I've been working with this organization for a couple of years. They do a great job with the military.
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For the past two years I got slowly involved into Paul's (founder) activities. I'm happy, that he shared his plans and exiting details on building non-profit network in the EU, and other countries. Now I help Paul with website issues regarding his non-profit in Hungary. I admire his enthusiasm and commitment to the cause that he is working for at U.S. Veterans Rowing & Kayaking Foundation as well.
The faces of the athletes racing in Hungary this year on ergometers donated by Paul tell more than words could tell. Happiness, confidence, well-being and joy of phisical fittness - that's what these non-profit gives to the members, not just cold machinery.
I hope I can see the world-wide organization evolving in the near future, and I hope I can assist the development.
I know the founder of this great organization personally and I have the pleasure of training with him once a week, he is a great mentor, coach and example
I’m aware of the great work that the founder of this organization has done over the years with disabled veterans. Congratulations to this outstanding organization and leadership.
I love this organization and am grateful for the work they do with disabled athletes like my son. Keep up the great work Paul!
I'm a disable athlete that has worked with Paul's nonprofit over the past couple of years with remarkable success ! Great organization!!!
I'm grateful for founder Paul-Stephen Varszegi's assistance in helping my disabled son Richard accomplish his dream in setting Concept 2 indoor Rowing world records.
This year I wasn't abel to attend the 2023 Military World Rowing & Kayaking Federation Championship in GB. However I was invited to attend the next international championships in the United State. I'm training now and I'm looking forward to this event in 2025 in Sarasota Florida.
I was fortunate enough to participate in this year's international competition hosted in the U.K. It was an incredible opportunity to compete and develop a community of veterans and servicemembers from around the world.
I went home tired, happy, and with new fellow vets to call friends!
This was my second year competing in the international competition. Like last year, this was a great experience and am extremely thankful for the organization. One of the few "veterany" things I have done due to personal reasons but I do not regret coming for an instant. Looking forward to the next competition!!
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Started rowing with them back in 2014 as apart of the College Military Rowing program. It was great exercise and great to be around other Veterans. I have enjoyed the camaraderie and connection that this program and its events foster.
2022's World Championship and it was great to connect with some of our NATO allies and compete.
The US Veterans Rowing and Kayaking has truly help my recovery. They showed me that just because I have a disability, it doesn’t mean that I can’t be active and also compete against my peers. I have participated in multiple championships and competitions and now matter the results I was treated with respect. I can’t wait for the next time I can participate in one of their events.
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Before I was introduced to the U.S. Veterans; Rowing and Kayaking Foundation I was not very active and had physical and mental health problems, Once I joined they were very supportive and encouraged me to start regular rowing sessions. After a year I had greatly improved and started to build self esteem. I started training more often and whenever possible I joined them for their on the water programs. I have started other healthy activities and i have U.S. Veterans; Rowing and Kayaking to thank for getting me started on this toad to happiness!
Paul, the Founder of USVRK Foundation hired me to drive a van and trailer to their corporate headquarters in Sarasota, He covered all my expenses and paid me a very fair price. Covered my roundtrip airfare too.
Amazing organization everything was organized and well planned out. It was a honor to be a part of this ground breaking experience to compete against other countries around the world. Paul Varszegi the president did an exemplary job ensuring everyone felt welcomed.
I was invited by Paul-Stephen Varszegi to attend and compete at the 2022 Military World Rowing & Kayaking Federation Championships in Budapest on Saturday May 21 and the kayaking race in Budapest.
Both were very exciting and I won 3-gold medals for team Hungary. I look forward to the next international event at the 2023 Military World Rowing & Kayaking Championships next May in London!
The USA team has some really strong military athletes and they really inspired me to train harder. I look forward to seeing them again next year!
Thanks Paul for inviting me.
U.S. Veterans Rowing & Kayaking is an outstanding nonprofit organization that serves disabled veterans. The organization holds international competitions and brings together both veterans and active duty service members from around the world to compete against one another and form bonds with individuals who share similar life experiences. U.S. VRK is well-managed and promotes growth and recovery for disabled veterans. It was an honor to compete with the organization and look forward to doing it again in the future!
As a senior sales manager for a hotel in Budapest, I am writing to share my positive experiences of the foundation.
