We are excited to welcome Son Tao, the creative force behind The Tao of Flies, to our upcoming chapter meeting. Born in Vietnam and raised in Pennsylvania, Son’s journey took an extraordinary turn following the events of September 11, 2001, when he left his career in engineering to serve as a U.S. Army infantryman for 23 years. His honorable military service included multiple deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning him a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat.
Seeking healing after combat, Son found solace in fly fishing and fly tying—passions that sparked a remarkable transformation. In 2017, he claimed victory in the 5th Annual Project Healing Waters National Fly Tying Competition, gaining national recognition for his artistry and resilience . Since then, his story has reached wider audiences through features in articles, books, and media, including the popular Meateater Podcast.
Today, Son not only crafts exquisite flies but also dedicates himself to promoting the therapeutic and restorative powers of fly fishing. He volunteers with organizations like Project Healing Waters and Reeling in Serenity, using his skill and life experiences to inspire others on their own paths to healing and resilience.