DynCorp International’s CAL FIRE program recently sponsored a Wounded Warrior and First Responder event at the Horseshoe Bar Game & Fish Preserve near Foresthill, California.
The event, an annual four-day guided fly-fishing experience for novice anglers, is designed to assist wounded veterans, law enforcement and first responders dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and physical injuries as a result of their service.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to sponsor this event and attend the closing ceremony,” said Jeff Cavarra, DI’s CAL FIRE program director. “A special thanks to Tom Bartos, owner of the Horseshoe Bar Preserve who has held the event for 14 years, and all the workers and volunteers that made this an amazing event for these brave Americans that fought for and defended our country and local community.”
This year, the event was attended by six military and two law enforcement personnel who paired with a local fishing guide and were provided with the required gear, i.e. waders, boots, fly rod, and fishing front pack containing flies, forceps, line, cutters, etc. Volunteers cooked meals and handled setting up or tearing down the camps; each attendee received their own tent and cot. Night times around the campfire included discussions sharing difficult scenes and memories of service. Each veteran or first responder was presented with a hand made “Quilt of Valor” meticulously crafted by the Roseville Quilts Guild.
“It was our first year to sponsor,” continued Cavarra. “And the sponsorship with Horseshoe began randomly – I was invited on a fishing trip to the preserve and started talking to Mr. Bartos about the property. He mentioned the event and that they were looking to include first responders this year. I told him that I worked with a first responder organization and we would love to help out with the event.”
“We were humbled to be in a position to sponsor this great event,” concluded Cavarra.
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