“Take A Vet Fishing” – What it’s about – Images, letters, commentary – Gratitude to our volunteers and veterans. Speakers are: Mark Matthiessen, Mobility Instructor at the West Haven VA Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center; Bob Steers, Capt. U.S. Army Ret., Afghanistan veteran; Ted Aub, Adjutant, Marine Corps League and veterans advocate.
Jeff Buggee and Jay Johnson discuss the “Take a Veteran Fishing” program on Good Morning Connecticut Sunday.
BCTV interviews TAVF on “In Touch with Branford”. Jeff Buggee and Ray Luhn explain the origins of Take a Vet Fishing, sharing stories about the organization’s mission of providing friendship and comfort to disabled Veterans and their staff by providing relaxing activities that get them out of the institutional setting. TAVF started in 2007 at the First Congregational Church of Branford and has received broad support in the region. By the end of 2011 in its 5th season, more than 1500 Veterans and scores of volunteers have benefited. As the number of Veterans dealing with disabilities continues to grow, there is a great opportunity for caring citizens to show their compassion and gratitude. TAVF hopes that other groups across the country will develop similar models of outreach and welcomes the opportunity to help.
BCTV interviews TAVF on “In Touch with Branford”. Jeff Buggee and Ray Luhn explain the origins of Take a Vet Fishing, sharing stories about the organization’s mission of providing friendship and comfort to disabled Veterans and their staff by providing relaxing activities that get them out of the institutional setting. TAVF started in 2007 at the First Congregational Church of Branford and has received broad support in the region. By the end of 2011 in its 5th season, more than 1500 Veterans and scores of volunteers have benefited. As the number of Veterans dealing with disabilities continues to grow, there is a great opportunity for caring citizens to show their compassion and gratitude. TAVF hopes that other groups across the country will develop similar models of outreach and welcomes the opportunity to help.
Aired May-June 2011
Story and Photo by Marcia Chambers, Branford Eagle, July 2010
The vets couldn’t have been happier; maybe content is the right word. They arrived at the Killam’s Point Conference Center on July 4th and were given a chair, a fishing rod and the great pond known as Long Island Sound.
“It’s wonderful. I am at peace here,” said Tracey Pettway, 44, who is a patient at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven. It was the second getaway time for Pettway, who served in a Navy amphibious group in Desert Storm. He was smiling.
Take a Vet Fishing 