My picture is next to the definition of "Blessed" in most dictionaries, and my life is a rags to riches story to be sure. Love of family and fishing are the threads that turned into the cables that have supported my life. I was living in this house when I learned to fish. (That's my brother and life-long fishing partner, Andy) I'm sure my story's pretty similar to yours. It wasn't my grandfather who handed me my first rod, but it was a really cool old-guy neighbor we called Grampa -- Grampa Blackwell. Grampa Blackwell had a log cabin with rifles hanging on pegs on the walls of his main room and some amazing whitetail buck head mounts. He also had a small pond in his front yard. For a six-year old who had just come back from two years in Africa, it was magical. The pond was filled with BIG bass and sunfish and bluegills. He taught us how to crimp the barbs and cast and set the hook and keep a tight line and hold the fish as we unhooked it and released it. (Catch and release was driven into my DNA with my very first fish). Over fifty-five years later I can still remember my first fish. I remember asking Grampa Blackwell to rig my worm. He put a worm on my hook and then took it off, handed the hook and the worm to me and talked me through the process. The cast with my Zebco 33 seemed easy, the bobber dropped almost as soon as it hit the water, and shortly afterwards a small bluegill was hanging on the end of my line. When I took my pole over to Grampa Blackwell to take the fish off, he gently shook his head, showed me how to fold the dorsal fin down under my palm and had me remove the hook. Maybe the first thing in my life I can remember doing all by my self. Perhaps that's why I still love it -- it reminds me of what is good and right and possible.

Fast forward 55+ years, and as I said, I find fishing is the string that runs through my entire life. Can't explain it, but the nice thing about getting old is I don't have to. I've been blessed to fish with some amazing fishermen in some pretty exotic places, both here and abroad I've fished with every weight of fly rod from 1 to 12. I've used handlines and cane poles and Zebco 33s and baitcasters and spinning reels. And Yo-Yo's, but only in Arkansas.

If you're still reading this, you're likely a little strange, which isn't a derogatory term here. You're ether a fanatical fisherman suffering through temperatures too cold to fish, or you're new to the scene and reading everything you can get your hands on, or you're my family wondering what I've started spending my time on. I'm doing this for brain exercise, but if you find some enjoyment or amusement, that'll be good too.

There are three main elements that make up my "unique" and envious situation.

The first is that I married an absolutely amazing woman. Amazing in her capacity for love and service, her total selflessness, her angelic soul, and so many more magnificent attributes that if I listed them all I'd lose credibility -- you'd either think I was in the doghouse and trying to suck up (I'll bet an ounce of gold she never reads this) or I was making it up. Its all true -- ask anyone who knows her. That she loves me, skin tags and all, will never cease to amaze me. Her incredible work ethic and tenacity and drive is inspiring. She allows me to fish -- practically whenever I want to. Sometimes she even asks me to go. She is an amazing mother -- I have two adult sons, who like to fish, but unfortunately aren't passionate about it. Maybe someday. They have ladies in their lives we truly love. No hint of grandchildren, but we won't push. I was hoping for a grandchild that would be old enough to help me tie on my flies when it got too hard, but doesn't look like that will happen in time.

The second is my newfound "retired" status. I've been blessed in life, personally and professionally. Had the honor to serve my country for over 22 years and work with the very best of the very best people our Nation has to offer -- people who make sacrifices others will never truly understand. (As an editorial comment, when I say sacrifices I don't only mean the risk of life and limb -- there are so many many more. And it's absolutely ok to not understand -- military members aren't looking for understanding, and in fact don't want you to understand, because they don't want anyone feeling sorry for them. My point is I was blessed to work with the top one percent of the top one percent of our Nation's people, and it truly doesn't get better than that). I retired from the Air Force at just the right time -- the best time in the history of the world to be a security guy looking for work. Fast forward the next 18 years through building a security division for a Fortune 200 company, a stint as the Chief Security Officer for one of the world's largest secure logistics companies, and the great fortune and fantastic opportunity to work with the world's best partner while starting and building a security, risk and and business management consulting company. (Along the way I was the CEO of what was at the time the largest US-owned US Government security services contractor, but that is a story too long for this website). I cashed in my stake in our little company and did some independent consulting work for a year. Then COVID hit, we locked down, and I realized I don't need to work to self-actualize. I need to spend time with family, fish, garden, and improve my cooking skills. So I'm retired. Retired, retired..

The third element is the one I would be envious of if I didn't live it. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. There really are 50 trout streams within 50 miles of my house -- and I've only fished about a dozen of them. Some aren't on any map, and a big fish just breaks the 6 inch mark, but it's a trout. Virginia is probably the best kept fishing secret in the entire continental US. I don't mind if it stays that way.

Now that I'm old enough to have my favorites, I'm simplifying. It's a good feeling. 90% of my fishing is fly fishing. That includes Tenkara, which I enjoy, but not to the point that I'm giving up my old Mirage. The other 10% is "all other" fishing. You have an exotic fish tank and invite me for dinner, don't turn your back. I'll pull a thread from my sock and find a pin somewhere.

One other responsibility I want to tell you about. What I realize now was one of the great honors of my life was being asked to sit on the board of directors of Heroes on the Water. I thought it was pretty cool at the time, but now I know it is way more than cool. Its one of the most important things I've ever done. (You can check out HOW here) HOW is making lives better, and potentially even saving them. And saving families. Helping to heal husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. HOW does this this through one of the most simple concepts in all of the support world -- giving folks the opportunity to fish from a kayak. That's it! Our heroes -- veterans and first responders -- have a chance to escape their challenges and issues for a few hours. Paddle a kayak. Catch a fish -- or not. Families play on the shore, and after 4-5 hours of fishing, share a simple meal. No expectations, no drama. You're going to be hearing a lot more about this incredible organization. Check it out -- click the word HOW above. Support these heroes if you can -- $5, $10, $10,000. Your gift is more than a thank you to a vet who left something on the battlefield he was fighting on or a first responder who had to hold a dying child or fight an enraged drug addict so we, or our sons and daughters don't have to. It is an investment in America. A path to help bright, patriotic, intense men and women find a full and more complete life. I know there are multiple demands on everyon'e time, talent and treasure these days. I decided long ago to try to always use one of those elements in the service of others. When I was younger, I was too busy with life, and while we didn't have much treasure, we always had something for the church, the less fortunate, and the outdoors and conservation. As we got older we had more treasure so were able to increase our giving, but we also had a little more time, and the talent earned through experience, so we offered some of that as well. Now that I'm retired, I'm trying to maximize all three. We all -- you all -- have something to give. Find a cause that is important to you and donate -- whatever you can -- time, talent and/or treasure.