Due to a competition in Hungary, we got in touch with Paul Stephen Várszegi, who organized the booking of their group from 5 countries very efficiently and carefully.
It was a great pleasure to work with him and his cooperative and fair attitude.
I do beleive that we will still have the opportunity to host their group in the future.
I can only recommend them!
US VR&K foundation is an amazing foundation that promotes peace through sports. The opportunities for veterans and even now active duty members is incredible and builds connections with world class athletes around the world. I have participated in this foundation and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
U.S. VR&K is an all inclusive program that promotes peace through sports. Having attended the 2022 International competition in Hungary I can say that they are a cut above the rest. The organization took great care of the veterans and put on an excellent competition.
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Another achivement under our belt at our military nonprofit; U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation when we were invited to attend the 2022 Military World Rowing & Kayaking Federation Championships in Budapest last May.
USA team took home several gold, silver and bronze medals at our indoor championships.
Congratulations to everyone!
Fantastic ergometer race in Budapest, Hungary on 21st May 2022! Thanks for the USA team for the brilliant racing!
Fantastic organization with one goal in mind: to help veterans with health issues through rowing and kayaking. Wonderful and relaxing experience to provide therapy. Highly recommended, well-run organization.
I got connected with U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation about 3-years ago when my dad introduced me to the founder. My dad and his wife were both volunteering helping injured and disabled program members on the east coast and they thought that I may enjoy the rewarding work to serve our military so I signed on gladly.
I now serve as the Vice-president and work with Paul-Stephen Varszegi, the CEO on the larger ambitious goals for our military Foundation. It's exciting work because we are now creating international military partnerships with NATO members and Paul spends a great deal of his time overseas planning international races, including our next international race in Krakow, Poland next May.
U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking and its founder Paul Stephen Varszegi came to Györ, Hungary this past May to cohost the first international Military World Rowing & Kayaking Federation at the Györ Olympic Stadium.
It was my honor to meet US Veteran Rob Sanchas from Ryode Island who despite being blind, competed and won several Gold medals. I also had the pleasure to meet many members from the Polish military. It was a very exciting event that will build longterm friends among our international military allies through rowing and kayaking sports.
We are a small non-profit who steward and promote the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. We work with the Adirondack community to host the annual Adirondack Canoe Classic/"90-Miler" canoe and kayak race in September. It has been an honor to partner with the U.S. Veterans’ Rowing & Kayaking Foundation to offer racing scholarships to those who have selflessly served our country. We are most grateful for Holly Crouch's commitment to her country and fellow veterans as she serves as this organization's local representative. We look forward to deepening in the relationship future.
What a great organization to be associated with throughout the east coast!
My wife Liz and I have volunteered our time mostly on weekends during the spring season and have traveled to three states with our blind military veterans so far.
This is our 5th year doing this and we plan on doing it for many more years! God bless our military veterans and this fantastic charity!
My husband and I have volunteered for this wonderful military nonprofit organization for nearly 5-years working with blind veterans over 65-years old.
It gives me joy to see them each time my husband and I pick them up for our weekly kayaking programs. This is truly a unique program because many live secluded lives without much physical activities so they enjoy being around one another and have really bonded.
I have been working with this program since a chapter for the Rhode Island Visually Impaired Veterans was started in 2016 and the benefits to the participants has been exceptional. Beyond the physical and social benefits, it has motivated some participants to increase their life experiences through out-of-state competitions . Two were even able to compete recently in Hungary. Overall, this is an excellent program.
Working with this organization has shown me the level of can do perseverance these veterans have. I do not know what I would do if I loss a limb or my eyesight. These men and women are doing great things with minimal adaptations. They prove that hard work pays off! I will volunteer with them as long as I am physically able to. I believe I get more out assisting them because they have taught me how to live life.
As a recent volunteer with veterans rowing and kayaking, I am very impressed with the dedication and caring of the staff. The group meets once a week during the summer. The event consist of a cookout and kayaking with a staff member. As many of the veterans are either blind or have limited site, this provides them with exercise and social contact. The men seem to really enjoy themselves and their relationship to the staff. The fact that they are all veterans makes it even more special. I look forward to helping them in the future.
Great time with fellow veteran's from world War 2, Vietnam to operation Iraqi freedom! Grilling and fishing with an awesome foundation.
All the people that have been associated with in this organization have been Fantastic and helpful to myself and our blind veterans.
