News From Heroes on the Water 5-12-2012

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News From Heroes on the Water 5-12-2012

Posted on 11 May 2012.

Celebrating Matt’s Outstanding Service
to HOW
HOW’s Fort Bragg chapter recognizes Matt Griffith at his retirement celebration.

Thanks to all of our supporters for helping our warriors throughout the U.S!

The mission at Carry the Load is to highlight the meaning of Memorial Day across America, ultimately driving attention and steering resources towards existing non-profit organizations already supporting veteran families and veteran organizations. Carry the Load offers community members an opportunity to come together in sharing Memorial Day and actively remembering our American heroes.

In 2012, Carry the Load will accomplish our mission in two ways. First, we will conduct a “flagship” event in Dallas, Texas with a 20 hour, 12 minute walk to carry four local nonprofits, of which Heroes on the Water is one.

We have started a 1700-mile relay from West Point, N.Y. to Dallas, Texas. Divided into 350 5-mile segments, the journey commenced May 1 and will finish in Dallas, Texas on May 27 at 3:48pm, just as the 2012 Carry the Load Dallas event begins.

This Memorial Day…Who are you carrying?

Kayak Fishing Classic at Jamaica Bay – May 17-20
Heroes on the Water will be a beneficiary of this tournament hosted by Captain Kayak.

Heroes on the Water

101-C North Greenville Ave. #55

Allen, Texas 75002

jim@heroesonthewater.org

214-295-4541

Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3) public charity that relies totally on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.

What Happens When the Heart of a Warrior Sets His Mind to Healing

Brooke Army Medical Center Program

During the early weeks of the Summer 10 Week Kayak Fishing Program, a young solider named “Quinn” came to check out the program. Quinn was a Westerner and had been around paddle sports before joining the Army. As I was introduced to him for the first time, the Recreational Therapist from BAMC said that Quinn had gotten out of an electric wheel chair and directly into the van on his way to the program, his first steps outside the hospital. This was to be a first for all of us.

Quinn was introduced to me as having Poly-trauma to his spine and neck. I still hate the sound of that word. Quinn was weak and had little strength in his legs, so we carried him down the hill to a kayak and launched him into the Guadalupe River. The Recreational Therapist and I stayed very close, asking about his comfort in the kayak and determining his ability to navigate the waters. We were headed up stream for a short distance and planned to float back down. Without reservation, Quinn was on the water and we began to see the best thing we could do was keep a close eye on him, but give the young man some space. This was the first time he had been out of the hospital since his injuries and you could see the pain was being covered over by the smile. This was just the beginning of his experience.

Over the next several weeks, Quinn asked more questions about the local waters and fishing tactics and took a real interest in kayak fishing. His strength grew and his ability to help others began to be overwhelming. By the end of the summer, Quinn was a regular at the program on Thursdays and was handling all the chores of boating on his own, helping out others when he could, and carrying paddles or stowing fishing gear. It’s a wonderful thing to see what is possible when the heart of a warrior sets his mind to healing. I am proud beyond description to have had a small part in this man healing process.

Joe Winston

Heroes on the Water

Southeast Texas Chapter Coordinator

BAMC Program Coordinator 2011

Volunteer Since 2008

FREEDOM CAPTURED.

NCKFA Battle of the Boro Tournament – Thank you to Sponsors!

Blake
The North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association sponsored Heroes on the Water participants in a weekend tournament in Greensboro, NC on April 28th. In addition to NCKFA, there were many generous sponsors including YakFish, Days Inn, Randleman Lake. NCKFA members donated equipment specfically geared toward HOW needs. In addition to all of these donations, many members donated their winnings which included poles and bait.

Heroes on the Water appreciates our sponsors and donors! Because of your generosity, we’re able to provide therapeutic fishing experiences for warriors throughout the country. We could not do this without you and the tireless efforts of many volunteers. THANK YOU!