Chelsea Ochman, First Congregational UCC of Branford (Conn.) member, fishes with a veteran from the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center. Peter Morse photo

The idea of taking a vet fishing didn't originate with Jeff Buggee, but the member of First Congregational UCC in Branford, Conn. has adapted the idea of spending time with a war veteran and a rod and reel, finding it to be a perfect fit for his church family.

Buggee's Take a Vet Fishing program has grown in size and scope since its inception in 2007, now including vets from four different units under the Veterans Administration umbrella. In a series of what Buggee calls "God-driven" events, the program has taken a life of its own, and has brought a lot of joy to both the volunteers and participants.

Buggee remembers attending a Lenten series back in 2007 called "Speaking of Faith," listening to fellow church member Sue Kasserman, an ordained UCC minister, recount her experiences as a psychiatric nurse at the nearby VA hospital. "She works exclusively with Post Traumatic Stress patients," says Buggee. "All the ones she spoke of were from the Iraq war. Some of the stories were just horrific."

Wanting to do something to help veterans, Buggee started asking questions, researching websites and calling the VA. As soon as he saw a website that referenced Operation Take a Vet Fishing Day-a nationwide push encouraging Americans to take a vet fishing as a celebration of Memorial Day-Buggee knew he was on to something.

First Congregational owns a 55 acre piece of land on the Connecticut shore called Killam's Point Conference Center. "I can't even tell you how beautiful it is," sighs Buggee. "Just gorgeous. And I knew it was ADA compliant." After the nod of approval from the VA recreational director, First Congregational UCC was ready to host their first Take a Vet Fishing event.

"[Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center] brought down 14 blind Korean War and World War II veterans, says Buggee, who admits to being initially wary. "I thought, blind vets with hooks and knives and sharp fish teeth?' " But his fears quickly subsided.

"This has been such a blessing," he says. "The only handicap they have is what we put on them."

In 2007, Buggee coordinated 3 fishing events. The following year, that number doubled, and this year, the program will have completed 11 events by year's end.

Although fishing is the centerpiece of each event with the veterans, Buggee says that being out in the beauty of nature is a magnificent backdrop for a visit with the veterans, who Buggee describes as "living history lessons." Many of the vets, especially the World War II vets, "really open up to the kids," he says.

When enlisting volunteers for the outings, Buggee always emphasizes that fishing skills are not required. Since the fishing days include a lunch, volunteers can help with the grilling, or just lend a listening ear. Church members of all ages come, and, says Buggee, "After talking a while, the vets sometimes say, 'I want to be alone for a little while.' It's understandable, because it's such a beautiful, peaceful place to just sit."

As word spreads about the program, more organizations are getting involved. Trout Unlimited, a national organization, has sent members out to help with the fishing. And CARE (Connecticut Anglers Resource Education) has supplied certified fishing instructors to volunteer their help.

A surprising benefit of the fishing has been the vets wanted to come to church on Sunday mornings. Buggee says that this year alone, 90 of the vets from the fishing events have also attended Sunday morning worship at First Congregational UCC. "It's been so enriching," says Buggee, "for our congregation to have this influx. [The veterans] have been marginalized by society, because some times people tend to avoid blind people, or anyone with a disability. But our congregation has embraced them." Recently, the church brought in an instructor from the blind center to lead an educational session on working with the blind: how to approach, walk with and escort. "The church has been so supportive of this," says Buggee.

John McColl, First Congregational UCC of Branford (Conn.) member, teaches fly tying classes with veterans from the Eastern Blind Rehabilitation Center. Peter Morse photo

In winter months, Buggee and his crew of volunteers still like to stay in contact with the vets. Last year, a fly tying workshop was held in the church's auditorium: six fly-tying stations, with a mentor at each station. Buggee and the recreational director at the VA agreed: this time, this event would be best suited for sighted vets. But then Buggee got a call. "Jeff," said the director of recreation, "I can't get anyone who's interested. However, I have six blind vets who desperately want to do it. They said to give them a shot."

Exceeding all expectations, the fly tying event was a huge success. "Every single one of the guys completed at least one-some more than one-fly." says Buggee. "It was just incredible. We had so much fun that we're doing it again this year."

Buggee hopes other churches will take the opportunity to minister to vets in their area. Despite owning Killam's Point, some of the Take a Vet Fishing days are held elsewhere, for variety. For a church looking for a suitable place, he suggests asking around at local athletic clubs or even stocked trout farms. For transportation, Buggee says that some of the VA facilities provide buses; in other cases, volunteers just carpool.

An annual budget of $5,245 has kept the ministry afloat for the past years. This year, for the first time, Take a Vet Fishing applied for a grant from the Woman's Seamen's Friend Society. They were awarded a $5,000 grant.

Buggee says putting a price on the time spent at the pier would be impossible. "One time, a vet was fishing and had two volunteers helping him. He caught his first fish ever, and I don't know who was more excited! They were all jumping up and down and shouting and laughing."
 
"On one particular Sunday, senior minister Rev. Gary Smith mentioned the fishing program in his sermon. He admitted to the congregation that he didn't know what to expect. Remembers Buggee, "Rev. Smith said when he first heard there were going to be blind vets, he was worried, and hoped there would be an ambulance standing by, just in case." After the sermon, Ed, one of the blind vets in attendance, shook Smith's hand. "Rev. Smith," he smiled, "I have to tell you, we might not have sight, but we have vision!"


Carol Pavlik is a regular contributor to United Church News.