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"HOW showed me there was a future..."
"Heroes on the Water has literally changed my life in a way that is hard to put into words. But basically,
Heroes on the Water showed me that there are things to look forward to in life still. I was at a point in my life where it was literally an 'up in the air' day as to whether I was going to make it or not when my HOW chapter leader reached out to me.
That first day on the water changed me and my lookout on the future. Honestly,
Heroes on the Water showed me there was a future and gave the reason to get by and keep truckin',
cause once a month I know I'm going to see all my buddies and go fishing."
 ~ Warrior Red & Redford, service dog
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HELP Warriors Reconnect
Our nation's warriors face a new battle as they bring the remnants of physical and mental sacrifices home to their families.
Warriors seek to find their place in the world and restore a sense of normalcy.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our Heroes. We can help them win the battle.
You can help Heroes on the Water expand to serve thousands more warriors in new areas of the country.
Contribute today...you will be impacting warriors lives for a lifetime.
Thank You!
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Healing Heroes by David Sikes,
Article Excerpts
Heroes on the Water was founded on the premise of simplicity. Kayak fishing is affordable, easily mastered and available anywhere water is accessible. And it can be a lifetime sport.
Emerald Insight, a clearing house that publishes peer-reviewed research that benefits society, cites a conceptual paper that suggests outdoor programs for service members not only improve physiological and psychological health, they reach combat veterans who maybe reluctant for a variety of reasons to seek traditional treatments. Many don't know they need or could benefit from such nontraditional recreational treatments.
This is the core theory behind Heroes on the Water. There is no stigma, no admission of need and certainly no overtones of pity or prescription. It's just fishing.
It's about the peace on the water and breeze in your face...
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Join HOW and Carry the Load this Memorial Day
As of this newsletter, Tracy Detwiler has been driving his HOW Bass truck representing HOW along the Carry the Load route from West Point to Dallas. HOW volunteers have joined in, walking legs of the relay.
Last Sunday, warriors,volunteers and their families from the Maryland and Appalachian Chapters walked the route to remember and honor the men and women who have sacrificially given for our freedom.
HOW Warrior, Jason Austin will pick up where HOW volunteer, Tracey Detwiler departs the route. Jason will drive his HOW Redfish Truck along the Carry the Load route to Little Rock, AR.
Jason is participating to honor someone special. On 5 Oct 2007, CPL Rachel Hugo was killed in action in Iraq. Five months prior, CPL Hugo saved Jason's life after his vehicle struck two IEDs in Bayji Iraq. CPL Hugo was a soldier in every aspect and died doing what she loved...saving lives.
Jason will be carrying the load for all his brothers and sisters who have given all. Click to read his story and support his cause.
HOW will be participating in local Rallies and the final legs of the relay into Dallas. Join HOW and participate in making this a meaningful Memorial Day by clicking here to learn how to get involved.
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We're ready...Let's go fishin'!
 It's fishin' time!! It's been a long and unusually cold winter across the country. Even in the southern states. We're all ready to get on the water...even the bulldog! HOW's volunteers worked hard throughout the winter to order, repair, and prepare gear to get more warriors on the water. Events are happening across the country every weekend thanks to the dedication of HOW volunteers and the support of people like you. Now it's time to do what we love most...taking our Heroes out on the water kayak fishing. Come fishin' with us! Click to View Upcoming Events. See you on the water! Jim Dolan, Founder
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HOW SMART Fishing Retreat
The retreat was held to assist Warriors in dealing with numerous aspects of Post Traumatic Stress/ Combat Related Stress in day to day life following medical retirement and or discharge.
The retreat focused on building the capabilities of the individuals, improvement of cognitive skills, and reduction of stress through a series of lessons and participatory exercises during the weekend. It allowed for the warriors to have multiple positive nature experiences to help reset their memories.
The weekend schedule embraced Yoga, Cognitive Development Exercises, and Nature Therapy to refocus the warrior, giving them a new perspective of the new normal.
HOW's focus is to empower the warrior to rise above their disability and achieve their greatest level of freedom and independence. The SMART retreat has been designed to jump start this natural progression and to get those that are 'shut-in', out of the house and empower the warrior who doubted they could achieve in school. The purpose is to uplift the Post Traumatic Stress Survivors so they know that they are not alone and that the community stands with them.
The weekend retreat is not intended to be the beginning and end all for the survivor. But it does establish a strong foundation for the warrior to begin his or her journey to a life of purpose and new normal.
The April weekend engaged 13 warriors in that journey. 
Based on the success of the initial SMART collaborative weekend, HOW is planning a series of retreats and is seeking funding to support such opportunities for warriors dealing with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).
If you are interested in contributing to this effort, please contact Frank Dailey.
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HOW Salutes Our Nation's Military
May is Military Appreciation Month
Thank you to all our nation's military service members and veterans who answered the call to serve our nation.
We are truly grateful for your service and the sacrifices you and your family have made so we may live in freedom.
Heroes on the Water stands in defense and support of the service member's body and soul.
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Follow HOW on Social Media
 We enjoy sharing what's happening across the country, including the many wonderful stories told by our warriors, volunteers, and supporters. And we'd like to hear from you.
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Our freedoms come at a big sacrifice. Together we can help Warriors regain the freedom they fought to protect.
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Heroes on the Water
Heroes on the Water
101-C North Greenville Ave. #55
Allen, Texas 75002
jim@heroesonthewater.org
214-295-4541
GIVE TODAY
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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