Project Healing Waters Knoxville

Project Healing Waters Knoxville The Knoxville program is an entity of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland.

PHWFF is dependent on tax-deductible donations and the help of numerous volunteers to meet the educational, equipment, transportation, and related needs of the participants. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) began in 2005 serving wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, PHWFF has expanded nationwide, est

ablishing its highly successful program in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics. The Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes, along with clinics participants ranging from beginners who have never fished before, to those with prior fly fishing and tying experience who are adapting their skills to their new abilities. All fly fishing and tying equipment is provided to the participants at no cost. Fishing trips, both one day and multi-day, are also provided free of charge to participants. PHWFF is unique in that our volunteers are teaching classes on an on-going, long term basis. It is much more than a one day fishing trip. For many participants, particularly disabled veterans, the socialization and camaraderie of the classes are just as important as the fishing outings, and provide them a new activity. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing relies on Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited, and independent fly fishing clubs to conduct the program at the DOD and VA facilities across the nation. The volunteer staff and outings leaders include experienced fly fishers and guides, all of whom donate their time and knowledge to support PHWFF participants. In order to have a viable program, three groups must co-exist: a fly fishing club willing to provide the volunteers and organize the program, a DOD or VA medical facility willing to host the program, and injured military members or disabled veterans willing to participate. Because each of these groups is unique, no two Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing programs will be exactly the same.

Memorial Weekend – MemoriesWe all know someone, or know of someone, who lost their life in service to our country. This ...
05/22/2026

Memorial Weekend – Memories

We all know someone, or know of someone, who lost their life in service to our country. This Memorial Weekend, please help keep their memory alive through prayer, reflection, a moment of silence, or even a toast in their honor.

Every year, I remember Specialist Cash. We were never especially close friends, but I still remember his smile—especially when he was challenging me to some kind of athletic feat. I admired his optimism because even though he knew I’d kick his ass, he'd still threaten to outrun me, outclimb me, or somehow outdo me anyway.

We were so young, and that was so long ago.

As I walk along the stream today with my Project Healing Waters brothers and sisters, I’m privileged to hear similar stories—battle scars from the past, friendships forged, and sacrifices made.

I believe, I truly believe, that keeping these warriors alive in our hearts and minds honors their sacrifice... and the sacrifices that future generations of warriors will inevitably endure.

Here’s to Cash.

Thank you, brother.

What’s on my mind… Mountain Man Mountain Man Memorial MarchI haven’t been able to stop thinking about this year’s Mounta...
04/26/2026

What’s on my mind… Mountain Man Mountain Man Memorial March

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this year’s Mountain Man Memorial March 2026 on April 11.

The organizers invited us—Project Healing Waters Knoxville—to support the walkers and runners at a water station along the route. It was a privilege to be there.

I walked away humbled, encouraged, and inspired.

The presence of cadets, civilians, and support teams was powerful. These cadets represent the future leadership of our U.S. military, and they carried themselves—and the legacy of those before them—with integrity and purpose.

What struck me most were the photos carried on the rucks of many marchers—images of servicemembers who gave their lives in service to our country. Seeing them carried forward by their brothers and sisters in uniform was deeply meaningful. Not forgotten. Remembered. Honored. Included.

Thank you to our PHW Knoxville team for showing up and being part of something that matters.

To the Gold Star families—thank you for sharing your loss, your pride, and your memories with your extended military family.

And to the organizers of Mountain Man March 2026—well done.

PHW Joint Operations - NE Tennessee Program maneuvers with the Knoxville Program in Operation Smoky Mountain Fly Cast Tr...
04/26/2026

PHW Joint Operations - NE Tennessee Program maneuvers with the Knoxville Program in Operation Smoky Mountain Fly Cast Trout Fest. The mission was a total success; the joint ops efforts netted dozens of Rainbows and even a few small Brookies.

The Holston River has been fishing well this spring. Get ready to shift into a new Holston evening hatch experience in M...
04/19/2026

The Holston River has been fishing well this spring. Get ready to shift into a new Holston evening hatch experience in May! On Friday, 17 April, Bruce Soderberg led another incredible float trip for two of our veteran participants. Another great day on the water - veterans serving veterans!

Two new PHW Knoxville participants joined us for a great Smoky Mountain fly fishing adventure led by Krissy Gaichas yest...
04/19/2026

Two new PHW Knoxville participants joined us for a great Smoky Mountain fly fishing adventure led by Krissy Gaichas yesterday. Many thanks to all involved. Welcome, Mark & Brian!

Fly Rod Building - 7' 4 wt. "Krissy Special" for the Smoky Mountains. Thank you, Anthony, for kicking off another build ...
04/01/2026

Fly Rod Building - 7' 4 wt. "Krissy Special" for the Smoky Mountains. Thank you, Anthony, for kicking off another build series Spring 26'

Holston River Weekend - PHW Knoxville - With Bruce Soderberg
03/30/2026

Holston River Weekend - PHW Knoxville - With Bruce Soderberg

Another fine day of fly-fishing with PHW Knoxville.
03/17/2026

Another fine day of fly-fishing with PHW Knoxville.

Project Healing Waters Knoxville holds its regular monthly meeting on 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟭𝟬 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟴𝟬𝟬 𝗵𝗿𝘀 at the American Red Cro...
03/08/2026

Project Healing Waters Knoxville holds its regular monthly meeting on 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟭𝟬 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟴𝟬𝟬 𝗵𝗿𝘀 at the American Red Cross, located at 6921 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37909. We will hear from representatives of the VET Center, and tie flies with the help of fellow participant John Cary.
For more details about PHW Knoxville visit our web site: www.phwknoxville.org
And, check out this month's newsletter to see what we've been up to: https://link.msgsndr.com/sp/2b6d44a5d87

Retired Army veteran Lyle Allen will share information about the services available to veterans and their families at Knoxville’s Vet Center. Learn how the Vet Center differs from a traditional VA clinic and discover the unique support resources available to those who have served.

PHW-Knoxville Needs Volunteer Fishing Guides. Please share this form, or volunteer to guide. Please Sign Up using this f...
02/02/2026

PHW-Knoxville Needs Volunteer Fishing Guides. Please share this form, or volunteer to guide. Please Sign Up using this form.

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