"...because it was the first time I felt like I was home." Tom Welgos, Eastern Operations Coordinator, Heroes on the Water.

It is difficult to comprehend the intense emotions experienced by warriors who participate in Heroes on the Water's therapeutic outings. HOW volunteers are drawn to participate in these programs for any number of reasons. In order to fully understand, sometimes it is necessary to hear it straight from those who are on the front line, making a difference every day.

Meet Tom. Not only is he a hero himself, but he is a prime example of someone who has experienced first hand the miraculous benefits that come from HOW's program...so much that he is now a part of the team, serving as Eastern Operations Coordinator. Before his Heroes on the Water experience, before he became a fishing guide, he was on the other side of the river, serving our country.

Having risked his life with years of service and sacrifice, Tom faced the same challenges most of our warriors face when they return to home soil. It is difficult for many to reintegrate into society because of the radical differences between environments. Imagine being in a place where common background noise might consist of explosions or pop noises from firing rifles. Leaving your bunk means you might be picked off by a sniper. Or your entire team is under fire and you must make sure everyone returns safely. This so-called temporary lifestyle that our warriors experience overseas has such an impact on them that it begins to become more normal to them than our society.

Once home, the jarring difference between an environment where every day is planned, and your life is potentially in danger and the so-called rigors of day to day at home are so far out of alignment, it is difficult for warriors to adapt. Not to mention the physical and emotional trauma most endure. Tom experienced these struggles, but he was able to conquer them through an experience with nothing more than a kayak, a paddle, and nature. It seemed farfetched this program would benefit him, especially because his lifestyle after he returned from service consisted of being on the water daily. However, serving as a fishing and nature guide for others did not allow him to truly connect with himself or to harmonize with his surroundings.

"I never expected such strong emotions, particularly since I spent my days as a fishing guide, so I was on the water daily. The truth is that being on a boat was like being a hostage. I was trapped with others who did not understand what I had been through or how I was feeling. Only after removing the barriers to nature, sitting so close to the water in that kayak, and really immersing myself, did I realize the true power of the Heroes on the Water experience. After that powerful experience, I knew I had to do more."

The simplicity and tranquility from HOW's kayak experience surpassed all Tom's expectations. An immediate burden was lifted off of his shoulders that day. Unlike all the other times on the water, this time he was no longer a hostage...he was free.

Freedom is something that he and countless warriors have continued to fight for through their service, and finally, Tom experienced the feeling of being free on home soil. Almost immediately he had a meaningful desire to help others find the same kind of solitude and relief. He did this through volunteering - by stepping to the forefront of this cause.  

They Made a Difference

Volunteering a portion of time for those who have sacrificed years of their lives seems to be an uneven trade and a small price to pay. The truth is that any time given to help these brave service men and women is worth more than one could imagine. They have fought for our freedom and this is a chance to grant them that same gift.

Heroes on the Water's simplistic and effective program allows our heroes to take control of their surroundings through the peaceful experience of kayak fishing. They are fully immersed in nature, giving them a way to actively participant in and set a course for healing. It takes away the stress of reintegrating into a world that is radically different from the one they spent years in fighting for our freedom.

Tom understands these struggles, and as someone who experienced the power of the Heroes on the Water outing, he had this to say: "Many of our warriors struggle to integrate. When you are in the military, the troops are the most important thing. You never leave a person behind, and you spend each and every day planned, executing toward an objective. It's not like corporate America at all. The battles our service men and women face when they return from active duty can be more difficult to overcome than anything they experienced overseas."

"It is our responsibility to get them out on the water, and to guide them towards a path of rehabilitation."

Be the Difference

Volunteering for HOW is a form of service that comes with great reward and recognition. Of course in return for this service, volunteers are given the opportunity to surround themselves with brave heroes who have fought for them, their friends, and their family. There's no better way to say THANK YOU to someone who truly deserves it than by saying it in person. Don't you agree?

HOW offers our heroes a better way of integrating, a way for them to take control of themselves so they are able to re-immerse into our society. If there is anyone who deserves happiness and peace in this life it is those brave individuals who have fought for the rest of us.  

Heroes on the Water works diligently to accomplish this, day in and day out, for all our courageous heroes who return home. None of this would be possible without the help of the selfless volunteers and donors who physically put our heroes on the water. These inspiring warriors deserve much more than just a salute for their sacrifices. Step up to the front line and show them how thankful you are!   

Warriors are experiencing freedom because you are giving. Your dollars are magnified by 2300+ dedicated HOW volunteers - you are changing lives. The job is not done. There are many more wounded veterans seeking to heal. Donate online or by mail to the address below. Peace be with you...and the men and women who serve.