From Robert Aiken, a Wounded Marine and member of the Board of Directors for Heroes on the Water
"During service, and particularly on deployment, military personnel operate as a team," he said. "Transition back into the civilian culture is reverse culture shock. Most veterans groups focus their attention inward or to the past. HOW focuses on an activity. Most young warriors in transition would rather do something other than swapping war stories around a bar. With HOW, we're swapping stories across a pond, without the hangover."
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You Can Lighten the LoadAs you commit your money to win the battle for our veterans . . . imagine them, paddling their kayaks, catching a fish, saying, "Thank you for your help." There are many ways you can give.
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Words of a wounded warrior's mother:
"Looking out onto the lake, there was no way to differentiate between the able bodied and the disabled heroes-a huge therapeutic moment for the parent of a wounded warrior. Traditional therapy involves the same set of rules and activity for all, with similar results expected. HOW allows a pleasurable activity to bring therapeutic results to each participant in different forms."
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 From HOW volunteer, Travis:"This last event opened my eyes and you can count on me for up coming HOW events. I didn't know what to expect but I'm glad I got involved."
"One on the guys at this event paddled a canoe back home but now has no fingers on either hand. He said 'Tape the paddles to me, I'm going out there one way or another!!!!' When he can back in he said, 'Best day ever of rehab!!!!'"
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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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Lighten the Load
Pilots face numerous challenges in the winter - bad weather, icy runways, and higher than normal passenger and cargo loads. Last week, I received an email that American Airlines sent to Captains, about the heavy loads we fly around the country. "As you well know, this is the time of year where we load up the airplane, tank up the fuel, and head off into the weather." But the load is even greater than the heavy airplane - I transport precious planeloads of families and friends, some uncertain about flying. But nothing compares to the heavy load and uncertain future our wounded veterans and their families face daily. This was brought home to me in a Facebook post to Heroes on the Water a few days ago. From Becky - wife of a wounded warrior - "You have no idea what you do for our soldiers....from someone living in the "trenches" with a wounded warrior, I promise that your work has far reaching and long lasting effects and I can't thank you enough!!" Becky, and thousands of grateful family members, all across this great land of ours, say "Thank you" to all of our volunteers and donors. Your generous and loving support is lifting the burden from many of our deserving veterans. I can't tell you how many times we hear you are providing a new future for injured veterans and families. You are helping to lighten the load. Please give now. The holidays may be brighter, and the New Year filled with more promise, as a result of your timely gift. Jim Dolan President |
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Jim & Tina - Winning Again
Recovering from the ninth surgical procedure on his injured knee, Jim found himself staring at the walls of his rural Virginia home, and wishing he could get outside somehow. This thirteen year Marine Corp veteran was getting a serious case of cabin fever. His wife, Tina, knew that Jim was becoming frustrated and rapidly tiring of watching endless hours of TV and rereading the same magazines over and over. Miss T knew that Jim was a bit depressed. Something had to change.
Jim and Tina are the Heroes on the Water (HOW) Chapter
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Coordinators for Central Virginia. Over the last year, they have helped coordinate dozens of kayak fishing trips for wounded warriors. They have enthusiastically given their time, energy, and money to help others on their journey to health and healing. Now it was Jim's time to receive.
Tina picked up the phone and called one of the twenty plus HOW volunteers in their area. In short order, Jim was whisked off to a local lake, and helped into his kayak. This trip would not have been possible without the volunteer on hand to assist in movement to and from the water and to insure Jim's safety. Jim recalls, "Three hours doesn't seem like a long time to most fishermen, but when you have spent three long months in recovery, looking at doctor offices, and your own four walls, that time on the water was a breath of fresh air. It meant everything to me. it was a chance to decompress, recharge my batteries, and refocus forward."
Tina responds, "Jim is a new man now. His whole attitude changed. He was becoming depressed, now he looks forward to the future. We are planning our schedule for the New Year."
Tina's comments highlight a very important serendipity for Heroes on the Water. Time spent kayak fishing is life changing . . . . not only for the veteran . . . . but for their family members as well.
Our military men and women make enormous sacrifices, fighting for our freedom. When they are wounded, the road to recovery can be long and arduous. They are not the only ones who suffer. Spouses often relocate and make career changes, in order to be near the hospital or treatment facility caring for their loved one. Children are uprooted from friends and schools. Finances are stretched to the limit, and beyond. he family faces new challenges daily, often without a support network to help them.
Team members with HOW don't make excuses . . . . they make a difference. They give their time, energy, and personal resources, in a cause they believe in. They realize that our freedom has been purchased with the blood and sacrifice of our military heroes. When asked, Jim often says that he finds it hard to determine who benefits more from the outings, the Heroes or the volunteers. They all come in off the water with the same huge smiles.
When we help our veterans, everyone wins. Be a winner and donate today. our generous financial gift could be life changing for a hero and their family. They would do it for you . . . . . they already have.
Thank you for making a difference.
Paddle. Fish. Heal.
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