About Us
Meet Our Team
Lew is a retired combat Veteran, Purple Heart recipient and is the founder of North Texas Patriot Anglers. Lew has been an avid fly fisherman since his youth in upstate NY. Lew started our program in 2013 as a healing journey for himself and a few friends never dreaming it would grow into what it is today. Lew is married to retired CMSGT Nicole Duckwall, herself a Veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sean is an avid fly fisherman and is part of the early cadre that helped Lew Duckwall start Project Healing Waters/North Texas Patriot Anglers. He is also the President of Heroes Among Us and coordinates the annual Christmas Outreach program with the Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) at Fort Cavazos. Sean is a United States Air Force Academy graduate, USAF pilot, and retired American Airlines pilot. He lives in Plano, Texas with his wife of 52 years, Jan, and their daughter Erin. They also have two sons, Matt (Dallas) and Brendan (NYC).
I am a retired Navy LCDR with 3 years active duty on ships and 18 years in the Naval Reserve. I have a B.S. degree in Accounting with an MBA. NTPA Founder, Lew Duckwall, is married to my daughter Nicole.
Amy served as an 88H in the U.S. Army, working in logistics before setting roots in Texas. Following her transition out of the military, she found solace and a renewed sense of purpose in the outdoors—fishing, camping, kayaking, and hiking became vital parts of her healing journey.
She first connected with Patriot Anglers as a participant, quickly discovering the profound impact the program has on veterans and first responders. After attending several outings, Amy felt compelled to give back. Driven by a desire to help others experience the same therapeutic benefits she found, she made it her mission to reach and empower as many veterans and first responders as possible.
Now serving as the Female Activities Director, Amy has found a true passion in fly fishing and supporting others on their paths to recovery and wellness. She lives in Red Oak, Texas, with her husband, three daughters, and one son.
Jim started his career in the military as a U. S. Marine Corps pilot and retired 37 years later as an Air Force Reserve Major General. Jim also had a 32-year career as a pilot and instructor for American Airlines. Jim lives in Trophy Club TX with his wife of 49 years who is a retired college professor. They have one son who is a Combat Rescue Officer currently serving on active duty in the Air Force. Jim loves to fish with vets and can cook bacon and eggs better than Lew.
“Warsteed” served 10 years in the Army and was honorably discharged in 2000 as a Captain. He served in Infantry, Quartermaster, and Special Forces Units throughout his career. He then served as a Police Officer and spent 11 of 12 years on the SWAT team where he retired in 2014. He currently owns a Firearms Training Company, a Security Consulting Company, and a Childcare Center. In January 2018 he was asked to attend an outing and Fly Fishing became a passion of his at that time. After attending other outings, he then volunteered to guide and has been a regular volunteer since. He lives in Rockwall, Texas with his wife of 20 years, a daughter, and a son.
Brad has been fly fishing for nearly 25 years and has a passion for teaching others to fly fish and helping others heal utilizing the therapeutic attributes of fly fishing. Brad has volunteered with Patriot Anglers since 2020. Brad coordinates a north Texas annual family fishing fundraising event, Casting for a Cause, which has raised over $100,000 since 2017 for local college scholarships, food insecurity programs, and Patriot Anglers. Brad is a National Account Manager at CHEP and lives in Argyle, TX with his wife and 2 daughters. Brad currently holds the Texas State Fly Fishing Record for Hybrid Striped Bass (26.5”, 9.94 lbs). We are excited to have Brad on board leading our Fundraising Programs.
Johnny is a life long fly fisher and former fly fishing guide on Lake Fork Texas He served in the US Army as a Specialist E-5, in the mid 70s. He has been involved in various Veteran based fishing organizations and with Lew & Patriot Anglers for many years. He currently is the lead for the Lake Emma Patriot Anglers fly fishing trips. He and Joyce, his wife of 52 years, live in Mineola Texas.
Thanks To Our Volunteers
(apologies for omissions)
Bill Barclay
Ken Bowers
David Brigman
Clark Copeland
Michael Dotson
Stan Duba
Novice Northington
Bryan Travis
David Dillow
Deborah Tepe
Greg Evans
Brent Frerck
Marco Garcia
Kevin Pottinger
Peter Rea
Travis Wade
Donovan Clary
Professional Guides:
Peter Breeden
Ryan Stodgell
Trey & Morgan Prater
Wes Myers
Andy Kim
Matt Lough
Special Thanks To
(no particular order)
Linda King
Bill Hodges
Tom Atwood
Ocean Jefferson
Eddie & Roberta Brister
Doyle Cain (Cain’s Meat & Produce, Denton)
All our wives for having the patience and understanding to allow us to do this work.
”In 2013, after much thought and planning, my wife and I started what would become North Texas Patriot Anglers. At the time it was a shot in the dark for us running the program and those participating in the program.
Lew DuckwallFounder & Executive Director
750
FUNDS RAISED
3,200
VETERANS SERVED
60,000
VOLUNTEER HOURS
28
ANNUAL TRIPS
