Take a Vet Fishing (TAVF) is a nonprofit organization based in Branford that hosts free and accessible on-shore and boat fishing events for veterans across the state.

TAVF was born from an outreach mission launched by the First Congregational Church of Branford, Connecticut in 2007, in which a community member suggested starting a Take a Vet Fishing program.

The organization’s mission is to provide veterans with a relaxing fishing excursion, encouraging community and comradery among them. All logistics, including equipment, transportation, food, and beverages, are provided free of charge.

The president of the organization, Jeff Arnson, has been a volunteer with the program for 18 years.

“Our goal really is to get veterans out of the clinical environment and get them outdoors spending time with other veterans, making friends, being around other veterans because veterans sometimes like to seclude, it was a great way to get them out and do activities together.”

In 2011, Arnson was asked by the former president if he would be interested in helping to expand the program.

Part of that project included the addition of volunteer drivers to transport veterans who have no vehicle access. As the organization has grown, it has been able to optimize the trip experience for veterans in all circumstances.

“So far, we’ve been able to accommodate every situation. We have wheelchairs and walkers in our vehicles. We’ll assist you with whatever you need,” said Arnson.

Arnson explained that five local fishing and hunting clubs allocate their properties for a day each year, allowing a wider range of fishing locations for participants.

“It just keeps moving forward. It's a lot of dedication, hard work, volunteering, and donations from the public,” he said.

Newtown resident and Air Force veteran Harris Towne Jr has been a volunteer driver for Take a Vet Fishing for ten years. Speaking with The Newtown Bee recently, Towne described the impact of the program on the veteran community.

“The comradery between vets is very important. They love the ability to get with other vets and talk with them. Others tell me after I take them, this Take a Vet Fishing Program has really helped me out.”

As the years have gone by, the organization has evolved. Its starting year held only three events; this year people went on fifteen total fishing trips. The program fosters a tangible sense of community for veterans.

Expanding from fishing trips alone, TAVF hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas parties, as well as three parades.

“We have so many events and every time you meet someone new you can tell that they're new, you just look at their face, and you can say, ‘I looked like that once too.’ They're just so excited about being there, you see the joy in their face and then you get to make another friend,” Arnson said.

Volunteer opportunities and donation information are available through Take a Vet Fishing’s website, tavf.org.

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Emily Braun is a journalism major at Fordham University interning with The Newtown Bee this summer. She can be contacted through editor@thebee.com.