As a veteran of the U.S. Army, I have a deep respect for current service members, fellow veterans, and am in awe of those who strive to overcome the physical and emotional wounds associated with service-related trauma. As an active member of the kayak fishing community, I understand that our sport has the capacity to help heal in many ways. Heroes On the Water is an organization that provides a way to share kayak fishing with those who have given of themselves in the service of our Country.
“The primary goal of the program is to assist these injured service members with their physical and mental recovery by introducing them to the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. 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. Now, due to the programs unparalleled success, we are currently expanding operations to the four remaining U.S. Army major trauma centers; Evans Army Medical Center on Fort Carson, CO, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg, NC, and Madigan Army Medical Center on Fort Lewis, WA.
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 accomodate a soldiers particular needs.
All kayaks, pfd’s, 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@KayakAnglersSA.org for more information.”
Kayak fishing is unique in that it offers the opportunity for a full range of physical activity and personal adventures from the solitude found in calm water plucking out panfish to the exhilaration of blue water going after big and dangerous game fish. It truly is an ageless sport and anglers from preteens to seniors can find their own place on the water in kayaks.
I hope that the Western NY Kayak Fishing Association will get involved with Heroes On the Water in the near future. Some of our members already donate to this fine organization and perhaps we could support it in a more formal way through charity events and possibly even hold our own kayak fishing events for our heroes. The wars we are currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken their toll on many armed service members from our region and I think that Heroes On the Water would be a welcomed way to share the joy that we find on the water.
-Paul Shipman
President, Western NY Kayak Fishing Association
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