HOW's mission to support warriors and their families through kayak fishing and the outdoors has been effective for 13 years. HOW has never lost sight of the mission, and for that I applaud them. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and generous supporters!
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I'm honored to be a part of such an amazing organization, and to help guide and preserve the health of HOW's mission.
I'm passionate about supporting our veterans, active military, first responders and their families through this non-traditional therapy. I love the opportunity to volunteer at chapter outings and events, to reunite and develop new relationships.
#PaddleFishHeal #HOWNation
After my retirement from civilian and military careers I felt that I was missing something I was trained to do in both careers and that was to lead. After a year of trying to find something that would satisfy my calling I came across Heroes On The Water Coastal Bend TX Chapter, I volunteered and developed the Safety Boat Sector, I got more involved with the admin part of the chapter by coordinating monthly events. At first I felt it was for the participating veterans that were getting the healing but later realized that our veteran and civilian volunteers were also benefiting from the therapy of being around like minded individuals, the bonding, the camaraderie, and the Brotherhood. Great organization that saves lives by simply taking Armed Forces and First Responders on a kayak fishing adventure and it's always free to our participants and their immediate family members. One of the few Veteran Organizations that encourage family participation.
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Can't say enough about this organization and what its done for me personally and what I have witnessed it do to others. The compassion and dedication of the volunteers across the country that makes this organization run is just short of a miracle and the people that benefit from this therapy appreciate it beyond belief
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Several years ago, Heroes on the Water reached me at a dark period of my life. What they gave me was hope. Being a wounded veteran and medically retired wasn't in my life plan. After being in so much pain physically and mentally I was sure there was only one way to make it all go away. HOW showed me there was another way...kayak fishing! Since that day, I have never turned back. I now feel great and use the experience to reach out to other veterans who I know ate suffering from the pain and just want to end it. HOW actually cares about the people they serve. This isn't just a one and done program. Many of us across the country are now friends and keep in touch. Unlike some larger nonprofit organizations, HOW is there for us. They don't use us to advertise for them. We aren't a photo opportunity for them to make money on. HOW respects our privacy if we so choose and doesn't make a dog and pony show out of the outings. This is especially important to us who have our days with Post Traumatic Stress. Top notch organization!
Wellness and kayaking combine with fishing you are going to have an amazing experience. A family oriented program that encourages you come back every time. Our programs we're hurt by stay at home orders this year but we rose to the challenge and learned news ways to support our community.
Thank you to all our Front line Heroes this year and a special prayer for those that will not be home for the Holidays defending our freedoms across the globe,Godspeed. We're ready to go fishing and welcome you home.
Heroes on the Water is by far the most unique veteran service organization in the Nation. I was invited to one of their events several years ago by another volunteer. I was blown away by the organization and literally “hooked” on the first event I attended. I started first as a volunteer and then gradually became a kayak fisherman myself. I’ve been with the organization for over 6 years now and have seen some amazing moments with veterans that are struggling and finding peace on the water. I’ve also seen some pretty amazing family moments. That’s a really unique aspect of HOW is it is for the veteran – AND – their families too. HOW events are very healing and family centric events. It’s a really special moment to see a young veteran and his very young family at a HOW event and witness a young child catch their first fish. This program is doing so much for the veteran and their families. I can’t image not being part of this organization.
Incredibly dedicated, selfless staff at all levels, true home town heroes who dedicate their time and talents to give our veterans and first responders and their families a chance to relax, unwind and connect.
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I’m proud to be associated with an organization focused on providing an experience that allows veterans and their families to escape the daily grind once in awhile. The premise is fundamental — “Let’s Go Fishing” — no pressure, no expectations, no requirements — simply an opportunity to join like minded folks for a day of water, fishing and fellowship.
