 | "My mom hasn't seen me smile
since I got home." |
You are helping folks like Robert, a National Guard Lt from LA. Was really miserable because not only did he have PTSD and TBI plus some physical injuries, he had also lost most of the troops under his command in an IED that blew up their Armored Personnel Carrier. HOW took him fishing and put him on some redfish. Upon seeing this picture he asked for a copy, saying,"Great. My Mom hasn't seen me smile since I got home."
What we saw as a simple picture gave him and his family a lifetime memory and maybe a start on healing. You will make these moments happen!
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Give a Gift of Hope
Never underestimate the power of hope. The first day of kayak fishing is like a spark of hope for many of our heroes. For many of them, the fire of hope has all but been extinguished in a sea of frustration and dismay. Many of them are ready to give up. Sadly, we do not reach all of them in time.
With more resources we could reach more folks like Jeremiah. Give now.
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Every outing creates smiles!
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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.
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 Thank you! |
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Real Courage
It takes real courage for our wounded warriors to tell their stories to you. They dredge through their painful memories, so that you, our valued supporters, can understand the challenges that they face every day. They are counting on you to help. Not only are our brave men and women recovering from physical injuries, they are attempting to put the pieces of their life back together. Relocation, divorce, and depression are just a few of the major obstacles they encounter. Their families and friends cannot comprehend what they have been through. Sadly, many of our heroes turn to drugs, alcohol, or even suicide, to kill the pain. Heroes on the Water offers our veterans a positive alternative. HOW is a simple, but proven, path to healing and recovery. For many, it the first time in years that they feel safe and in control. Time spent kayak fishing, allows them to relax. Their brains open up and begin to store positive memories again. Seeds of trust are planted . . . . hope is restored. Count your blessings. Make a generous donation today. Our heroes need your help. Help them come home. Jim Dolan Heroes on the Water President |
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Coming Home at Last
Meet Jeremiah
The stress of living in a combat zone, seeing your friends killed or injured, never knowing if today it is "your turn", leaves invisible scars on our military men and women. For our veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), these painful memories reoccur over and over again through nightmares and panic attacks. These heroes suffer agonizing hurt, and their families and loved ones suffer as well.
In 2004, Jeremiah returned from his deployment in Iraq to a loving wife and three daughters. He looked fine on the outside, but his mind was protecting him from horrific images and crippling memories.
Jeremiah's job in Iraq included recovering downed aircraft, in combat situations. On one such mission, he was tasked to separate the wreckage of two helicopters that had collided in flight. He had friends on those helicopters. There were only three survivors. One of Jeremiah's good friends had been shot down and killed a week earlier.
Those painful memories were locked somewhere in the deep recesses of his brain. Years later, stress induced triggers would release those memories, requiring hospitalization and psychiatric treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD. His wife and daughters had to cope with uncertainty and confusion about their future. Jeremiah was left wondering if he would ever be healthy and well again.
A friend and fellow veteran, Harold, told him about Heroes on the Water (HOW), and invited him along to go kayak fishing. Jeremiah stepped outside his comfort zone and said he would try it. He was told, "there is no stress, you only do what you want to do. Go at your own pace." These were the words he needed to hear. He felt safe.
On his very first HOW fishing trip, on a lake near his home
 in Texas, Jeremiah experienced the joy and freedom of catching a fish from a kayak. He recalls that trip in his own words; "Once you get out there, and get to fishing, all your worries go away. Your biggest decision is which lure to choose, or which way to cast. By the end of the day, your stress is gone and life seems manageable. Things take their proper perspective."
This past year has been a time of healing and hope. Jeremiah, and his family are rebuilding confidence in their future. Now, his wife supports his kayak fishing with HOW. She loves the relaxed man that comes back from each trip. The family is together. Welcome home Jeremiah. |
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