Across the state right now, from the Grande Ronde and Wallowa rivers in Northeastern Oregon, to the Nestucca and Nehalem on the northern coast to the Rogue and Umpqua in Southern Oregon, winter steelhead season is in full swing.

On any given day, as drift boats float down many of the state’s prime steelhead rivers, a few of the seats on the vessels are occupied by soldiers who recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thanks to the efforts of two Web sites – kevinsdriftboat.com and ifish.net – returning veterans are paired with avid Northwest anglers and fishing guides, given the chance to fish free of charge for steelhead and salmon.

It’s just one way of saying thanks to heroes who risked their lives while serving in uniform.

The origins of kevinsdriftboat.com is a touching story of friendship, the joy of fishing and the tragic loss of an Oregon hero.

“Kevin’s Driftboat is a tribute to my good honest friend, Oregon National Guard Staff Sgt. Kevin Davis. My fishing buddy lost his wonderful life to a roadside bomb, while on patrol near Hawijah, Iraq, April 8, 2005,” writes Mitch Webb, founder of the Kevin’s Driftboat Project. “Kevin was excited to get home soon, and fish in his first driftboat. His wife had just purchased it for him, and he had only seen some pictures. His mom described it as something he wanted his whole life, but could never afford, until it was too late.

“Kevin left me a touching voicemail just days before passing,” Webb continues. “He had just received my steelhead pictures and commented ‘Nice fish, real nice fish.’ I thought he would be back soon, in the peak of spring salmon and summer steelhead fishing on the South Santiam River. And then his wife called, ‘Did he tell you about the boat? Keep him on the river while he is home. That’s what he needs.'”

Davis, who lived in Lebanon, Ore., died at the age of 41. Now Webb takes members of the Oregon National Guard who served with Davis fishing. Other anglers and guides sign up to take other soldiers fishing.

“I know Kevin’s driftboat will be lucky, but I’ll bet it’s the kids that get all the fish,” Webb says.

Oregon Public Broadcasting is working on a documentary about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among returning soldiers, and the program will include some of the therapies, including taking the veterans fishing. Donations are being sought to help fund the production. For information, e-mail newsroom@salem-news.com.

– A.M.

Editorials reflect the view of the Wallowa County Chieftain. Send comments to amartin@wallowa.com.