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George Draper (center), our 2010 State Sergeant-At-Arms
It was my pleasure to present
an Orvis Frequent Flyer Fly Rod and Reel Outfit to George Draper,
SSG, USA (Ret) of Wayne, Maine, at the meeting of Project Healing
Waters Fly Fishing on February 24 at Togus VAMC, Augusta, Maine. George is one of our charter
members, participating fully in our program since its beginning in
March, 2007. He represented PHWFF at the FFF Conclave in
Livingston, Montana, in 2008 and was first-place winner of the
2009 PHWFF Rod Building Contest, choosing as his prize a trip on the
trawler Hot Buttered Rum out of Sitka, Alaska. Through the generosity of the Orvis Company, in August 2009, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., received $4,000 worth of merchandise (fly fishing combos) for distribution. Each combo included an Orvis Frequent Flyer 865-7 Fly Rod, 5 wt., and an Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor Reel III spooled with Wonderline Generation 3F fly line. Items were embossed with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and contained in a beautiful green and gold-trimmed rod travel tube of 18 inches. Project Healing Waters was excited to distribute the fly fishing combos, and a decision was made to pay tribute to one outstanding person in each region by awarding the chosen person a combo. Regional Coordinators found themselves challenged to nominate the one person epitomizing the qualities of an active Project Healing Waters participant and “giver” because of the many participants who are truly deserving. Keeping in mind those who truly benefited from the program, embraced it and progressed to help others achieve similar healing experiences, nominees were chosen and awards made. These special individuals went far beyond the bounds of simply receiving through Project Healing Waters’ program. They portrayed great dedication, a desire to help the program, and a most special desire to make great things happen for fellow veterans and the men and women of our Armed Services. As we celebrate and salute the recipients of the awards across Project Healing Waters, we send many thanks to our friends at Orvis for such a wonderful gift. It was thrilling to have this opportunity.
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