I've been volunteering with Heroes on the Water since 2014, first at the Coastal Bend Chapter and currently with the Rio Grande Valley Chapter. I've seen the effect that an event can have on a veteran or first responder. They come in kind of doubtful and quiet. They're not quite sure what kayak fishing can do for them. They check in, get fitted with a PFD, shown the kayak they will use and get introduced to their guide. Once the Safety Briefing in done and questions have been answered it's time to get them out on the water. They are assisted through the launch process and they paddle away. Some just want to paddle around others fish and many relax and take naps. Guides are always close by to answer questions and watch over those who are napping. The participants start to form new friendships while learning how to fish from a kayak. You can hear them as they start to come close to the shore they are talking, laughing and smiling. To see them back on shore relaxed and with some of their stressed released warms the heart. The conversations are almost nonstop as they all share a meal. Some will catch fish and some will not but the expressions on their faces say it all, there is hope. That is just a small part of what I've witnessed while volunteering with both Chapters.
All HOW events are made possible by very dedicated volunteers who want to give back to those who have so given so much for each of us. This truly is a great nonprofit!
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We found out about Heroes on the Water back in 2014 at a Fly Fishing Expo in New Braunfels, Texas. We were given some pamphlets to read and visited their website to find out more about the organization. We found the closest chapter to us and we contacted the Coordinator and asked what we could do to help. He gave us the date of their next event and we told him that we would be there. When we arrived early that Saturday morning we started to help unloading equipment, setting up kayaks, paperwork, and anything else that was needed. As all the Veterans launched the Coordinator told us of the "Triple Therapy" that kayak fishing provided: physical therapy from paddling and fishing, occupational therapy learning a lifetime sport/activity, and mental therapy from relaxing in nature with no distractions or expectations of performance. We also noticed that when the Veterans had returned from fishing and were enjoying lunch they were much more relaxed, talkative, laughing, sharing their experiences with their fellow brothers, and smiling.
Volunteering with Heroes on the Water has been very rewarding to us as we have seen first hand the difference that it makes in the Veteran's life not just for him or her but for their family as well.
I've been volunteering with Heroes on the Water since 2012. My husband suffers from PTSD and attending HOW events definitely helps him deal with his stress. He is a different person before he goes out in a kayak opposed to when he comes back off the water. There is a weight lifted off. I appreciate Heroes on the Water for providing these opportunities to myself and my husband.
I have been helping Heroes on the Water for 5 years now. COVID-19 put everything to a halt but we had made some adjustment. We are making sure that all kayaks are all sanitize before each event and after the Veterans are done. National wants all our Veterans to be safe out on the Water. No matter what we need to keep serving our Veterans.
My husband and I started to volunteer back in 2014 with the Coastal Bend Chapter out of Corpus Christi, TX. Travis Matthews the Coordinator at the time welcomed my husband and I as if we were family. Usually there is a getting to know period and seeing where you'll fit in not with Heroes on the Water. The atmosphere at that first event we volunteered at and the months that followed had the same welcoming and family feel. Everyone pitching in to make each event a happy, fun and safe event for our veterans and their family. Since then my husband and I started the Rio Grande Valley Chapter in March of 2015. We started out as Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator and have now taken on the roles of Treasurer and Secretary. We have been extremely blessed by serving our RGV veterans and their families. The family atmosphere has not changed over time and continues with our new Coordinator and Team Leaders many of which have been with us for over 3 years. PADDLE. FISH. HEAL. It's simple and offers so much to each of our participants.
When I meet some of the volunteers I knew I had to try it. It’s been almost 5 years now and I still volunteer and go to the events. The Rio Grande Valley chapter has been a second family to me. I have friends I can turn to and talk to during hard times.
After 12 years and 4 tours in the Marines, my brother came home. His transition to civilian life with the effects of his experiences in battles he’d been in as a tanker would not be an easy one. But one day he met Rudy and Mary Castaneda and with a love of fishing and adventure, he joined HOW RGV on events and asked my husband to join him. I saw the positive effect on my brother and am grateful for the blessing that they are on his life. He has since earned a degree, is married and a new father. I joined as a Veteran/Volunteer shortly after my brother began to be able to bless others in return. HOW RGV is an amazing and beautiful family I’m grateful to be a part of.
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Since getting out of the Military I have found several veterans organizations to become a part of. But none of them have helped me like Heroes on the Water has helped me. I have actually found true friends that genuinely care about eachother and welcome family members and are not just there because it's a job to them and they want recognition.
