46 Nebraskaland • August-September 2019
Healing Waters each year. There, they connect with other
disabled veterans while fl oat fi shing the Big Hole River, and
relaxing around a campfi re at the lodge. Transportation,
lodging and food is provided, as also everything they need to
fi sh, from rods to fl ies to waders. If they have a caregiver, that
person gets to go along at no expense as well.
Landon caught the biggest fi sh, a brown trout, and also
cutthroat trout.
"I was going down the rapids and catching fi sh every fi ve
minutes," Landon said. "It was a blast."
Landon and the six other disabled veterans on the trip
connected immediately and now stay in touch. "The
camaraderie was absolutely amazing," Jane said. "When
veterans who have experienced these types of things can
get together, they don't have to retell these stories to share
a sense of belonging they don't necessarily feel when mixed
in with the rest of the society. They know. 'You guys get it. I
belong here. I fi t in.'"
Landon has opened up more and his focus and self-
confi dence have improved. He rarely misses a Project Healing
Waters meeting, and when there is a fi shing outing, he has
his gear loaded in the car the night before. He has even begun
to take on the role of volunteer, helping others in the program.
Landon had fi shed before, mostly trolling with his dad, but
not with a fl y rod. He likes the challenge and the reward of
catching fi sh with fl ies he tied on a rod he built.
"It's really meditative," he said. "It keeps you focused. It
gives you something to do other than just sit around and
mope about the past. Doors open up through Healing Waters.
Opportunities with other people and other organizations.
"But mainly I like hanging around the people and just tying
fl ies and just having fun."
Jane Landon is grateful for how the program has helped her
son and others, even though she knows there is more work
to do.
Volunteer instructor Ken Wisenhunt of Lincoln shows
Lenny Hiner and Bryan Carroll, both Army veterans
from Lincoln, how to tie flies during a Project Healing
Waters class at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center
in Lincoln.
