Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3) veterans charity founded in 2007 which creates alternative experimental therapeutic programs for veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and their families. The core proven therapy utilized is kayak fishing.

They have volunteer led and run chapters all over the country and on Saturday November the 2nd I attended the last event of 2019 for the Maryland chapter (Facebook). Each year this chapter has one regular event per month from April to November and is often called on by military and first responder organizations to do additions events.

I arrived at this private pond before the sun came up and was directed as to where to park. With frost still on the ground and steam rising from the pond a fire was started to keep the participants warm. Some kayaks were already lined up near the launch ramp. Coffee and donuts shortly arrived along with more kayaks on a trailer.

As the sun came up and more people began arriving a safety briefing was given, then one by one kayaks loaded with participants and volunteers were helped onto the pond. One and two person kayaks are used by this chapter.

About 25 volunteers and participants were present for this event, most went out on the water. Volunteers kept tabs on the participants, some of whom went off on their own, many clustered near each other, all enjoying the unrushed experience in their own way. Standing on the shore I was witnessing the Heroes on the Water mission: To help warriors, relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.

On the water and off this organization connects people who’ve had similar experiences and helps build a camaraderie. Participants are invited to return to future events, repeated participation has shown to help alleviate post traumatic stress.

I was told that during some events during the year the number of participants that arrive outnumber the nearly 40 kayaks this chapter owns and reinforcements are called in to get more people onto the water. To donate to this very worthy charity click here.

Unfortunately the founder of this organization, Jim Dolan, passed away this year. Reading through this page with stories and videos about him and the organization shows the healing power of Heroes on the Water. This is compounded by their blog, Success Stories.

Be sure to check out my video below and more photos I took this day can be viewed here.