Rivers of Recovery Reunites Vets On The Deerfield River

As the guide slipped the net into the water and the trout glided back to the bottom of the stream, the anglers exchanged high-fives. Both were quick, however, to cast their rigs back into the flow, each hoping to be the first to hook up again.

It was the second day of a Rivers of Recovery fly-fishing trip, and seven veterans, four rafts, four guides, and one photographer were floating down a lower section of the Deerfield River in Western Massachusetts. An approaching cold front sent a frigid wind blowing straight downstream, but it did little to dampen the spirits of the participants. When fly-fishing with the Harrison Anglers guide service, it’s pretty hard to have a bad day. The bent rods and friendly banter stemmed the wind, and the smiles only grew bigger as the fish turned on and each angler had multiple chances to hook up. Most of the time they were successful, which made my job easier.

My friend, Dan Laffin, had asked me to come along and shoot some photos of the trip. After participating in a Rivers of Recovery trip in Utah, Laffin started a New England chapter, and this was the group’s second trip. When I asked him about the veterans chosen for this trip, he told me about his company, the Alpha 1-102 Infantry. During their tour in Afghanistan, they had one soldier killed in action. Since returning home, they have lost five more to suicide.

“We only get together for funerals,” Laffin said. “I wanted to have a reunion trip filled with good times and the happy memories that these guys deserve.”

Rivers of Recovery specializes in the rehabilitation of combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, minor traumatic brain injury, stress, anxiety, and depression. The program combines outdoor recreational activities with instruction on the self-treatment of symptoms, empowering veterans to live lives that are no longer restricted by psychological or physical disabilities. It’s based on the idea that a day spent on the water provides a type of therapy that can’t be achieved in a clinical setting.

The trip provided me with an unexpected opportunity to see our veterans in a new light. Most portrayals of veterans in the media have focused on their struggles. Witnessing firsthand the camaraderie, laughter, and competitive spirit made me see that there is more to their stories than just post-traumatic stress and depression.

It wasn’t hard to portray the trip as a success. I didn’t have to stage any action shots or ask anyone to smile. The trout were willing and the guides fantastic. In fact, I was even able to put down my camera and join in, as we all know our vets aren’t the only ones who can benefit from some fly-fishing therapy.

More information on Rivers of Recovery check out: riversofrecovery.org