Casting Hope: Volunteers Bring Fly Fishing to Veterans

Professional fishing guide John Harcourt volunteers his skills to assist Veterans at the Half-Az Ranch.

By Donna J. Bell

Communications Director, Office of Integrated Veteran Care

Each year the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic proves that the power of the outdoors – combined with dedicated volunteers – makes a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans with disabilities.

Thanks to support from the Aspen Elks Lodge 224, Roaring Fork Valley Fly Fishing Club, Half-Az Ranch, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other local volunteers, Veterans get to experience the joys of fly fishing – many for the first time.

Among those volunteers is the Harcourt Fly Fishing 3D team, a family of professional fishing guides spanning three generations who are committed to introducing Veterans with disabilities to the sport.

Family patriarch John Harcourt introduced his son, Dustin, and grandson, Drake, to fly fishing as children. In fact, John said both learned to tie flies before they could read, a foundation that helped Dustin earn the title of “Best Guide” in Elevation Outdoor Magazine’s “Best of the Rockies” awards, which covers six states. His skills have attracted high profile clients, including former President George W. Bush and General Colin Powell.

While John has met many Veterans during his years of volunteering, one stands out. The Veteran was legally blind, with a small amount of vision left. However, he knew he would soon lose his sight completely. He told John that he was determined to catch a fish on the fly. As lunchtime rolled around, and still luck, John asked him if he wanted to take a break. The Veteran shook his head, he was on a mission. Then finally, he hooked his fish, caught on his own. At the end of the day, the Veteran turned to John and said, “That was the best day of my life.”  John was stunned. “I thought, how could that be? A single fish? It almost brought me to tears.”

This week, however, it was Drake who made a splash when a Veteran he was assisting landed a monster 21-inch trout – an undeniable highlight of the day.

After a successful few hours of reeling in trout, Veterans are treated to a spread that includes hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers and fresh trout caught the same day – grilled and served by the local Elks.

"I get more out of helping the Veterans than what I give. It's an honor to be able to serve them,” said Jane Carey, as she mixed a huge bowl of salad. She has been volunteering at the event for the past 10 years.

Gretchen Straub, who has been involved for eight years, reflected on the experience, "Being here makes me grateful for my life,” she said as she bustled behind the scenes. “The Veterans keep things in perspective when I see their strength."

Colorado Parks and Wildlife also played a key role in supporting the event by donating spinning rods to ensure every Veteran has access to the right equipment. Their continued support is one puzzle piece to making the event possible each year.

For the Veterans who participate, it’s more than just a fishing trip – it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, experience camaraderie and find peace on the water. And for the volunteers, it’s a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness make a big difference in the life of a Veteran.