I have been with this organization for 4 years. I have seen many veterans that are more active with their family and society sense they have been participating with HOW-RGV. This is a great organization where a Veteran receives this service completely free. They're also able to bring their family to these events. This is why I will continue to support Heroes on the Water. Because they do make an impact on their life.
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I have been a Coordinator for Heroes on the Water - Rio Grande Valley Chapter for 3 years now. It amazes me how kayak fishing can make a big difference to somebody that has PTS or a TBI. When we have a veteran that's coming out for the first time they're excited but leery. We ask them questions like what branch they were in, are you married or do they have children, etc. You can see that they become more comfortable hanging out with their Brothers and Sisters. Paddling on a kayak is very therapeutic but catching fish is just a small bonus.
The hugs we get tell us thank you for caring without saying a word.
I have been a volunteer with HOW RGV Chapter for about 3 years now. I have seen first hand how it helps out vets. My brother in law retired from the Marine Corp. and was struggling after his 3 deployments. I accompanied him on his first event and got hooked myself. Since then I have seen many vets attend events and visibly see changes at the end of the event. I am very proud to be a volunteer with a great organization.
When you leave the service there can be a severe culture shock that leaves you missing the environment that you were used to back in the service. I started going to the Heroes on the Water events to reconnect with that culture. I quickly realized that the service that they provide goes much much deeper than that. I've witnessed people with severe anxiety from traumatic events that happened while they served find peace in being able to fish with others who understood what they felt. I quickly became a volunteer and a guide. The no BS no pressure approach that HOW has helps, plain and simple. I've seen more results from what they do than what from any other organization.
What Heroes on the Water does for myself and fellow Veterans can't really be explained adequately. After my first trip, I was hooked and haven't missed an event in almost 3 years. My month is planned around the HOW Coastal Bend chapter. Just sitting on a yak, surrounded by salt water and watching the worries and stress of every day life float away with the waves rejuvenates my soul in such a way that can't be explained. My HOW family is so extremely important to me and I grateful to every one of them and our amazing volunteers and supporters.
Heroes on the Water is a great organization for me. Growing up in Minnesota and fishing daily was my way to heal from any life struggle I had. Being able to get back out and fish with my current situation being a double amputee with TBI I needed these guys. Thank You heroes on the water and hope to get back out there!
For an outgoing introvert HOW-RGV is the perfect organization for me. Wether it's sitting around talking, fishing off a kayak by myself, wadding next to a friend, learning a new skill or even enjoying a meal with good company there is always something for me & whatever mood I'm in. I look forward to decompressing from life's daily stressors every month with this org. and absolutely love that it is family oriented, so even when I can't get away by myself I know I can bring my daughter along and heal with her.
Last year was my first meeting with the team from Fort Gordon, GA. I've been an avid kayak fisherman for over 15 years and was looking for a way to give back to my fellow servicemen and women. I volunteered to help guide on some local ponds they had reserved for the event. Being a new guide I was teamed up with off the "old pros" and our veteran. It was his first time in a Kayak. To say he had a great time would be an understatement. When we got him back to the launch and he had to get back in his chair, the smile never left his face. I still volunteer and tell everybody I meet of how great it is to help others. HOW has given me the ability to give back to others that gave for us.
I came across this organization and realized that they make life so much more worthy of living thru the therapy, relaxation and commradery that it provides. My friends and family have noticed the positive change that I have presented. I feel better about myself and life in general.
I'm hoping that I can make a positive impact on my brothers and sisters within the organization.
The very first time that I came across HOW, I was in doubt that I wanted to do anything with female veterans. Maria had just invited me to join them for an all female veterans weekend of fishing and kayaking. As time progressed I went ahead and said,"yes". HOW that weekend helped me get over a PTSD episode by teaching me alternate ways and having other veterans that knew right away what was going on. I usually had them but never had help with anyone. Let alone have anyone know what exactly was going on. I have came back for three years now. Each time, I experience something new and that I am capable of doing things out of my nature. I am truly grateful that I was able to participate in the events that our local chapter has for everyone.
I have been out fishing with this group twice and both times it was a memorable and highly enjoyable experience. Great people who love the sport of fishing. The Coordinators ensured that everyone had all that we needed and our safety was first and foremost. Will definitely be going again!!!
