Alan and Krista Cheeseman were given the “Patriot” award from Project Healing Waters at the welcome reception breakfast in Thunder Bay on July 11. Here is Krista with their daughter Sierra holding the award with two specially tied flies in the colours of both the US and of Canada. The special commendation will be on display at Miminiska Lodge.
Diane Cochran of San Antonio Texas, cools her feet after a morning of angling on the Albany River. There is nothing quite like a dip in the clear cool waters of Northern Ontario. Diane is recovering from back and spinal cord injuries from a roll over accident in a Humvee while under attack in Afghanistan three years ago.
The troops are welcomed to Thunder Bay with a big breakfast before boarding our DeHavilland Otters for their flights from Thunder Bay directly to remote Miminiska Lodge on the beautiful Albany River.
Press coverage and the early taping of a special documentary called “Healing on the Albany” began on the dock at Thunder Bay, as the Wilderness North DeHavilland Otters arrived to transport the soldiers to Miminiska Lodge.
What is better than shore lunch?
Here the staff and soldiers meet on “Shore Lunch Island” on a picture perfect day to enjoy delicious walleye caught moments before and prepared perfectly by First Nation Guide Thomas Nate.
When Glen Kirkland – featured on this week’s podcast – stopped by the kitchen for a photo-op, both Phyllis Nagle (left) our chef and Zelda Shapwaykeesic were all smiles. Then he stayed to do the dishes – WHEW- talk about fringe benefits!
When Ferris Butler, of Rockville, Maryland, lost both legs below the knee, he not only thought he would never walk again, but never fish again. Today his new legs – compliments of Walter Reed Army Medical Center – serve him well. And on Tuesday he accomplished a personal goal of catching and releasing a trophy Canadian Brook Trout. By the way he lives next door to PHW founder Retired Navy Captain Ed Nicholson
Project Healing Waters co-ordinator Mark Snyder takes time to teach a little class on knot tying. Mark is a fly fishing fanatic and he loves to teach others the fine points of the art. He lives just two miles from Walter Reed, and all the work he does for PHW is strictly volunteer. He is our hero and hero to the many soldiers who lives have been changed by his giving spirit and angling skills. We are proud to call him friend and know Healing On the Albany could not happen without his work.