The transportation has made it possible for me to attend because I have no one to drive. Thank you driver Stew!!
Looking forward to next year!!
US Veterans Rowing and Kayaking has been serving my Dad for the past 5 years. Because he is legally blind, it is difficult for him to participate in many community events, however, this Foundation found the time and resources to support him. Dad has participated in indoor rowing contests, breaking several records. You see, my Dad is 92 and has been so fortunate to have these experiences, the companionship, and the love from this giving group of rowers and kayakers. We are appreciative and grateful. Jeanne daughter of Dad -Cam !
Hello: I started out as a volunteer to assist the New Haven site six years and then started to lead the program four years ago. I have seen how the veterans benefit from being in the outdoors, exercising, and having great camaraderie with fellow veterans. They have entered races and enjoyed kayaking in a few different locations. There is great socializing as they enjoy the barbecue after kayaking. The program has great physical as well as mental health benefits. I enjoy working in the program and meeting new veterans who join our group. Claire Callan
I have competed in the 90 miler Canoe Race 21 times. It is one of my favorite canoe races, I compete on the average of 20 races a year.
I like the 90 Miler because it is very well run and has beautiful lakes, rivers and scenery. Also I do the 90 in a voyager canoe with seven other paddlers and enjoy the team work it requires.
I want to thank your foundation for honoring all veterans competing in this race.
Roger Henry
I want to thank US Veteran's Rowing & Kayaking for the generous support they provided to me and several fellow Vets for the 2019 Adirondack 90-Miler Canoe Classic. It was an awesome experience and one that I would hope more Vets would participate in next year. It was a physical challenge but every paddle stroke was through some of the most breathtaking waterways on Earth. Thanks Again! Chris
Jack LaMarre (the veteran here) -many thanks for supporting myself and my fellow vets in the annual Adirondack 90 miler canoe, kayak and rowing challenge. It is a wonderful but hard event, and your support helps a lot. This was my 12th one, and hopefully I'll be back for my 13th next year
I’m a volunteer for the Middletown Division which works with the Polish Felcons Nest 519 where I’m an officer. Great organization with a lot of fun members that enjoy kayaking and my great cooking!
I'm a volunteer I'm in United States Marine veteran I went for a race about 7 MI it was nice people are nice A little barbecue after while and enjoyed it I was first time for me to going down the river. Hoorah
This was my first year kayaking. I had never kayaked before . We started on Crystal Lake, a quiet picturest lake reminding me of On Gden Pond. We meet every week for kayaking and a barbecue. I have come to realy look forward to this meeting each week. We held a 10K race at the end of this year and I made it, YA
New member here. How much better being on the water. Staff friendly and totally committed to us having a great experience. Veterans helping veterans so true.
Very beneficial for myself with back and knee disabilities. Also, excellent opportunity for social interaction with fellow veterans. Available with winter indoor rowing activities to keep in physical shape, as well as, fantastic on water, lake, river and ocean kayaking. Looking forward to future international competition!
I was pleasantly surprised that the US Veterans Rowing & Kayak offered scholarships to veterans participating in the Adirondack Canoe Classic AKA 90 Miler. This is a great program.
My husband and I have worked with this organization for several years and love the care they provide for our wounded warriors.
Fantastic organization that goes above and beyond helping injured and disabled veterans regain their lives through adaptive rowing and kayaking recreational programs.
This has is an outstanding organization that supports all veterans for this wonderful event at the annual 90 Mile Adirondack Canoe Classic from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, New York. We had 4 Veterans last year and 10 Veterans involved this year with the Veterans Scholarship and many others asking how to get involved for next year. A growing group with the financial support from you all.
I hope this can continue for our Veterans
Holly
Wow an excellent contribution to our fitness program. A wonderful low impact exercise that's fun and easy to do. Our residents love this program thank you U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation.
I'm a blind veteran with stage 4 throat cancer in remission.
I no longer reside at Atria Senior Living in Rye Brook because my daughter wanted me closer to her so she took me in.
While I was a resident at Rye Brook, I was a very active participant and trained under the guidance of several great coaches from U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation.
I'm a very competitive person by nature and worked hard to compete in special events hosted by USVRK, which included TeleRowing against Atria Darien which is another senior community in Darien, Connecticut. It was fun and challenging to race against another Atria team of veteran rowers from another state, while watching each other on our big screen TV's and interacting with each other.