Great opportunity for active duty military and veterans of the U.S. Armed forces and their families to get out and enjoy the outdoors and let go of some stress. I myself have been sitting around the house looking for a organization to donate my time with, saw a post in one of my fishing groups on facebook looking for volunteers Heroes on the Water BAMC. On 2/10/2018 at O' Dark thirty, pulled up to Cypress Bend Park in New Braunfels to find a huge trailer loaded with kayaks. Not only were there life vest and paddles, Heroes on the Water BAMC supplies fishing poles and baits to fish with. During the course of the day, struck up many conversations and had a very nice time. A big thanks to Paul/Dawn Martin for organizing the events. Very organized and planned out. This now has been a weekly appointment for me as a volunteer since February to help patients of Center for the Intrepid unwind and enjoy the outdoors kayaking and fishing. Talking is optional !!!!
As a Newb Kayak Fisherman, I was searching online for articles on how to troll with a kayak. In the process of reading/ scanning over articles I came across an article about BAMC Heroes on The Water and was immediately interested. I figured that one of my steps in getting back to the old me is to get out of the house and interact with others; why not with others like me with a familiar/ similar background ? I'd be moving forward with a great group of men, women, and their families who potentially are also make a big step forward. I am a 3x Veteran of the GWOT having served in OEF and OIF. With that, I brought back more than I had ever thought I would.
I took a shot and sent an email or text to Dawn & Paul; I got an immediate response that was inviting and personable. They also invited me to the next get together that would be on Upper Guadalupe near Canyon Lake Spillway as well as an open invitation to any outing they would be supporting. The day of our meet prior to moving to the launch site, I was extremely stressed out and my anxiety was very top chart as well as also quite unsure if I was ready to do this. I contemplated for the entire trip from San Antonio to New Braunfels and even to the river about turning around and heading home. I am so very glad that I knuckled through and went.
Paul and another Gentlemen that was assisting him (sorry Bro I am horrible with names) were very accommodating and made the process go really smoothly. Once we arrived at the river we all worked in a very familiar Team concept getting our kayaks and gear together and down to the river. We spent a few hours floating about and casting at any and every spot we could to almost no avail as far as the fish were concerned. But quite honestly that was of no matter because the day was perfect in weather , the company and camaraderie established were instrumental in the getting better/ moving forward process. I am very great full to have been a part of that day and feeling comfortable enough to meet up with them again. Thanks for everything the BAMC Heroes on the Water organization is doing for us all and Thanks to every Vet and family member I met that day. It is much appreciated.
Aloha From Maui!
HOW has given myself the opportunity to not only get on the water, but do it with other Veterans. I now have others who enjoy the time kayak fishing and decompressing, and knowing what I struggle with, never judging. The comraderie is what it's about, and that trophy fish, that's a bonus!
This organization saved my life. It’s given me a purpose and allows me to help others. It calms my anxiety and PTSD symptoms and when I see it doing the same for others, I know I’m in the right place and that this organization performs miracles!
This organization specifically the Coastal Bend Chapter was the only group that responded back to me. For 15 months I had tried to make contact with groups to help with my recovery. I had never been around a kayak but the individualized care taken with me made sure I enjoyed myself. So peaceful and relaxing
Joseph the coordinator made sure to personally reach out to me to get me signed up for the next event. The commadare was exceptional and relieved a lot of stress . Could not ask for a better group dedicated to veterans
Also made contact with the Rio Grande Chapter when I was in Brownsville and meet with Rudy the Coordinator. He stopped what he was doing and came to a location and we visited for a couple hours. Being able to talk was a blessing. Both chapters are great at insuring veterans feel appreciated and always a warm welcome. Thanks HOW
Ever since getting out of the military, I’ve felt lost. Reuniting with other veterans and participating in the peaceful yet exciting sport of fishing has helped me a lot. I tell every veteran about this great organization.
