Saturday, October 5^th turned out to be a perfect fall day on the lake…and this time the fish cooperated!  The morning air was cool, which was perfect for fishing.  With the leaves just starting to show some fall color, and the smell of a campfire in the background, everyone was in the mood to welcome in the new season.

This was the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) sixth annual fishing event for military veterans and first responders.  The event took place at Kingston Veterans Sportsmen Club east of Latrobe.  Many of the veterans attending had participated in every event since TU began the program in 2018.  Forty-seven registered veterans and first responders spread out around the lake and started catching fish immediately.  Kingston had stocked trout just days before.  The lake holds trout, catfish, bass and panfish which provided action for the anglers until early afternoon.  

Everyone we spoke to expressed their appreciation for the event and how they enjoy, not just the fishing, but the camaraderie of spending a day in the mountains with friends and fellow service providers.  Some took their angling very seriously working multiple rods.  Others used the opportunity to learn how to use a fly rod for the first time with the help of a TU mentor.  And a few simply enjoyed some R & R in lawn chairs along the lake soaking up the sights and sounds.

National TU introduced the program of fly fishing to veterans many years ago to bring the therapeutic healing of fly fishing to our nation’s heroes.  First responders were added a few years back and the program is now called the TU Service Partnership honoring those who have served their country and communities.  Many of TU’s 400 local chapters nationwide, have started programs like this.  TU is very grateful that Kingston Sportsmen agreed to partner with them again this year.  Their manicured club grounds provide ADA access to their lake, pavilion and restroom facilities.  The perfect setting!

The other partner in this annual event is the Scouts of Troops 465 and 305.  They start the event posting colors then invite veterans to participate in retiring worn American flags.  The U. S. flag code requires “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”  The Scouts and veterans join in a solemn and dignified ceremony complete with patriotic music in the background.

The other service the Scouts provide is lunch for over 100 veterans, first responders and volunteers.  “They have made this a simple turnkey operation” noted Larry Myers, president of Forbes Trail TU.  “We tell the Scouts how many will be in attendance, they buy and prepare the food, then hand us the bill making our job so much simpler”.  “More importantly, the veterans appreciate the Scouts being involved.  This is another opportunity for the Scouts to serve their community and to honor those who have served their country.”

“For the past several years the Boy Scouts of Troop 465 have been honored to team up with the folks from Trout Unlimited and Kingston to spend a day recognizing our veterans and first responders” said Scout Leader Mark Menanno. “One of the talents of our troop is cooking. We enjoy the challenges of cooking for a large group and the Scouts enjoy all their interactions with the veterans and first responders.”

We thank our event sponsors… Fish USA, Home Depot, four local Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Westmoreland Case Management and Bubba’s Kitchen and Bar. 

Larry,
I would like to thank you, as well as all involved with you for a great day.
The fishing was fun. The fact that you had some bait available was a plus.
The food was good and plentiful. If anyone left hungry, it was their fault. The addition of the homemade items was very thoughtful. The baked beans, the sauerkraut, the fried onions all added to the day and proved your commitment to Veterans and First Responders.
The door prizes were such a nice touch. I couldn’t believe how many you offered. The extra drawing for the Scouts was an added bonus and proof of your thoughtfulness.
I can’t think of anything you overlooked. Everyone was friendly and walked around speaking to everyone, ensuring a good day was being had and nothing was needed.
Please thank everyone sincerely for me. The time and planning you all put in to make the day so successful did not go unnoticed.
It will be my pleasure to spread the word for next year!!

Deb Krall, AF Veteran

What an incredible day of fishing and camaraderie as over 40 veterans and first responders hooked and landed trout, panfish and catfish!  Military veterans, first responders, Scouts and volunteers from Kinston Veterans Sportsmen Club and Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited celebrated the end of summer with a spectacular day on the water.  Unfortunately, the weather was more cooperative than the trout this year.  Some of the anglers spent Saturday relaxing and reacquainting with friends.  Others took the fishing opportunity more seriously learning how to use a fly rod for the first time and honing their casting skills.  

Veteran Fred Exley expressed, “I really want to get more into fly-fishing next year.  I borrowed this rod this morning but I need to learn out to reach out further on the water with it.”  Steve Shirley from Trout Unlimited was helping Fred with his casting skills, teaching how to transfer the energy from the rod to the shooting line.  Trout Unlimited teaches fly fishing to veterans as a means to heal the body and soul. 

Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited began its program in 2018 focusing on military veterans.  Partnering with Kingston Sportsmen allows ADA access to their lake stocked with trout, lunker catfish and panfish, and easy access to other facilities. This year, for the first time, they extended the invitation to local first responders.  “We want to recognize first responder for their brave and dedicated service to the communities where we live”, noted Chapter President, Larry Myers.   

Keith Riffle, Club VP and President of the Veterans Committee recruited many of the veterans by visiting numerous VA medical centers, VFWs and American Legions.  A veteran himself, Keith explained, “We’ll do whatever it takes to provide a rewarding day on the water for our veterans and first responders.”  

This was the first time many of the veterans and first responders participated in this fishing event.  For others, it was time for reacquaintances.  The purpose of the program is primarily to introduce veterans and first responders to fly fishing for some R&R.  But if using a fly rod is not comfortable, mentors assist the veterans using whatever fishing tackle they prefer.  Some veterans have actually built their own fly rods and tied their own flies.    

For retired Army First Sergeant, Cynthia Butler, this was her second event and would like to see more lady veterans get involved with fishing.  Cynthia and several family friends and veterans enjoyed the day, even though the fishing was more challenging this year.  The water was still a little warm and the bright sun, while welcoming to the anglers, drove the trout deeper in the lake.  Still, every angler said they enjoyed the beautiful fall day and are looking forward to coming back next year.  As a bonus, everyone enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch and many won raffle prizes of fly rods, autographed books and gift cards.  Westmoreland County Commissioner, Doug Chew was on hand to recognize both military veterans and first responders for their dedicated service to our country and communities. 

Other partners were Scout Troops 465 and 305.  The Scouts, as in past events, prepared and served lunch for the crowd of 120 veterans, first responders and volunteers.  They also opened the event by posting colors and later held a flag retiring ceremony which the veterans appreciated.  We thank our event sponsors…Home Depot, three local Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Fish USA and Bent Rods Bait and Tackle. 

The partner volunteers look forward to the annual event and enjoy the opportunity to, if even for just one day a year, be able to serve those who served their country.  It was another relaxing and rewarding day on the water for all involved.  Trout Unlimited salutes our veterans and first responders, and thanks all of our partners and sponsors who made this all happen.

After over two years, we were finally able to get our third veterans fishing day in on October 2. This year, the event was held at the Kingston Club lake near Latrobe and was open to all veterans. We had beautiful fall weather, a chilly morning gave way to a sunny, warm afternoon. FTTU partnered with the Kingston Veterans and Sportsmen’s Club and Project Healing Waters with Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops preparing and serving the food. Lowe’s Latrobe donated the drinks. The lake was stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout by the Kingston Club and everyone was able to get into some fish. Mentors from FTTU and Project Healing Waters were on hand to net fish and provide assistance to those who needed help fishing. FTTU also provided loaner rods and reels, bait, lures, flies and other fishing tackle. All the veterans received raffle tickets and after lunch, prizes donated by FTTU and the Kingston Club were given out to both the veterans and some scouts.

For a full report and slide show, see the Community Service Page.