I plan to continue rowing despite my recent medical setback and relocation. I'm most grateful to all my previous coach's, especially Paul who kept encouraging me every step of the way! Bravo to the work that U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation is doing for all injured and disabled Veterans nationally!! I absolutely love this charity and hope that others reading this post will see the value of their work...and their mission to keeping health care cost down by improving the health of all veteran participants.
I'm a senior living at Atria Rye Brook and I asked my caregiver to help write my review since I have Parkinson's.
Our veterans club rowing program began nearly 3-years ago when the founder of U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking was invited to make our location the 2nd location to start one up.
Since then, we've had dozens of participant's from our community try rowing as away to work out with low impact; low cardio exercise.
I'm please to report that I won 1st place in the female adaptive 1K category at the 2017 Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championship.
It is a real pleasure to have taken part in the outdoor rowing summer sessions on Glen Island when we do crew.
Thank you U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation for improving the quality of life for so many veterans, including mine! God bless this wonderful charity which exceeds the 5-Star rating that I'm giving it!
My husband and I live at Atria Rye Brook Senior Living Community.
We both have medical issues and decided to take up the recreational rehabilitation therapeutic rowing program with U.S. Veterans, Rowing & Kayaking Foundation which sends coaching staff to our facility weekly.
I was overjoyed at the amazing improvement I made during the first 4-weeks. The first week I could barely row 200 meters but by the 4th week, I was up to 1000 meters!
Although it takes me longer than others on our Veterans' Rowing Team because of my foot surgeries and left shoulder injury, I am determined to finish each week's training goal.
I participated with a dozen of more of our group last summer on Glen Island as we rowed on the water.
This January we had our annual indoor race at the Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championships and were honored by a Color Guard presentation by Port 5 Naval Association.
Thank you to this amazing charity for being part of my recovery and improving my life!
I hope everyone recognizes the importance of the work they do for injured veterans. Please help support them.
I started doing this program with U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking to stay active and in shape and to keep healthy. I don't like hospitals so I do preventive maintenance.
I'm a very competitive person so I jumped at the chance to take part in my first race this January in Easton at the CT. Indoor Rowing Championships.
We all had a great time and we all won a ribbon for our age and disability category.
I look forward to the spring outdoor rowing sessions!
Please help support this nonprofit for the wonderful work they do with disabled veterans around the country. I'm grateful to have worked with them.
My name is Art Reid and I'm a member of U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation based in Trumbull, CT.
I live alone at Atria Senior Living Community in Rye Brook, NY.
As a retired firefighter and disabled veteran with blindness, I can't begin to tell you what a blessing this organization has been for someone who lives in isolation in my room.
I developed breathing problems over the years when I worked as a firefighter and the rowing sessions on our indoor WaterRower training equipment has helped keep my lungs open. My coordination and sense of balance has also improved gradually, and this is very important because I walk with a cane.
I would recommend this fantastic charity because of their commitment to serve all veterans regardless of age or disability.
I have been a member of a rowing team in Rye Brook with U.S. Veteran' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation for the past 15-months.
What a joy and pleasure I get when our two coaching instructors show up each week to train us with personalized instruction.
This is the only workout I do because it's fun and because I'm around my friends.
Since taking up rowing my balance has improved quite a bit and I don't need my walker. I now just use my cane.
My adult kids are very proud of me, especially when they heard that I rowed crew with other seniors last summer on Glen Island.
This year I also competed in my first indoor race at the Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championships. We all did very well. It is my privilege and honor to recommend this great charity that does so much wonderful work for veterans and their immediate family. Go U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking!
My name is Mark Nicholls and I was introduced U.S. Veterans' Rowing and Kayaking Foundation by a friend from my church.
I began my training session at the organization's Orange, Connecticut location and was given individual one on one coaching instruction during a "Learn to Row" program.
I had a recent stroke and have physical limitations but the coaching staff was very encouraging and supportive of my eagerness to want to learn and be part of the team. They were patient and thoughtful and took a personal interest in making sure I enjoyed my training session.
They invited me to their big annual event in Easton, CT known as the Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championships which I accepted. As a navy veteran, I was overwhelmed with how well we were treated by the civilian athletes of which there were over 450.