A good friend told me about Heroes on the Water and I love to kayak, so I decided tag along on a trip down the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels Texas. Glad I did, it was an amazing experience with other veterans. We shared past experiences and had a relaxed day on the river. This organization provides an outstanding opportunity to truly bond and forget the daily stressors that trigger anxiety. Thank you for the fish therapy. Wils
I have been involved with Heroes on the Water since May 2017 and I have seen the tremendous volunteer work done to bring veterans, first responders and their families together to enjoy kayak fishing in a relaxed mood filled with camaraderie and fun.
Heroes On the Water has helped give me the purpose, direction and motivation to get out into my community and give back.
I am a Combat Veteran (Iraq 04-05) that needed somewhere and something to put my energy in to... Heroes On the Water gave me a positive platform to do that- and has supported me along the way.... from 2012 through till now!
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I work offshore and am gone over half of each year. Several years ago, I discovered that kayak fishing was a great way to decompress after a 5 or 6 week trip offshore. When I first discovered HOW and the Northeast Oklahoma Chapter of HOW, saw some of the videos and testimonials on their site, I thought "I need to be a part of this!" I went to my first event as a volunteer which was the second event (I believe) of the local chapter and have been a volunteer ever since. I don't get to make as many events as I would like as my offshore schedule makes me miss over half of the events, but every one I go to has been a fantastic "win-win" with time outdoors, on the water with my kayak, fishing (whether they are biting or not!) and the camaraderie of the volunteers and veterans! It is something that just can't be beat!
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I first heard of Heroes On the Water through a kayak fishing forum on facebook as the chapter in Northeastern Oklahoma was getting started. I checked out the HOW website and came across the video of the woman thanking HeroesOnTheWater for giving her husband back who had been the victim of an IED and thought "I have to be a part of this!" I have been a volunteer with our local chapter ever since. To see the joy in faces of the veterans and their families at the outings is truly inspiring! I work offshore and spend half of my time at sea, so I miss many outings, but try to make all of them I can when I am home. I know that I took up kayak fishing several years ago as a way to decompress after a week trip at sea and thought that if I get so much benefit from my time with my "small boat on small water" after the stresses of the time on the "big boat on the big water" then maybe it will help as much for the veteran who was wounded serving our country. I have met several vets over the 3+ years that I have been involved with the local chapter and feel that I am giving back at least a little to those who have already giving so much for us! Many of the volunteers are vets as well and I have witnessed several people who suffer from PTSD who come out of a shell and brighten up at least for the time we are on the water, so for me HOW is a "win-win"
Heroes on the water Rio Grande Valley is an invaluable resource to escape too for veterans of all branches to decompress and unwind a little with other fellow veterans.... To see and be part of this organization is both a blessing and an honor.
To find out how you can join/help your local chapter near you, visit http://heroesonthewater.org/
Paddle, Fish, Heal ----- Fred Garcia
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Heroes on the water Rio Grande Valley is an invaluable escape for veterans of all branches to decompress and unwind a little with other veterans.... To see and be part of this organization is both a blessing and an honor. To find out how you can join/help your local chapter near you, visit http://heroesonthewater.org/ Paddle, Fish, Heal ----- Fred Garcia
I can't thank this organization enough for offering a chance to find peace and hope, specifically Karl and Dawn from the George Washington Chapter. My service dog, Rona, and I have participated in three events in the DC area, and the results, at least from my perspective, are immeasurable. Thank you to HOW!
Heroes on the Water is a wonderful nonprofit organization that helps our wounded veterans and their families. After experiencing a couple of outings it's my new charity of choice. They exceeded my expectations by delivering a truly remarkable experience.
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I recently attended my first Heroes on the Water event in San Diego, California. I was totally impressed with the professionalism of the volunteers and the inclusiveness of the families and service members in all the day's activities. This organization lives and breathes its mission. All one needs to do is attend an event and see the transformation that takes place. This organization makes me proud as a veteran.
Heroes on the Water is more than just a fun time. All the leaders of Chapters I have met are oustanding individuals. They truly care about today's Veterans and let each and everyone of use know we are not alone. I have made so many friends from attending HOW events. They give me a appreciation for life. Thanks for all you do.
I've been part of the Northeast OK HOW chapter for 5 years. These folks are now my family and I can't imagine my life without any of them. Even though kayak fishing is the focus, the day on the water isn't just about kayaking or fishing. The relaxation on the water and being out in the outdoors can't be measured. The laughter and smiles warm your heart. Sometimes there is some ribbing, but it's always in good fun. Once you attend an event, you are part of the family. HOW has made my life and my family's lives better. No question about it!
