I was really honored to attend the retreat as a "Fishing Buddy." There were about 14 participants in the retreat, all courageous men in various stages of battling cancer. I had the chance to help 3 of them with fishing. Great guys all. One of these men is a World War II survivor who was a teen under Nazi occupation in Europe, and who fought with the resistance until Patton's army rolled through.

His story humbled me immensely, as did all the others. While all the men expressed a lot of appreciation for the fact that the fishing buddies came to help out, I couldn't help but think how grateful I was just to be allowed to stand for a little while around the circle of these noble warriors.

Reel recovery wants to conduct more retreats in Texas next year. If you have the chance to get involved, you really owe it to yourself to do so.

Also, we caught fish and had some laughs.

I am getting involved, I have made a promise to myself to help out next year. I would be honored to fish with those guys.

Jackmack, that story is amazing. I cannot imagine talking to someone like that. That is so cool. I am glad you could help the guys with their casting.

That's good stuff, JM. Thanks for sharing it.

How did you get involved at the "fishing buddy" level of that organization?

Luck, and of course never letting anyone actually see me "handle" a fly rod.

I put the Texas director in touch with a couple of fly fishing clubs he hadn't reached yet, and they made donations. I also spent a day representing RR at Texoma on the Fly, and raised a little money there. Believe me, there were a lot of other guys there who've done an awful lot more than I did. A couple TFO guys were there, and of course, they sell RR "branded" rods, reels, and cases and give a portion of the money to RR, as they do with CFR and Project Healing Waters.

JM65=

dude you

Hi there thrill seekers. Yes, the Reel Recovery retreat last weekend was incredible! Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors that made it possible. We're hoping to have 2 retreats in the NTX area in 2010 and possible 1 in STX. For more information email warren@texasreelrecovery.org or call 800-542-2246.
Warren Wolf
Reel Recovery

Support the Texas Reel Recovery program and fill your belly with tasty seafood. The Fish City Grill in Arlington, Texas will sponsor Reel Recovery Day on Tuesday, December 1st. 15% of all proceeds will be contributed to the 2010 Reel Recovery fly fishing retreats. Friends of Reel Recovery are gathering at the restaurant at 6pm for dinner, a raffle and auction of valuable donated merchandise and food vouchers. The food is good, the atmosphere is fun and Reel Recovery is a great cause. Contact me for more information including directions.
Warren Wolf
800-542-2246