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."
Jeremiah is now an integral part of the HOW DFW Chapter team providing the healing experience for warriors and their families in the community. He and his family now have hope and are rebuilding confidence in their future. His wife supports his kayak fishing with HOW. She loves the relaxed man that comes back from each trip. Peace of mind for all.