I've had the privilege of interviewing several veterans who have received services from Heroes on the Waters and their stories are very powerful! In every case, the veteran has credited the HOW experience with giving him/her inner peace. They note the benefits of camaraderie, tranquility and the ability to move more easily into their civilian lives. In every case, the veterans told me that HOW has significantly impacted their lives, included several who state that HOW saved their lives.
Here is a quote from the article Thankful for our HOW Family that supports my statements (you can find many of these on the blog of the HOW website):
“Not only has Heroes on the Water saved my life, but they have made it so I can be so much more successful, help others be successful, and provide for my family.” –Brandon Walden
It's proven that being in nature, particularly on the water, is therapeutic. For those who have given so much, it can be life changing. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to hear so many of these stories, and am proud to be part of an organization that saves so many.
I've been a volunteer with this organization for 5+ years. As a volunteer I get a share one of my passions, kayak fishing, with my brothers and sisters. Its truly a great feeling passing on one of my stress relievers to another veteran and watching the thrill of being on the water and catching fish. To see a veteran show up hesitant but leave with huge smiles and new friends is truly rewarding. When you add the fact that their families can participate as well and you see those special moments shared it adds another level of pride.
I volunteered for the first time earlier this year for RGV HOW chapter as a guide I was a bit nervous at first but fell right into place after talking to a few Veterans on how pumped up they were to do sum fishing. I had so much fun watching veterans and their families go out on the kayaks for the first time, catching their first fish, and leaving with a big smile and wanting to come back the next event. Is a great feeling to experience giving back to those that have given so much for me and for our Country. It a Honor to give back to our Veterans and to ones that are still serving our Country
I have known the founder of HOW for many years and witnessed the passion and commitment of his time and personal resources to get program started and bringing all important comfort and assistance to veterans. I have donated significantly to the program for years and has seen how efficiently and effectively my dollars have been used directly for program purposes.
Brad, Fairfax, VA
I've volunteered with the DC chapter of Heroes On the Water for three events and have had a great time. The DC staff plans and executes these events well and all of the volunteers work well as a team in order to assist and create a great time/atmosphere for our veterans. I am very happy to have found a charity that I look forward to volunteering at. The DC chapter has created a great community of kayak fishermen that give back to the past and present military community.
When I volunteered for the first time for RGV HOW chapter as a guide I enjoyed it very much that I wanted to continue. Just watching veterans and their families go out on a kayak for the first time, catching their first fish, and leaving with a big smile and wanting to come back. Is a great feeling to experience. Getting to know other veterans and volunteers in the same area, getting that sense of brotherhood again is awesome. I can't say thank you enough for letting me be apart of this chapter.
I volunteer as a guide when I can for 2 years now with South Texas RGV HOW group. What an AWESOME experience and group. I can't say enough about the organization, preparation, and satisfaction of these events. Healing and friendships.....
My wife and I volunteer with Heroes on the water RGV. It's a great orginazation and a great way to give back to the men and women who have served our great nation.
I have been volunteering with HOW for a year now. I feel very blessed to be able to help out. I started out wanting to show my gratitude to veterans. I have been so blessed at every outing. Seeing the difference this organization makes for our vets is amazing.
Seeing a vet go from arriving, standing alone and leaving soon after lunch to him arriving with a smile on his face, helping out and hugging everyone before leaving.
Wow! What a difference!!
Thank you HOW
I will continue to volunteer and help out in any way I can.
HOW is the best local veteran's organization in the Sarasota area. You couldn't ask for nicer and more accommodating people who really enjoy getting together and being active. It's always a great time that leaves you feeling refreshed. My son, a disabled vet, appreciates being around other vets. Raul is a perfect leader. Yay for HOW!!!
I heard about Heroes on the Water back in 2012 from my parents. I was a participant in 2013 and evryone was so friendly, I had just been medically retired and had a ton of internal demons I was fighting, all of the volunteers helped me find a way to get back to what really matters. In 2014 I started volunteering for Heroes on the Water because I knew the information on how I conquered some of the demons could eventually help someone one day, that is why this is such a wonderful non-profit organization, and I will continue to support and help as much as possible. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU.
