From HOW's website
http://heroesonthewater.org/about-how/overviewHeroes on the Water (HOW) serves all military personnel who have been wounded, injured or disabled. What looks like a day trip of paddling and fishing for wounded vets is in fact something much deeper and long-lasting.
"You have given us a new sport that we can do with our injuries. I yearn for a morning in the woods with my bike, or a long run down our country road ... however, those thoughts have been replaced now by talk of new fishing tackle, rods, water craft, and terrain.You have no idea how mentally and physically healing your program is. Thank you."
— Michelle, wounded Army officer
There is magic in the interplay between kayak and paddle, water and fish, angler and nature. Is it the kayak's quiet intimacy? The way nature lets you closer than you've ever been? The fact that the wounds have no sway over the soldier and this moment? It is all of these things coalescing into personal revelations that the wounds may have closed one door, but there are many other, spectacular doors to explore. Life is still good.
HOW lets that moment happen.
The program allows the participants a chance to decompress from the stresses associated with combat and the physical rigors of rehabilitation. Participants enjoy these benefits while on guided fishing trips held at various locations around the country.
Originally developed for patients at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) on Fort Sam Houston, the program quickly expanded to Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood TX. Due to the programs unparalleled success, Chapters are operating at Madigan AMC on Fort Lewis WA, Portsmouth Naval Hospital VA, Ft Bragg NC, Camp Lejeune NC, Charleston AFB SC, Tampa FL, Jacksonville FL, Great Lakes area, Central California, Northern California, Houston TX, Dallas-Ft Worth TX, Austin TX, Corpus Christi TX, Kansas, Nebraska, and the new chapters in Central Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Pensacola FL, Orlando FL, Panama City FL, Space Coast FL, Missouri, the Emerald Coast AL, New York, Knoxville TN, .
The program provides basic kayak fishing instruction, angling clinics and paddling classes for participants with skill sets ranging from beginners to the most experienced paddlers. The program also assists these personnel in adapting these newly developed skills to their new abilities. Adaptive kayaks, kayaking accessories and angling equipment will be offered on an as needed basis to accommodate a soldiers particular needs.
Kayaks, PFDs, paddles, fishing gear, meals and transportation are provided free of charge to every participant. Our volunteer staff and program coordinators consist of professional educators, counselors, licensed fishing guides, wildlife and aquatic biologists, active duty military, and experienced kayak fishermen, all of whom donate their time and expertise in support of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that we serve.
All Heroes on the Water activities are 100% dependent on your tax deductible financial donations, as directed in the provisions of Section 501(c)3 of the IRS code. We are actively seeking donations of both cash and materials to fund this program, plus we're always looking for licensed guides, property managers and camp supervisors who would like to donate the use of their facilities for our trips. If you are interested in contributing or becoming a volunteer, please send your questions to
Jim.Dolan@HeroesOnTheWater.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
Heroes on the Water
101-C N. Greenville Ave #55
Allen, TX 75002
214-295-4541
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