More & more these days I've noticed that folks who are in a very structured environment, like the military, police, fire fighters, etc are taking up the sport of fly fishing. I think that's fantastic, as the calm & pleasant hours spent along the stream with a fly rod in your hand can act as a counter-balance for these folks who have stressful - often dangerous - jobs. I'm sure there's some technical psychology to all of that, but I'm not the guy to tell you about that. No, I just know that fly fishing can be good for the soul & will often enough give you the peace of mind to face the challenges we all face in life.
From the West Point website:
"Few sports enjoy such a rich history of tradition as does fly fishing. This thread of tradition and history make this club’s connection to the values and goal of the United States Military Academy natural. Although the club is relatively new to the Military Academy, such graduates that could be considered honorary members would include the likes of President Eisenhower and General Schwarzkopf. Activities range from improving fly fishing skills from novice to expert levels, to fly tying instruction, to understanding and improving the environment and our natural resources. The club had several trip sections and initiated a stream improvement project to enhance the local fisheries on the reservation."
So happy 214th birthday to West Point. I hope that the fly fishing club there grows by leaps & bounds. After all, wouldn't it be great if all our future military, political, & community leaders were fly anglers?