Who doesn’t love a good Christmas story? Media reports remind us of the joy of the season with videos of that special child getting his bike, the young lover getting the diamond ring, and the heart-warming reunion of one of our military personnel coming home. The joy blesses us all.
And so I thought this would be a great time to share the work of a special group of volunteers who work with our wounded veterans and their families, year round, with something readers of this column appreciate—a day on the water.
Heroes on the Water is a group of volunteers who are helping our Nation’s injured active duty and veterans, from all branches of the military, heal using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. Started at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, Heroes on the Water now serves wounded military personnel in 43 locations across 24 states at no cost to the veterans or their families. Over 1,100 volunteers have provided more than 6,100 vet days on the water since 2007. The New Jersey Chapter alone sponsored 13 events this past year, serving over 200 families.
HOW participants receive basic kayak fishing and paddling instruction for beginners to the most experienced paddlers. Warriors are paired with a one-on-one guide supported by a ground crew of volunteers. Most events run all day with lunch provided by community sponsors. Family members are included and service dogs can be accommodated. Adaptive kayaks, kayaking accessories and angling equipment is offered as needed to accommodate a soldier’s particular needs. The program is meant to be a long-term activity, not a one-time event.
For wounded warriors, kayak fishing is a powerful source of rehabilitation. What looks like a day trip of paddling and fishing is something deeper and longer-lasting. This unique program allows the participants a chance to decompress from the stresses associated with combat and the physical rigors of rehab. The program assists personnel in transferring newly developed skills to life’s activities.
Jon Mueller, spokesperson for HOW, told me that these tough veterans want to regain a sense of self and camaraderie. “No matter what the injury, in the kayak, they are mobile.” They can do this.” For the vet experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), being on the water brings relaxation and calm; the goal being to get the vet to decompress. Sometimes, Mueller said, this experience can lead the Wounded Warrior to be more receptive to other therapies. More success now seems possible. Mueller shared the story of one soldier he worked with who endured quite a few challenges just getting set-up in the kayak. Once on the water, the tension subsided, and after five hours, he expressed dismay that it was time to go back in.
“Another wounded vet called this “Triple Therapy” or “all at once therapy.” On post he has to go to the gym for physical therapy, go upstairs for his occupational therapy, and then to the psychologist for mental therapy. With kayak fishing he gets it all at once-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.”
“You have given us a new sport that we can do with our injuries. Best of all, I really yearn for a morning in the woods with my bike or a long run down our country road… those thoughts have been replaced by talk of new fishing tackle, rods, water craft, and terrain. You have no idea how mentally and physically healing your program is. (Michelle, a wounded Army Captain and participant in HOW.)
You Can Help Heroes on the Water with your donations of gently used equipment, goods or services; become a volunteer; or sponsor a chapter or a kayak fishing excursion. Contact HOW at www.heroesonthewater.org
Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3), headquarters in Allen, Texas, and is supported by tax deductible donations of funds, gear, kayaks, food, housing, transportation, guide services, and other necessities by generous individuals and corporations.
Heroes on the Water has been honored with a prestigious 2013 Top-Rated Award by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews about nonprofit organizations. The Kayak Fishing Store on the Stone Harbor Bridge is a local sponsor. I’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date with upcoming events in our area.
Merry Christmas Blessings to all our veterans and active military. We are forever in your debt. Special thanks to Matt Williams, NJ Heroes on the Water Chapter Coordinator (NJ@HeroesontheWater.org) and Jonathan Mueller, HOW Media Coordinator for their input.
The Fishing Line runs year round (short hiatus in January) so keep sending your reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. Column and pictures are posted online at www.capemaycountyherald.com and on Facebook. Keep them coming.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
