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   Paddle.Fish.Heal.

 

Heroes On the Water

     Healing wounded spirits...

                 Restoring warriors' hearts
 March 2011
In This Issue
Brooke Army Medical Center 10 Week HOW Program
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Spring is here and HOW chapters are geared up for a fantastic run of kayak fishing events for our injured troops. Each chapter is unique in its delivery of the program, but all get wounded warriors out on the water, engaged in kayak fishing to experience the fun, camaraderie and therapeutic benefits.

Currently, kayak fishing excursions range from smaller more personalized trips, to once a week sessions as part of recreational therapy, single day and multi-day outings, and larger group events. With the expanding number of chapters across the country, our goal is to serve 25,000 veterans a year in our program by 2015.
  
Also, join us this month as we welcome new HOW Board member, David Winston. He brings a wealth of expertise and relationships that will be a great asset to the Board and furthering our mission to help change veterans lives for the better.
  
See you on the water!

Jim Dolan

President

 

Heroes on the Water Runs 10 Week Program  

at Brooke Army Medical Center


Discover the impact of Heroes on the Water's 10 week kayak fishing program at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). The recreation therapist at the Center for the Intrepid, Heather Miller, tasked HOW to run a kayak fishing program every Thursday morning as part of the wounded warriors' daily therapy. This request was generated by a pilot program launched with HOW last year that gave credence to the therapeutic breakthrough anecdotes related to kayak fishing, whether the injuries were physical, psychological or emotional.Caught it!

 

Two of the people helping with the program this year are warriors who went through the pilot program last year and are back to volunteer.  Jim Dolan, HOW President, states "We see this program as a model for the rest of the country. We are helping a lot of wounded vets discover 'life'!! They are finding a skill they can use and a group of folks they feel comfortable with. We constantly hear 'we like hanging out with y'all' - one of the things I am personally most proud of."

 

According to Miller, the therapeutic benefits are different for each participant. "Getting away from the hospital and a daily routine can be therapeutic. Putting them in a boat where they are the sole controller can be therapeutic. Doing an activity that is not physically challenging and entirely in their control can be therapeutic."

 

HOW BAMC Coordinator, Joe Winston, has seen first- hand the impact the program has had in a matter of weeks on the men & women's lives. Also a stellar photographer, Joe has captured images that help portray the affects in action. As you can see from the smiles, the program has been very successful. Enjoy viewing more pictures in his photo journal.

BAMC caught a fish Mar 2011
 

   

 

 

David Winston Joins Board of Directors  

for Heroes On The Water

 

March 21, 2011, DALLAS - Heroes on the Water (HOW) today formally announced that Mr. David Winston has joined its Board of Directors.

 

Mr. Winston is currently a Dallas-based Managing Partner of leadership advisory firm Heidrick & Struggles and is also a Marine Corps veteran helicopter pilot.

 

 "We are thrilled that Dave is joining us," said HOW founder Jim Dolan, a former U.S. Air Force C-130 pilot and Air Force Academy graduate. "Not only does he bring his perspective from a 20 year career as a Marine Corps officer, but he also has a wealth of expertise and relationships as a professional recruiter serving the aerospace/defense industry.  He'll be a fantastic addition to our Board."

 

"When friends told me about what HOW is doing for our troops, I became excited about the cause.  After meeting with Jim Dolan, the Board members, and the rest of HOW team, I caught their vision and passion for serving 10,000 veterans per year by 2015.  With this team and its momentum, I'm certain that HOW is going to make a significant difference for our veterans, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

__________

 

Heroes on The Water is a non-profit organization that helps injured service members with their physical and mental recovery using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. Every HOW event across the country brings together wounded military personnel for guided kayak fishing excursions. Founded in 2007, HOW has served more than 3,000 veterans. The service is provided to the veterans for free. HOW is a non-profit educational organization under IRS Code Chapter 501(c)(3).  Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.