As a volunteer for the Northeast Ok chapter of HOW, I have had nothing but great experiences with all the other volunteers and veterans alike! Its so awesome to see a guy or gal get so much enjoyment from a fishing pole and a little plastic boat! We are fortunate to have a great group of vets and first responders who keep coming back for more each month! Also getting new people involved is great to see. I have met some really great people and heard some stories that I will never forget. Its so gratifying to hear a big thank you from someone who otherwise wouldnt have these opportunities to do the same things that I do everyday! Hereos on the Water is a great organization! I couldnt be any prouder to be a part of this great organization!
I started doing research on HOW when a couple of friends first mentioned starting a local chapter. The changes it has made in so many lives was all I needed to see to commit to volunteering. We're in our 4th year now.
Seeing these Veterans become more relaxed and starting to enjoy life, as well as being able to help get their families involved has been very rewarding. It might be helping he child of a Veteran catch their first fish, or seeing a Veteran relax and forget about troubles for a few hours. Whatever it takes to make their lives better and give back a little to those that have given everything for us.
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I started volunteering with the local chapter (N.E. Oklahoma) right after it was formed by a couple of guys I met through a kayak fishing group on Facebook. I'd just been into kayak fishing for a few months, but had already seen how much it helped me relax and forget about any stress I was dealing with. If giving a few hours of my time would help any Heroes as much as it helped me, I was all for it. It's the least I can do to give back just a little.
I was fortunate to be able to participate in all but one of our events this year, and showed up to show my support for the one I wasn't able to participate in. I've been very fortunate to meet some great Heroes and see the smiles, hear the excitement as they talk about the outings. This is what it's all about.
Hi, I was invited to go fishing , kind of as a lifeguard and helper to the veterans.
The group was professionally run, and effective.
They welcomed me, and my family, they were warm, kind, and appropriate.
They had a great event planned for the vets who have been " paying for our freedom".
The event that I was on was out of Virginia, at masons neck park on the potomac river.
about 30 people were involved, perhaps 20 were vets, or the injured vets.
It was a good fine event. Everything was planned from food to cold drinks.
the vets and the injured were mingled, and the folks caught some fish.
I will go back to this group, because they provided a real quality service to the freedom fighters.
the particular group was called the george washington chapter of the heroes on the water non profit.
The guy I spent a lot of time with was a coast guard pilot, named brad.
Brad was one solid and fine american. He and I cooked the hamburgers, etc.
Notably, these G.W. folks did not ask for anything, but to take care of the people around you, out on the water. It was a class act. Your injured vet will be safe, and respected by the G. W. chapter of " Heroes on the water".
God bless the USA. May God bless our servicemen women and police officers.
Tom Granger RMC{SS} . Tomgranger@ comcast.net. for anyone who needs more details.
Heroes on the Water captured my heart as I volunteered to help with a couple of their outings. Kayaking has been a love for over 20 years. The peace found on the water stills my soul. Spending days with the heroes on these outings, it is easy to see why they come out and come back. They find peace. They find comradery. They find a non-threatening place to unwind, relax and then find the exhilaration of landing a bass, catfish or redfish! They are taken to another place - a place of joy, pride and satisfaction.
And then, the volunteers - they find their joy in hosting, welcoming, teaching, listening, laughing and eating with our nation's heroes. They only seek the smiles and contentment of the heroes they love to serve.
I randomly found this organization on a kayak fishing forum that I was a part of and I am so happy that I did. I realized that if I like to fish, and I like to be on a kayak, and I like to help people, why not put all of those things together! HOW allows me to do that and there is nothing better than being able to help someone that has given so much to America. As long as I am able, I will do my best to support HOW any way that I can.
When I first heard of this organization at the Washington State Fair I was skeptical. But after carefully watching the expressions of the volunteers as they shared the information and their personal experiences it sparked an interest. So I took my family to an event. My family learned how to fish from a kayak. We enjoyed it so much we purchased our very own kayaks a week ago. We also enjoyed the meals the volunteers worked to prepare for us. We've never met a more genuine and passionate group of volunteers. Needless to say, we are true believers of this organization.