Recently I heard that USRowing Association which controls all rowing activities in the USA will be declining our veterans from participating in future indoor and outdoor races unless we sign specific insurance waivers with our personal information on it.
As a honorably discharged veteran, I will only agree to join and be a member of U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation and will never, ever join a civilian rowing organization like USRowing. I really recent USRowing's control and intimidation by not allowing disabled veterans like myself from entering these indoor and outdoor races through my membership with USVRK Foundation. I whole heartedly endorse and support U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation and I urge anyone interested in donating to a worthy charity to please consider to donate to them. They provide passionate service and care to their veteran membership.
I'm a blind senior at Rye Brook Atria Living Community.
Since beginning our recreational therapy indoor and outdoor rowing program with U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation over 2-years ago, I've had significant improvement in my overall health.
My legs were swollen and I had trouble sleeping. My blood pressure was also high. Since working with my individual coaching staff, I'm pleased to report that the swelling of my legs are down due to improved circulation. I sleep restfully and my blood pressure has improved according to my doctor.
As a blind aging senior in her 80's my biggest immediate benefit was my sense of regained balance which helps me to stay on my feet and not risk falling. How great is that?!
I'm most grateful for this wonderful charity which works with all veterans, including old blind ones.
As a side note, I have attended and competed in my second Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championships in Easton, CT and rowed with other blind and vision impaired veterans which to me is amazing....as it was for all the civilian spectators who came out to support us all!
One of our residents named Ruth Shiller actually set a world and American record for the 1000 meter race at age 98!
Please help support this great non-profit any way that you can because they really care about improving the quality of the lives of each injured and disabled veteran one at a time.
I am a senior resident living at Atria Rye Brook, NY and I'm writing this review to show my support from U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking Foundation and their work with injured and disabled veterans.
I recently had the opportunity to compete in one of their indoor rowing races at the Connecticut Indoor Rowing Championships in Easton. We had about 12-participents, many who were blind or had other medial conditions like PTSD come via volunteer drivers and other support staff to race. Most took 1st place in their age and disability divisions.
I was lucky enough to find out that I actually set a world record and American record for the 1000 meter sprint for my age division 90-99.
How exciting to find out that at age 98 I can still do something to inspire others to take up the sport of rowing with this great charitable foundation dedicated to serving all our veterans despite age or disability.
If you're considering donating to a worth veteran service organization, look no further....here it is! Truly helping all our service men and women in a meaningful way. Please give to them so that they can help more veterans with rehabilitating their lives. Thank you and God bless this wonderful organization.
I am so thankful for being a part of this wonderful foundation.
From what I have experienced so far, the organization is doing wonders
for the betterment, wellness and yes, for improving the quality of our Veterans lives.
On a personal note, I am so glad I found a new challenge to try to excel in. I love the overall physical benefits the training gives me and the target of conquering the various records in my division. This has also helped my mental well being immensely.
At my first indoor rowing competitive meet on Jan. 28th, 2018, I've come to realize I have a lot to improve on.While watching the video of my heat, my friends and I were laughing at my overall form and pace. It was very difficult to hang on during the ending meters of the race. I am sure I will improve as I look forward to the weekly training events. The U.S. Rowing & Kayaking Foundation is 100% dedicated to make the lives of our Veterans brighter & more meaningful
Jerry A
"The resident-members of the Queens City Rowers at The Landing of Poughkeepsie are "driven" - pun intended- for personal achievement as their endurance, flexibility and strength increases," says volunteer coach Richard Humphrey of the Hudson River Rowing Association. It is matched only by their anticipation of the next scheduled practice. The three weekly rowing sessions are supplemented by balance and strengthening programs on alternating days. The Queen City Rowers are experiencing that to which any seasoned rower can attest: teamwork, discipline and trust within their club and, by extension, their community.
After 2 months on the team one of the 88 year old female members reported that her doctor was astounded by how quickly her blood pressure had lowered. She said, "she has more energy now than before she started."
Practice is at 10 am three mornings a week. We have Paul Varszegi, the Founder of U.S. Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking coaching on Tuesdays. Coach Richard Humphrey of the Hudson River Rowing Association and his volunteer members help out on Saturdays. "My team, says Karen Cornell-Froehner Director of Engaged Life at The Landing of Poughkeepsie, is waiting patiently starting at 9:30am for my staff on Thursdays to start at 10. They cannot wait to get on the ergs to see how well they are doing compared to the previous practice. They laugh, joke and encourage each other to do their best. What more do you want from a team. They are looking forward to getting on the water in a few months. Their goal is to be on the Hudson River by August!"
