Fishing

Item Description

This is the same rod used in PHWFF programs. This 4-piece, 9-foot combo was built by Todd Radek who is a Veteran and volunteer in the North Chicago program. "Freedom" pays homage to the freedoms we all enjoy and the sacrifices of those who paid for our freedom. The combo includes the rod, a large arbor reel, weight forward fly line, and a case and a journal to share back with the program.

"Freedom"
There is but one cost for the price of freedom...life. Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers. Friends and neighbors. Millions have paid the ultimate price.
They are honored and remembered here at home, in our National Cemeteries. Recognizable places like Arlington, Fort Custer, and Abraham Lincoln. Or lesser known ones like Fort Scott, Wood, and Forest Hill.
Thousands more rest in honored glory overseas. In hallowed places like Cambridge, England; Manila, Philippines; and, Belleau and Normandy, France.
Yet thousands more rest in places only known to them. Waiting to be found. Waiting to return home.
Each year, on the last Monday in May, we honor them. Memorial Day.
We remember them each, and every day, with memorials and monuments, public and private ceremonies, reflections, memories and prayers.
But there is a second, forgotten, cost of freedom, paid for by millions more. They are our wounded. They too have paid with life...life that was changed forever. They live daily with physical and emotional wounds. They live and work amongst us. Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers. Friends and neighbors.
Each of the names on this rod has paid a price. A price known only to them. They've paid the price for your freedom. Freedom to enjoy the lakes and streams. The oceans and seas. The smell of salt. The wind in your face. The sunsets and sunrises.
And they ask for nothing in return...
Each signature represents a person. A hero. A son, daughter, brother, sister, father, mother. Friends or neighbors. As you enjoy your outings and adventures, they will be with you. With you to enjoy the lakes and streams. The oceans and seas. The smell of salt. The wind in your face. The sunsets and sunrises.
But unlike them, I ask for only one thing in return.
Each of them has a story to tell. They may not tell it, but it's evident it's there. As they join you on your journeys, vicariously enjoying the freedoms with you, share YOUR story. Share your story about the lakes and the streams. The oceans and the seas. The smell of salt. The wind in your face. The sunsets and sunrises. Share your story. So THEY can learn what THEY have done for us. Where THEY have gone. What THEY have seen. No matter how small. No matter how large. No matter how near, nor how far. For EVERYONE has a story to tell. 
Please use the included journal, fill it with your stories, and return it to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing - North Chicago program when you see fit. For the signatures on this rod are those heroes who will travel with you forever!
They look forward to YOUR stories...to THEIR stories!
In the meantime, honor, remember, reflect, and......FISH ON!

Item Special Note

Pictures are welcome...and so are your stories...when you are on the water with this rod, please stop and take a moment to look at the names of the Veterans who "Signed On" to the rod and remember that they "Signed On" to protect us and the FREEDOM to enjoy the beauty you now stand in...At the end of the day, also take a moment to write down the story of your adventure or adventures...When the book is full, please return it to the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing - North Chicago program so the leaders can share the stories with our Veterans...The only favor we ask is that you have fun and...Fish on!