Keeping the Tradition Alive: Why the Harman’s Cabin Trip Matters, and How You Can Help

Project Healing Waters at Harman's - 2024

I completely understand that times are tough right now for many people. Because of that, I want to start by saying a sincere thank you just for taking the time to read this.

Every year, there is one event I look forward to above all others: the Project Healing Waters (PHW) National Capital Region trip to Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins.

The first year I attended, I was completely blown away. Imagine nearly a hundred veterans taking over the entire property. For me personally, the cabins' hot tubs were a lifesaver—the only reason my back survived the physical toll of the weekend. That first trip, I didn’t land a single fish until Sunday morning. But as I realized only after I returned home, catching fish wasn't the point. The point was connection. We ate together, fished together, shared cabins, and built a community.

Over the years, my fishing skills improved a bit, but the core experience never changed. I had the privilege of getting to know incredible people, like Head Guide; Tim Caudill and owner; Todd Harman. Tim works tirelessly to put every single veteran on fish, and Todd works hand-in-hand with us every year to make this trip a reality. We are profoundly grateful to both of them.

A New Perspective, A New Mission

Eventually, people got to know me better, too (whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on who you ask!). When I was asked to step up as the Assistant Program Lead for the Fort Meade chapter, I immediately knew what it meant for the Harman's trip.

It meant I would now have the distinct honor of guiding another veteran and helping them experience what I did. The slightly less glamorous part? I’d be trading a warm bed for my camp cot. But I would make that trade every single time.

The conversations I’ve had at Harman's have given me a much deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, the unique struggles veterans face. But this year, I was part of a conversation that broke my heart: the very real possibility that the 2026 trip might not happen.

The Financial Gap

It is no secret that Project Healing Waters has been navigating some financial hurdles. We are hopeful that new leadership, including our new CEO Jim Knowlton, will steer the ship in a positive direction. In the meantime, our National Capital Region is fighting like hell to keep this vital tradition alive.

We’ve had some incredible support in this fight. On May 16, 2026, Pipe the Side Brewing Company hosted their annual Tim Eckels Memorial Fundraiser and once again named Project Healing Waters the beneficiary. That single event raised an incredible $4,050! We cannot thank them enough for their unwavering dedication to our veterans.

How You Can Help

Despite that incredible generosity, we still face a funding gap to ensure this year's trip can happen.

If you are able, please consider making a contribution. We have set up a direct donation link via the QR code below. Every dollar goes directly toward giving a veteran the community, healing, and peace that Harman's provided me when I needed it most.

​Please share with your family and friends. Please give if you can.

It is an incredibly worthy cause, and we sincerely thank you for your support.