I support the US Veterans Rowing & Kayaking Foundation for not only improving my physical conditioning and also my mental status and attitude. As a doctor who practiced medicine for over 50 years, I was well aware of increasing difficulty in performing simple and everyday movements. After seeking medical advice, I was advised to adopt a disciplined course of physical exercise to maintain my healthy cardiac status. Rowing is an absolute plus in initiating the program. Other benefits include competition with other rowers in various age groups. I remember vividly competing in Easton, CT to compete with other rowers in many age levels. I was seated next to a rower in excellent physical shape -- 40 years my junior! Gender difference did not detract from women competing at the same level. This was a further advantage because men and women can compete at the same level. I would not have had this experience without the stress placed on exercise and health at Atria Darien, where I live. Competing at this same level would not have been possible.
I was very thankful to get the chance to participate in the US Veterans & Kayaking program here at Atria Darien because rowing is not offered at every senior living community. Rowing has strengthened my legs which has been great for me since I'm 94! I have been athletic my whole life - golf, horseback riding, tennis - pretty much everything. Rowing weekly with the coaches and the other residents has given me purpose and a feeling of connection and it encourages me to continue each week. This and the other exercise that I participate in helps me stay mobile and fit.
My husband was a veteran and a company commander of the 101st Airborne Division. I feel strongly about the Veterans Rowing program here at Atria Darien. He would be so proud of me for participating since I had never rowed before. Now that I row weekly in the program with wonderful coaches who instruct us in the proper procedures and form, I am really enthused about the program. The team here has even participated in the CT Indoor Rowing competition recently and I received a first place medal in my age category! Atria Darien has brought this outstanding program to us and we couldn't be more proud to support the efforts of US Veterans, Rowing & Kayaking.
This rowing program has been a great addition for my senior residents at Atria Rye Brook. They have been so accommodating and truly enhanced their quality of life. Through this program we have had three residents set world records and it was covered by news 12! I highly recommend them.
I've been volunteering with Veterans Rowing and Kayaking for a few years and I have to say that it's a pretty incredible organization. I'm a high-school rower and over time, I have been able to coach and help several men and women far older than me and help to provide them with both physical and psychological help. The Organization has done wonders for hundred if not thousands of veterans and truly, it's been an honor to work with them for the last couple of years.
From time to time in the past two years, I have helped work with veterans and the elderly with Veterans Rowing and Kayaking. As a lightweight rower myself, it is great to see that people of older age will still row and gain from its benefits. I really enjoy working in an activity that I love and Veterans Rowing and Kayaking allows me to spread the culture of rowing. Working with them has been a pleasant experience and I look forward to continue to be involved.
A few months back I reached out to Paul with VRK, after a friend had told me about the physical and mental benefits they had experienced through the sport of rowing. Paul and I talked a few times over the phone and discussed my goals, and I expressed interest in one day competing in some indoor rowing competitions, and he was so encouraging. He knew that I was an avid cyclist who likes to push my limits and go harder and longer distances each time I ride, and he acknowledged that strength and saw how it would help me to get the most out of rowing as well.
I received my loaner rowing machine at the end of February and absolutely love the workouts and I can already feel the benefits of rowing. Paul’s encouragement and Veterans’ Rowing & Kayaking’s willingness to accept me with open arms has been motivating and moving. They are an absolutely amazing organization and group of people! I cannot wait to eventually compete while wearing the VRK colors!!! It is great to be a part of a team again!
I volunteered at this organization to help some disabled Veterans from RI race at the 2017 CRASH-B sprints in Boston MA. I had a lot of fun doing this, meeting a diverse group of veterans and volunteers. It was an honor and a privilege to be part of such a dedicated organization and I know I will be volunteering with this organization for many more hours in the future. I encourage any perspective volunteers interested in helping our nation's veterans achieve their personal goals to consider joining up with Veterans Rowing and Kayaking inc.
