Fishing event helps with the stress of military service

DANBURY TOWNSHIP – For many military veterans returning home after conflict, the simplest of tasks can seem like a nightmare to complete.

Going out to eat, readjusting to working in the civilian world or even spending time with friends and family after a traumatic experience is like a trek up a never-ending mountain.

Those who don't bear physical reminders of the conflicts can still have psychological scars of their time in hostile, stressful environments.

"I wouldn't talk to anybody, no one. I was completely withdrawn," said Buck Parker, a U.S. Army veteran. Parker served from 1990 and 2014, deploying to Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009.

His work as a military policeman, combat engineer and then personal security detail while deployed took its toll — physically and mentally.

Parker has had two fusions in back, two ankle surgeries, and takes shots in back, hip, knee and ankle for the injuries he sustained over the years.

After being discharged last year, Parker joined the Kentucky Wounded Heroes, a non-profit group that supports and organizes events for injured military and emergency first responders in the state of Kentucky.

The first event was tough for Parker, he said he wouldn't talk to anyone — a direct effect of his PTSD.

In summer 2014, Parker came with KWH come to the "Walleye for Wounded Heroes" event in Marblehead for a three-day fishing trip on Lake Erie.

"Walleye for Wounded Heroes" was formed by Joe Stelzer in 2012 to provide opportunities for nation's current or former uniformed members of the U.S. Armed Forces, sworn law enforcement officers, sworn firefighters and sworn or affirmed emergency medical responders, all of whom were injured from combat operations or line-of-duty services, to fish and reconnect with nature's healing properties.

This week, 76 heroes will be staying at Little Ted's Cottages on East 76 Northshore Boulevard in Danbury Township, leaving at dawn from multiple marinas to fish for walleye on Lake Erie.

Thirty captains donated their boats and time to take the wounded veterans and law enforcement on Thursday afternoon, and will again on Friday and Saturday, rain or shine.

It was there that Parker found solace, healing and new friends who had gone through similar if not the same ordeals as him.

The camaraderie helped him to break out of his withdrawn state, opening up about his experiences but also being able to spend a few days on the lake, fishing and relaxing.

"These folks are going through the same issues as me," Parker said.

His charter captain introduced him to his family and they kept in touch after the event was over. Parker volunteered to assist with this years event, which has grown from about a two dozen induviduals to nearly 100 in four short years.

The Department of Defense estimates that one in five veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. More than one million veterans of those conflicts have been injured between 2001 and 2013.

"For what they've done for our country, it's the least we can do," WWH Vice-President Joe Hein said.

Each night the group has dinner and talks about the days experiences, often dining over food that's been donated by local businesses. Local bait and tackle shops have also donated items for them to use.

Chuck Reed, the state director for Kentucky Wounded Heroes, based in Louisville, said he attended the first Walleye for Wounded Heroes event four years ago and has watched it grow each year.

This year, KWH brought 35 military veterans and emergency first responders to the Marblehead area.

"They're coming back from the Middle East pretty banged up," Reed said. "There's frustration, separation and the injuries - it weighs on them."

"They've done a knockout job with this," Reed said of Walleye for Wounded Heroes. "It's just turned into such a big event and it will continue to grow."

Reed said the group helped WWH become a 501-c3 and is proud of the work they've been able to accomplish in a short period of time.

"The community is just outstanding," he said. "There are so many good people in Marblehead and Port Clinton. They're very patriotic. They just jumped in to help."

For Whitney Howard, a seven-year veteran trooper with the Kentucky State Police, Post #8 in Morehead, KY, the event has given her a chance to step away from her injuries and subsequent injuries and bond with other injured officers and veterans.

"It's good to connect with people who are in the same boat as you," Howard said. "You've been through something that's life-changing is and its hard to get out and meet people."

Howard attended last year and said the event was nothing short of 'amazing.'

She's had her fifth surgery since then, having a spinal cord stimulator inserted —helping to stimulate the nerves that have been damaged in her accident and other surgeries. She said this year she's been able to get around a lot better and is enjoying herself more.

Howard eagerly signed up for this years trip and helped generate donations throughout the year, when she was able.

"It's near and dear to my heart. It's a chance to relax, to get away and do something we all enjoy," she said.

"It means a lot to be able to bond with people who know what you're going through."

jdenton@gannett.com

419-734-7506

Twitter: @jessicadentonNH