July 26th - 27th, 2019

Location: Eleven Mile State Park, Lake George, CO.
Hosted By: River Deep Alliance and SCI HOP 
Participants: Operation TBI Freedom & Ft. Carson Warrior Transition Battalion
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We had one hundred Veterans, family members, and volunteers gathered at Eleven Mile State Park, with nearly 40 campsites overlooking the lake. We had the Kast King pro staff and their bass boats ready to take people on the lake in search of trout. Kast King is also the group that supplies us with the Anglers of Honor fly rods and River Deep spinning rods. They always go the extra distance to help us. We also had a pontoon boat skippered by Mark Yevoli, who took groups out on the lake for sight seeting and fishing. Chris Dundas did the same with a skiff. The afternoon was spent setting up campsites, getting acquainted, some game playing for the kids, and enjoying the lake and mountains.   

​Later on in the day everyone gathered at the main campsite for some fantastic barbecue from Roosters Competition BBQ. After dinner we gathered around the campfire for storytelling, fish stories, and marshmallow roasting. It was a great day and we had another fun day planned Sunday, so it was time for everyone to return to their campsites for a good night of sleep.

We woke up with the sun on Sunday morning and had a short drive to the meadow where the Ballooning Society of Pikes Peak had breakfast waiting for us, along with fifteen balloons that took everyone for a ride. It's quite a sight to see the balloons launch, all different sizes, colors, and shapes. You can tell by the smiles after everyone's flight, what an awesome time we all had, not to mention the incredible views of South Park.

With everyone back on the ground, the pilots had another treat planned. It's the 'first-time-in-a-balloon' ritual that involves drinking champagne (or water), out of a cup without using your hands. We were treated to a brief talk on the history of hot air balloons. After that we were treated to barbecue by the Ballooning Society of Pikes Peak, who presented hand made quilts to all of the Veterans. They have been hosting the Celebration of Honor flight for years, and we can't thank them enough for the fantastic job they do honoring our Veterans.

It's been a fantastic weekend, and a big thanks to the many volunteers, organizations and people that made this weekend possible.

Bob Adwar
River Deep Alliance, President
SCI HOP, VP/Humanitarian Chairman

July 13th 2019

Location: Lincoln Hills, Blackhawk, CO.
Hosted By: River Deep Alliance and SCI HOP 
Participants: Craig Hospital & Operation TBI Freedom

​The sun is shining, the mountains are green and the creek is clear. We had a large group on Saturday, anxious to try their luck on the creek and pond. We had expert guides from the Anglers of Honor program. Most of the group were new to fly fishing and received instruction on casting, gear, and knots from the guides. We put the waders on and headed to the creek and pond with our guides. Family members and children were also on the pond trying their luck. We managed to put a few in the net, but more importantly everyone learned about fly fishing and had a great time.

At lunchtime, we gathered on the eco-center deck that overlooks the pond. One of our favorites, Jim N' Nick's BBQ, delivered a delicous meal for all to enjoy. It's been a wonderful, beautiful day. A huge thanks to all the guides, volunteers and everyone who helped make it a success.

Bob Adwar
River Deep Alliance, President
SCI HOP, VP/Humanitarian Chairman

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June 15th - 19th, 2019

Location: Camp BullWheel, Ennis, MT.
Hosted By: River Deep Alliance and SCI HOP 
Participants: Operation TBI Freedom & Ft. Carson WTB

​We had soliders and Veterans from Ft. Carson and Operation TBI who floated on the Madison River, which is challenging this time of the year because of the run-off. Fortunately, Peter Pauwels and the Camp BullWheel guides know the river and where the fish are. We were on the river for three days in search of trout. The rest of the time we were treated to good food and conversation at Camp BullWheel.

The Montana trip was amazing! The people at Camp BullWheel had the best hospitality around. The town itself was a small county town, it was friendly and easy to navigate. Our favorite place to get souvenirs and drinks was Willie's Distillery. This was also a Veteran-ran business which made our guys feel right at home. Our trip was full of good times and great stories, with new life-long friends made. A big thanks to all the great people and guides at Camp BullWheel.

Justin Hudson
River Deep Alliance

Bob Adwar
River Deep Alliance, President
SCI HOP, VP/Humanitarian Chairman

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