to just sit on the couch while we hurt. Instead, we continuously get them to get up and get outside. Being outside fly fishing as well as taking the time to tie flies provides an environment that puts them in the here and now. When they are fly fishing and/or tying, that’s what they are thinking about instead of an event that occurred in or out of combat as well as not thinking about what their future could or couldn’t be because of that event that occurred."
He continues: “We are now conducting multi core training due to the different levels of abilities. We are teaching and training advanced skills for some as well as basic for those just coming in. Recently, our Veterans also started to build their own fly rods which now brings that element of not only catching their fish on a fly they tied, but also, on the rod they built. It aids in increasing their healing process even more.”
Vajentic also emphasizes the importance of support: “There isn’t any way possible that we could be successful without our volunteers as well as great companies like Loon Outdoors that support our program. Loon’s products enable us to provide fantastic fly tying and on the water opportunities. The Loon fly tying tools provide opportunities for our veterans with hand challenges due to the width, weight, and world class capabilities of their tools. Most of our Veterans can’t grip a standard bodkin, bobbin, dubbing brush, the beloved whip finisher tool etc. due to how skinny the standard fly-tying tools are. They are game changers for our folks. Loon’s UV resins and UV torches get the job done right the first time. Loon’s floatants, sinklets, pliers, nippers etc. enhance our veterans on the stream time tenfold. You don’t have to reapply floatant over and over taking time away from fishing. The hook remover allows the veterans with dexterity issues to remove their hooks with ease and Loon’s nippers are wide and easy to grip. Thank you so much Loon Outdoors, you are an incredible partner and enabler. We are a better program because of you and your generosity."
We also checked in with Warriors & Quiet Waters for an update on their recent events: “This month, we hosted our first in-person experience of 2025 at Quiet Waters Ranch! Our Built for More Hunting Track cohort kicked off their journey by diving into the basics of hunting, getting familiar with their gear, and—most importantly—building strong bonds with one another. As they prepare to take on this challenge, they’re not just learning new skills—they’re forging connections that will carry them through the journey ahead."
Warriors & Quiet Waters is based in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by world-class fly fishing waters. With a focus on post-9/11 combat veterans, including those with visible and invisible wounds, they offer Fly Fishing Experiences—multi-day programs that include guided fishing, reflection, camaraderie, and mentorship. They also provide programs for spouses, caregivers, and couples to support family healing. WQW uses the peaceful, purposeful act of fly fishing to help veterans rediscover hope, purpose, and connection in their post-military lives.
As we pause this Memorial Day to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, we are reminded that healing doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Organizations like Project Healing Waters and Warriors & Quiet Waters embody the spirit of continued care, offering veterans more than just activities—they provide belonging, purpose, and peace. We are humbled to stand alongside them in their missions, and grateful to support the individuals and families who have given so much. This Memorial Day, may we remember those we've lost, support those who continue to serve in new ways, and recommit ourselves to a future where every veteran has the opportunity to heal and thrive.
To learn more about Project Healing Waters, visit them at https://projecthealingwaters.org/
To learn more about Warriors & Quiet Waters, visit them at https://www.warriorsandquietwaters.org/