As a volunteer I can observe the impact an outing on the water has on our warriors that served in one or more deployments. From time of arrival at the outing to time of departure, one can see the stress relieve and relaxed demeanor of the warrior. Family members frequently comment he/she cannot wait for the next outing. Catching fish is only part of the experience.
I served 24 years in the USAF. As I gained rank I learned that one of the greatest impacts I could make was taking care of my troops. Once retired, I searched for such a group to volunteer with. Many groups were well meaning, but fell short of my expectations and did not seem to do enough. Heroes On the Water Northwest Chapter is where I found my niche. New to the sport of kayak fishing I went out on my first event almost four years ago. As a volunteer it has helped me fill my desire to continue helping to take care of our troops. Most of all I see that positive impacts of what we do for them. A simple thank you and a smile just make my day. Even better is when I see them return for another event with a friend or family. The contagious nature of what Heroes On the Water does makes people wants to be a part of this organization that helps others. This is why I keep coming back!
I joined NW Kayak Org (NWK - http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/ ). last year I wanted to meet other people who enjoyed being on the water. I learned about Heroes on the Water (HOW - http://heroesonthewater.org/chapters/northwest-chapter/ ) when I entered a fishing tournament sponsored by NWK. I saw the banner about HOW, asked a few questions and became interested in volunteering. I am a retired USAF Vet with 21 years of active duty service, and I thought this would be excellent opportunity to help our vets. My first HOW volunteer event to volunteer was held on 11 April 2015 at Tanwax Lake, in Pierce County, WA. I was a fishing / kayak safety guide for young Army Soldier who was a recent medical discharge. We had great time fishing; we talked about his future, his passion for the outdoors and he was happy to learn of an organization (HOW) that supports wounded Vets! He was amazed how many people come out to volunteer and all of the different agencies that donate their time. The NW chapter of HOW is an excellent Organization for all Vets - it shows them that the community cares about all of military heroes.
Heroes on the Water helps disabled veterans and wounded warriors through therapeutic guided kayak fishing. It has been an honor to watch this organization grow and positively impact our soldiers and veterans over the past four years. The leadership staff of Heroes on the Water cares deeply about our mission. I cannot think of a better place to serve.
“Every Day is an opportunity to earn the sacrifices of those who serve our country. Every Day HOW gives us a chance to say, “THANK YOU.”
The meaning of the words, “Service” & “Sacrifice” has been taught in my family for many generations. I am proud of my heritage and the country I call my home. I would have been proud to serve.
The truth is we can't all serve our country in the same capacity as those who protect our country while we sleep. However, in our own unique way by use of our innate abilities we can still be of service to our country. I have had the opportunity to work with many other services and programs in my community, but none in comparison to Heroes On the Water. I truly feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment with my local HOW chapter. Together, we develop teamwork to achieve our mission. Together, we are family.
Heroes On the Water has been a positive awakening experience, "a saving grace," and a journey that won't be soon forgotten. This unique program has the capacity to breathe life into a person's soul - it is a service that is both selfless and rewarding. Every day I am amazed by how passionate I have become about volunteering with HOW especially since I lack the patience to fish and have a fear of deep water. With that said, there is something truly powerful and amazing about being a part of HOW.
My gratitude for all who serve our country is immeasurable, no words will ever be enough to express how thankful I am for the liberties earned through the service and sacrifices of our brave brothers and sisters serving in the name of freedom and love for their country. My volunteerism with HOW gives me the opportunity to express my immense gratitude to the military families of this great nation.
I am grateful to Heroes On the Water (HOW) for giving us all the opportunity to be of service to those who serve our country.
To Our Heroes: Thank you & Godspeed, Brave ones! May your internal compass always lead you home.
Volunteer, HOW
NWest Chapter
Heroes on the Water made a difference in my life. As a daughter of an alcoholic vet who, and an abused child, the fishing outing restored my sense of peace and I left a little bit of my childhood "hurts" on the water. This organization is primarily for vets and families of vets, but their program is life-saving.
