How Will You and Your Family  

Pay Homage this Memorial Day?

Are you interested in instilling in our children patriotism and an appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans?

The truth is, there is a disconnect between what Memorial Day means, and how it is observed today.

There is a way for Americans to observe Memorial Day by honoring the sacrifices made by members of the military, especially those who have been wounded . . . and it's an opportunity to give back to those who have been engaged in the fight to ensure our freedom today.

Individually or as a family, become informed about the increasing numbers and needs of injured military servicemen and women returning home. Together, we can impact their lives for the better and instill hope for the future.

Heroes on the Water helps injured military personnel, men and women from all branches of the service, to relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate into society through kayak fishing and the outdoors. Visit HeroesOnTheWater.org in addition to reading the facts below in "Today's Wounded Warriors", to learn about our mission and why we do what we do.    

We invite you to join us this Memorial Day in honoring our military by making a donation to Heroes on the Water. Donate now to provide absolutely free kayak fishing excursions made possible by committed volunteers in chapters across the country.  

Today's Wounded Warriors  

Today's Warriors are exposed to hostile fire and sustained combat stress 3-6 times longer than their fathers and grandfathers endured. During World War II, the average time spent in the combat zone was 7 months. During the Vietnam War the average was 15 months, whereas during the Global War on Terror, the average time a warrior spends in combat is 45 months.

The good news is that modern technology helps our troops survive wounds that were fatal in prior wars. These veterans return with 'visible' wounds from hostile fire, IED amputations, burns and other injuries. However, many of the wounds are invisible: 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan Vets show signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or depression and the number of suicide attempts is of great concern.