The Coudersport Rotary Club met at A&W West End Grill on June 8, 2026, for its weekly meeting and welcomed the guest of Rotarian Paul Herzig retired U.S. Army Colonel Ed Fisher, founder and operator of LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve and SAVAW (Serving All Veterans All Wars), located in Oswayo, Pennsylvania.

Colonel Fisher retired from the United States Army after 27 years of service that took him around the world. During his military career, he completed 40 parachute jumps and flew in more helicopters than he can count while serving his country with distinction.

For the past 18 years, Fisher has dedicated his efforts to serving America’s veterans through LEEK and SAVAW. Situated on 400 acres at 494 State Route 244 East, the preserve provides injured and disabled veterans with opportunities to hunt and fish across more than 40,000 acres of land, including access to the Hoffman Farm and other participating properties.

Fisher shared that LEEK currently hosts seven hunting programs annually, beginning with a predator hunt, followed by flintlock, spring gobbler, pheasant-only, black powder antlered deer, antlerless deer, and pheasant hunts. These programs offer veterans not only outdoor recreation but also fellowship, healing, and support.

One of the organization’s most ambitious current projects is the construction of a new 300-seat event hall. The facility, currently about halfway completed, will serve as a venue for weddings, conferences, community events, and veteran programs. The hall will be named in honor of Marine Corporal Jason Dunham of Scio, New York, who sacrificed his life by throwing himself on a grenade to save three fellow Marines. Dunham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism.

A significant portion of Fisher’s presentation focused on the challenges facing today’s veterans. He noted that an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide each day and emphasized the importance of listening to those who are struggling. “When you get that call, shut up and listen,” Fisher advised. Through SAVAW, veterans and their families have access to programs designed to provide support, understanding, and connection during difficult times.

Fisher also reflected on remarks he delivered during the recent Coudersport Memorial Day ceremony. He noted that approximately 1.9 million Americans have given their lives in service to the nation from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts. The names inscribed on memorials throughout communities, including the monument in Coudersport’s town square, represent individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Fisher discussed how veterans returning from World War II often spent days traveling home by troop ship, providing time to process their experiences and support one another. By contrast, many Vietnam veterans returned home within a single day by air, often without the opportunity to discuss their experiences or receive peer support from fellow service members.

The organization relies heavily on volunteers and community support. Work bees are held annually over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, with volunteers contributing in many ways, from installing door frames and performing construction work to weeding flower beds and maintaining the grounds.

LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve and SAVAW are located one mile east of the fish hatchery in Oswayo. Those interested in volunteering, supporting completion of the Jason Dunham Hall, or learning more about programs available to veterans and their families can visit www.leekpreserve.org.

Following Fisher’s presentation, Coudersport Rotary Club President Andrea Streich announced that she would be directing her annual $500 in presidential discretionary funds to LEEK. With just three weeks remaining in her term as Rotary president, Streich had not yet designated the annual funds. Moved by Fisher’s presentation and inspired by the organization’s commitment to veterans and their families, she selected LEEK as the recipient. The announcement was especially meaningful to Streich, whose father was a veteran, and she became visibly emotional as she shared her decision with the club.

Colonel Fisher’s presentation provided Rotarians with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing veterans and the important role LEEK and SAVAW play in supporting those who have served our nation. Through outdoor programs, family support services, and a commitment to healing and fellowship, the organization continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

(Pictured: Rotarian Paul Herzig, Rotary President Andrea Streich, Colonel Ed Fisher)