The 7th Annual Battle at Boxwood saw Project Healing Waters veterans, local fishing guides, and plenty of big fish. The event held Saturday July 22, included more than 20 veterans enjoy friendly competition. Rainbows, cutthroat, and browns up to 28-inches wer caught while everybody enjoyed a perfect, sunny day at Boxwood Gulch in Shawnee, CO.
This is a fantastic event bringing 20 vets out to this gorgeous property here at Boxwood Gulch,” said Kim Payne, volunteer organizer for the event. “The opportunities Project Healing Waters creates for these great folks is amazing. Their mission is near and dear to my heart as my brother-in-law was a cobra pilot for the Marine Corps. The folks here at Boxwood Gulch donate their ranch, plus guides donate their time, which truly makes this a rewarding event. Last year we raised $75,000 for the organization—so they can continue to do great things.”
On the water, veteran Brian Gilba kicked off the event with a nice cutthroat while fishing with his side kick, a St. Bernard named Zoe. The action was non-stop as some loud hoots from upriver pulled the sizeable media contingent to see Erik Phillips and guide John Keefover team up for back-to-back hookups with a couple quality rainbows running 18 to 20 inches.
On one of the many side channels of the North Fork of the South Platte at Boxwood, Jeremy Hamilton and his veteran friend Jery Freeman hooked a powerful rainbow as well. In a short interview after releasing the fish, Jery compared the feeling of getting on the river, fighting the rainbow, and landing it to, well, you know. What a guy—you have to love the enthusiasm.
Tom Woodring was also on the water snapping photos and enjoying the friendly competition. The action continued with each veteran and guide teaming up for photo-worthy fish throughout the entire three miles…
