News from the Kayak Anglers of America

Issue #7 7/16/2009
IN THIS ISSUE
Angleton
Georgia

Dallas

National Pride of Freedom Rodeo
Event Updates
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HOW expands to help more soldiers

JUNE, 2009 - The Kayak Anglers Society of America’s Heroes on the Water program is expanding to benefit soldiers across the nation. For over a year, HOW has introduced the therapeutic benefits of kayak fishing to wounded service members at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio and the Darnall Army Hospital in Ft Hood, Texas. In June, outings are being held for the first time at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Washington; Eisenhower Army Hospital in Ft Gordon, Georgia; and Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia. Interest has also been expressed by soldiers in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Tampa/St Pete VA hospital, FL and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.

Three new Texas chapters also started in the spring and summer of 2009, including the Temple VA Hospital working with the Women’s Trauma Recovery Center(WTRC), Dallas -Fort Worth working with OIF/OEF discharged veterans in the area, and the West Texas VA system.

The WTRC helps female veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of Military Sexual Trauma. WTRC opened in July 2007 and is the fourth residential treatment program to exclusively treat female veterans.

“Spend a day on the water with a group of soldiers, and you will understand the passion behind this program,” commented Jim Dolan, HOW national coordinator. “Kayak fishing is therapeutic for anyone, but particularly for military personnel recovering from injuries and trauma. Our mission is to give these heroes a chance to enjoy a challenging outdoor sport that allows them to decompress from the stresses related to combat and from the physical and mental rigors of rehabilitation.”
Marine’s first kayak fishing experience a success

ANGLETON, TX - KASA volunteers Jeff Herman, KASA Director Kendal Larson, and Army Staff Sgt. Max Hall took a soldier fishing on Saturday, July 12. It was the first fishing trip in five years for the hero and his first time on a kayak.

“This was just great. It was very therapeutic and I hope to go again very soon,” said the medically retired Marine.

houston
Volunteers navigate the water near Angleton.

“Many bass were caught, with volunteer Jeff Herman catching the largest,” Larson said. “While Jeff had bragging rights, I think the fish that our hero caught meant more to him.”
Hero celebrates his catch.

Visit the www.HeroesOnTheWater.org to read the blog for this event.
Soldiers in Georgia experience the benefits of HOW

FORT GORDON, GA - The first Georgia Heroes on The Water event, held June 6, 2009, benefited the Warrior Transition Battalion at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Fort Gordon.

Donald Dehm, the HOW Program Coordinator for GA, and over 25 volunteers from Georgia Kayak Fishing Association spent the early hours of the morning preparing for the days activities.

The event began with instruction from Adam Motes on paddling techniques and basic kayak safety information. The Warriors were then fitted for proper safety apparel and were off to the water to test their new skills.

GA Daughter
Sgt. First Class Williamson and his daughter enjoy a day on the water.

Visit the www.HeroesOnTheWater.org to read the blog for this event.
Marine vets experience kayak fishing near Dallas

DALLAS, TX - Heroes on the Water introduced two injured Marines, Robert and Roger, to kayak fishing on a Dallas area lake on May 22.

“It was a beautiful morning on the lake and fish were caught. Was great to see them laying back and relaxing,” HOW National Coordinator Jim Dolan Said.

Visit the www.HeroesOnTheWater.org t to read the blog for this event.
HOW participates in National Pride of Freedom Rodeo and Kayak Fishing Tournament

The National Pride of Freedom Rodeo, sponsored by John Lochow, was recently held at the Lochow Ranch. The event included several major PRCA and PBR riders, live music from some Nashville stars, Playboy bunnies, great food, and dancing for over 300 guests. HOW provided kayaks for injured soldiers and their families on Sunday. John Lochow set up a fishing Tournament though the Fisher of Men organization. The soldiers and their families made the most of the experience fishing from kayaks.

Several large fish were caught, including the 4.3 lb bass. The lake was full of large bluegill. About a third of the bluegill caught were over a pound, with several near two lbs.

Special thanks to the Lochows, American Airlines, and all the support groups that sponsored the event.

Event updates

Upcoming

Heroes on the Water - Rockport, TX
Three soldiers from the Darnell Armey Medical Center in Killeen, Tx will make a road trip to Holiday Beach near Rockport for a weekend on sun and kayak fishing. Taylor Alsbrooks is hosting the event and and providing accomodations for the soldiers.

Recent

Heroes on the Water - VA
On Saturday, June 20, TKAA hosted its first Heroes on the Water event. Eight marines and one Navy Seal from Portsmouth Naval Hospital attended the event. Approximately 20 TKAA members provided extra kayaks and their time to get the indiviuals out on the water.

Heroes on the Water - WA
Sgt Brian Jackson and volunteers in the Sea-Tac area hosted 10 soldiers from the Warrior Transition Clinic at Fort Lewis’ Madigan Army Medical Center at Lake St. Clair on Saturday, June 20.
Notes:

Newsletter
This newsletter is distributed monthly to KASA members and volunteers to provide updates on KASA sponsored events and programs. If you are not currently on the distribution list and would like to be, please click here.

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Sponsorships
If you would like to find out how you can sponsor or advertise with KASA, please e-mail Kendal Larson.  KASA has many different sponsorship and advertising options available.