Del. Kirk Cox introduced the bill to provide a free, one-year fishing license to military personnel and veterans with service connected disabilities receiving treatment from a military or veterans hospital in Virginia or an adjoining state.

The idea for the bill came from a program started at Walter Reeed in 2005. Project Healing Waters found that fly fishing and tying proved very therapeutic for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines  recovering from physical and emotional rigors of military service.

In the five years since starting at Walter Reed, Project Healing Waters has grown to 78 chapters nationwide and in 3 foreign countries.

Dr. Mike Cherwek, a retired cardiologist from Speaker Howell's district in Fredericksburg, testified in support of the bill and explained the great work of Project Healing Waters.  Cherwek serves as national Vice President of the group.

Dr. Mike Cherwek, national Vice President of Project Healing Waters, testifies before House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

In addition to support from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, HB 128 has 43 co-patrons.