Pfc. Joseph DeVan pulls back his line; below left, a Royal Wolf fly on Nicholson’s cap; and Burke prepares his line.

Even though on this day the fish arenít biting, the Soldiers load up on camaraderie, confidence, independence and physical strength.

ìThis is when it starts to hurt, with the big strokes and the wind,î said 1st Lt. Robert Burke. He stressed his new sport has both physical and psychological benefits.

In February while serving in Iraq, Burke was shot five times.

ìThis is a very big physical activity that helps me keep moving,î Burke said.

The former college baseball player, Burke said that he doubted whether he would regain his athletic ability after being shot, but fly fishing has restored his belief. ìItís helped give me confidence.î

About twice a month the group of servicemembers in the program use their fly fishing skills along scenic streams and rivers inVirginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Western Maryland.

ìJust the fact of being out in the woods and the stream in a peaceful setting...î said Burke.

ìIt helps me to distract myself, to keep from being worried about the people around me. I focus on the pole and the line,î said Pfc. Joseph DeVan.

ìThis is like a ballet. Learning how to cast properly, to be graceful,î said Senior Airman Diane Lopes. The Tampa native and only female servicemember in the program said her arm was in a brace and she was in a wheelchair for two months when she first began fly fishing. Lopes was hit by a rocket blast in Iraq.

ìItís a challenge learning on a non-dominant hand but I had to prove to the guys that I could cast better than them, even with my left arm,î said Lopes.

The senior airman said camaraderie is key.

ìEveryoneís at a different stage of recovery. We all can encourage and help one another,î said Lopes. ìThese guys have seen me pretty banged up to walking on my own.î