Rivers of Recovery

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Testimonials

Rivers of Recovery has provided an outstanding experience that I would never have otherwise been able to have. Being on the river and enjoying the spectacular scenery has been a welcome change from the stresses of everyday life. Sharing stories with the other vets, talking to the volunteers and sometimes just drifting down the river saying nothing at all makes me remember why this country is worth fighting for. My son and I will never forget all that Rivers of Recovery and its supporters have done for us. – Andew P.

I just want to thank everyone who helped make this possible. I had a great time meeting everyone and learning how to fly fish. Everything was 5-star! My father and I had some great “father-son” time and I thank you for giving us this opportunity. Rivers of Recovery has a great thing going here. Hopefully next year I can come back and fish again. Thank you very much for everything. – Andrew P. Jr.

Coming here to Utah with Rivers of Recovery has been incredible--definitely something that I’ll remember forever. Meeting other veterans who I have a lot in common with has been something that has helped me and being out in nature fly fishing will help these guys as well. The guides, food and lodging have been superb. It’s great that there are such great people like Dan and the rest of the Rivers of Recovery crew that care so much for our disabled vets. It’s something you don’t see every day and it’s extremely heartwarming that they do this for us. Again, I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for bringing my father and me out here. – Dan L.

I felt I was a special guest; though an outsider to a reunion. To observe these brave men share answers to questions they didn’t even know existed. They seem to fill a void each was looking for. Using fly fishing as a tool to bring these souls together is brilliant. It has a mystical quality and those who fish seldom get this opportunity. The staff and guides adapted techniques making success for beginners and a challenge for the experienced. – Peter L.

Rivers of Recovery was a great experience. I had such a incredible time. Everyone involved with the program is truly dedicated to making sure we have a great time. The guides on the river were awesome! I learned a ton of information from them and also caught 24 fish in two days--thanks to their help. Everyone coordinating the program is doing such an incredible job. Everything is planned and there are no problems with schedules, forgetting things or hold ups—everything runs smoothly! Dan Cook is an amazing guy. From the first call he gave me till now, he always is positive and brings an atmosphere with him that is amazing. It is good to have spent the weekend with him. I hope to go on more trips with him. The food was great thanks to a great set of cooks. Overall, this was one of the best trips I have been on. – Justin C.

Having two days on a river, in the middle of nowhere Utah, on one of the greatest fly fishing rivers known…. I found peace. I was able to get away from the daily challenges I face where I live and put them aside for a while. Getting my mind back on track for those two days was a great relief that I needed.

The guides and everyone involved on this trip was top notch. They wanted to help, assist and to share an incredible experience with us. They showed interest in our stories. They cared. I think all of the veterans felt like they were a part of something. I know I did. I loved it. If Rivers of Recovery would have me, I would come back in a heartbeat. I thank them for a great time and also for the shirt, hat and bandana that was given to me.

Thanks again! I had a tremendous time with you guys fishing the Green River. – Sam F.

Rivers of Recovery gives veterans the opportunity to focus on fun for one weekend and leave all personal problems behind. They are all caring people with good hearts; just wanting to make a positive difference in this great country of ours. They showed us the great people that we are fighting for so that their families can live without fear and enjoy their personal journeys through life. Thanks again! – Stephen C.

Amazing time! I would love to do it again! – Michael O.

The special people, place and challenge that Rivers of Recovery provides will be easily recognized by any Veteran or Service Member as they are blood cousins of the same unique trinity that military service provides. Who would have thought that a fly fishing trip was capable of immersing us in the company of truly great teachers and teammates, exposing us to one of the most amazing places on earth and then present us with a challenge that requires many of the same skills we developed during service? Dan, Lynda, the ROR crew and the trout of the Green River delivered it all in a very big way. If I could make a wish that would stick, I'd wish a trip like this on every American that has ever served... period. – Bob A.

My son visited your beautiful facilities June 19-22. Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time he had and what a bright outlook you left him with. Your program is outstanding and your reaching out to these soldiers is breathtaking. Just wanted to let you know how wonderful and how much this trip meant to our son and family. God Bless & Thanks – Marti C.

I am the proud mom of a participant who went on your 19-22 June trip. I just want to say thank you for being an Angel from Heaven, you and your staff have touched his and others' lives in more ways than you can imagine. God bless you. – Jana W.

I enjoyed the fishing and catching 12 trout in two days (for someone who never fly fished before). – Mike D.

Fresh mountain air
Lucked out for sunshine too
Fascinating people
And fishing to do.

River of green
True to its name
Sharing its vibrant life
Allowing us to be a part.

Staff of enthusiasm and high competence
Conspiring among themselves
That even the sourest puss
Was going to lift the corner of his mouth
And be amazed that he’d learned to fish!

Food galore
BBQ each night
Great conversation and acquaintance moving toward friendship
And future contact. – Ron M.

The guides were amazing. 3 of the 4 participants had never fly fished before and everyone caught fish. The meals were home cooked and the hospitality was unparalleled. The Flaming Gorge section of the Green River was beautiful and I saw wildlife that I have never seen before. No effort was spared to provide us with a memorable trip. – Bill J.

“Rivers of Recovery provided the opportunity to fly fish on one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, as well as the chance to share this remarkable experience with some amazing and inspiring veterans. We saw river otters, Big Horn sheep, Golden Eagles, Peregrine falcons, antelope and a Blue heron—not to mention catching scores of gorgeous Rainbow and Brown trout. The guides were able to turn completely inexperienced veterans into master fishermen in two days. The beauty of Flaming Gorge is only surpassed by the exhilaration of hauling in trout after trout. I never could have expected the amount of fish I caught, the incredible people I met, nor the fun had with Rivers of Recovery. – Chris M.

The idea is great and the guides were very knowledgeable. – Ed D.

This was a great confidence builder. I really felt like I could do anything I put my mind to. The camaraderie was excellent; it was good to feel the feeling of brotherhood again. The fishing was fantastic and the scenery gorgeous. I definitely look forward to coming back next year. – J.C. W.

This has been an opportunity of a lifetime. The staff of Rivers of Recovery and Old Moe’s Guide Service were very kind, knowledgeable, flexible and most of all, personable. During my 2 days of fishing I caught many beautiful trout, including Browns, Cuttbows and Rainbows. If anybody reading this gets this opportunity you should DEFINITELY take it and have an awesome experience like me and my fellows vets had. – Nick C.

I think that Rivers of Recovery is a great organization that is going to do great things and have hit the nail on the head in regards to accommodations, hospitality and overall wholesomeness. They are like the buddies and family that I have at home. This has been an experience that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. The staff and guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. In all honesty, there aren’t enough words to describe how absolutely wonderful this experience has been. I would recommend this and am going to encourage everyone that I can to take part in this great opportunity. Breathtaking scenery, awesome fishing, and caring and wonderful people to be around. – Dan R.