Columbus People You Should Know

Meet Jarod Klucho

Our city is brimming with go-getters. Whether they’re entrepreneurs, creatives, grassroots warriors, advocates, or hobby enthusiasts, these folks all have a common thread. Their passion, joy, and enthusiasm energize our city. 

It is their drive, their spirit, that has made their stories interesting. In this monthly installment, we’re sharing with you stories about some of your city’s residents that we think you should know about. These are the people who give Columbus that spark that inspires so many of us to call the city home. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy what they have to say.

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As a combat veteran, Jarod Klucho found solace in embracing his love for fishing and the outdoors. 

Now, he’s helping other local veterans do the same. As program lead for the central Ohio chapter of national nonprofit Project Healing Waters, Klucho teaches disabled veterans how to fly fish. And after a hold on events due to the pandemic, the local chapter this past month began holding  fish outings with veterans. 

“Being out in nature and learning a new task and being able to implement the things you learn in the classroom can be very therapeutic,” Klucho said. 

Klucho began his own service straight out of high school, joining the Marine Corps at 18 years old. He was in the Marine Corps Reserves from 2005 to 2011. While attending the Ohio State University for international studies, he was in 2008 deployed to Iraq. Upon graduating from OSU, he left the Marine Corps in 2011. 

Klucho said the experience helped him learn a strong work ethic, and teamwork. He had the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds. But as a combat vet, he faced a considerable amount of challenges returning to everyday life. Professional counseling, coupled with fishing and getting outside, helped him greatly. 

Project Healing Waters, he said, creates a community for veterans in which they can share experiences and forge a bond with others while being able to get out on the water. 

“It’s not just about the fishing,” he said. 

Veterans are able to learn how to use a fly rod, how to find and identify fish, and how to tie their own flies. They’re also able to tap into their creative sides when choosing colors and materials to create their own flies and rods, Klucho said. 

For more information about Project Healing Waters, visit projecthealingwaters.org.

Columbus, we know you have that friend, co-worker or acquaintance who has got it. Share your suggestions for Columbus People You Should Know via [email protected].

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