As the Senior Engage Life Director at Atria Senior Living in Darien, CT it is an honor and a privilege to have the Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking organization on- site working with our veterans on a weekly basis. The indoor water rowing program is a significant motivator to everyone who lives and works at our community. Having the opportunity to participate in this unique program that builds individual strength, stamina, coordination, and more importantly pride, has produced a marked positive influence on all of us at Atria Darien. I highly recommend this program to any senior living community as a way to offer a team building opportunity that provides a high sense of well being to those who participate and also to those within the community who will act as "cheerleaders" to your participants. This indoor water rowing program with the ability to advance to an outdoor program or competitive program is provided by an exceptionally professional, well trained, and well structured organization. Bravo Veterans Rowing & Kayaking for all of the positive work you do
I am a lifegurd at the Visually Impaired Veteran's program in Pinewood Lake. Kayaking with many different veterans, hearing their stories, and giving back to those who gave so much to our country is rewarding. The staff and participants are so greatful.
This group brought rowing to our senior living community in Atria Darien for our WW II veterans. Every week, our residents trained with Paul and his volunteers indoors in order to go on the water- it was a dream come true for our veterans who ranged from 78-96 years old! For seniors who have done it all, this was a truly unique and wonderful experience!
This is an outstanding service organization dedicated to providing athletic activities to US Veterans and families.
What a fabulous organization. . The Veterans love the weekly program at Atria Rye Brook. The staff is superb and extremely knowledgeable. This program is a great addition to our overall program and especially to our health and fitness program. I have participants ranging from 25-97 years old. I highly recommend them to any Senior program.
This is a very well managed veteran service organization that really cares about its disabled program veterans.
I've had the pleasure of volunteering for some of their weekly programs over the past 3+ years.
We hear a lot of great feedback from the program veteran's themselves who all have benefited from the friendships formed and the physical and mental recovery that they have achieved.
This is such a worthwhile cause. I kayak with the Blind and Visually Impaired Vets. I am prior service, no visual defects , and I help these vets navigate their surroundings both land and sea, and have loved every minute of it!
These are great vets who gave to their country and I can tell how much this organization means to them socially, physically and emotionally. I hope they can continue with their outings well into the next season and more!
I am not aware of any program like this . Kudos to the highly committed staff and dedicated volunteers. I am honored to be a part of this team.
Truly a remarkable experience volunteering with this organization. I feel lucky and grateful evey time i get off the water with these fine Veterans. I am truly honored.
I am a US Marine volunteer for the Blind Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking, Inc. organization foundation that works with severely disabled Veterans in Connecticut.
This is one of the greatest organizations that I had the pleasure to work with. They truly have the passion to help change the lives of so many disabled Veterans.
I highly recommend them to new Veterans seeking to volunteer, new program Veterans seeking to change and improve their lives, and new potential State division chapter parties who have an interest in a new start up.
Please contact the State of Connecticut corporate office in Trumbull, CT at (203)445-3841 or email to: paul.veteransrowing@gmail.com Also check them out on Facebook at: Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking, Inc.
I'm a WWII blind Veteran that joined the Blind Veterans' Rowing & Kayaking program several months ago. I have met a lot of new friends who are also visually impaired who are part of our programs.
I want to thank all the many volunteers who have assisted all our program Veterans in coaching and driving us to our weekly events and dropping us off at our homes.
The wonderful lunch that is provided for us at the end of our training session gives us an opportunity to socialize with each other and that is the icing on the cake! If you are visually handicapped please do yourself a favor and come out to one of our events.
It is a wonderful feeling to find an organization like this, which helps us realize that we can achieve things that others would think that we could never do.
This organization has been most helpful for my recovery from PTSD.
I really enjoyed the team spirit and new friends I've made this year.
The rowing was fun and the support staff were very knowledgeable and friendly at the Connecticut clubs where they offered programing.
I recommend them highly.
I have volunteered for this organization since 2014 and have also participated in their recreational rehabilitation/adaptive sports rowing and kayaking programs.
This organization originally started with 5-disabled Veterans in May, 2013 and by September, 2015 it had grown to over 100 program Veterans in 3-States. Quite an accomplishment!
The staff are very engaging, friendly and professional. They will not let you sit-out from participation unless you have a medical problem. They encourage strong participation and work with all abilities and disabilities.
I highly recommend this organization and their programs for any Veteran that suffers from PTSD,TBI, severe to moderate depression, anxiety and mood disorders and any other physical or mental problems.