JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Service members and veterans gathered at the shoreline as they prepared to set out on the still waters of Puget Sound. A row of kayaks sat prepped for the day of fishing and crabbing ahead. The participants were part of the Heroes on the Water northwest chapter event July 23, held at Solo Point, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Heroes on the Water is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military members and veterans by providing a therapeutic experiences through kayak fishing.
“This group is tailored to people with PTSD [Post Dramatic Traumatic Stress Syndrome] but we want to help any veteran, servicemember or first responder who experiences stresses beyond those of a normal work environment,” said Tony Isaac, Heroes on the Water northwest chapter public relations coordinator. “Basically anyone who has stress in their lives, this is a good for them.”
The event kicked off with more than 30 participants and volunteers hitting the water in kayaks to drop crab pots and to fish. Seventeen of the participants were Airmen from Team McChord.
“The event helped us build rapport with the Heroes on the Water organization and helped us connect with other branches,” said Master Sgt. Robert Peaden, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant. “It was a very cool experience to kayak with them and share that personal serenity with other servicemembers.”
Heroes on the Water provided all the gear needed for the experience on the water which included kayaks, life vests, and fishing gear. Because participants don’t always have fishing licenses, Heroes on the Water provided a group fishing license which allowed all participants to fish and crab.
“We want to introduce people to kayak fishing and the experience of the relaxing benefits of being on the water,” said Isaac. “We want their first-time experience kayaking on calm waters. Puget Sound allows the perfect environment for this.”
The event started at 7:30 a.m. and lasted until 2 p.m. Participants were provided a complimentary breakfast and a crab boil for lunch. Participants crabbed and fished for Dungeness and red rock crabs, flounder and rockfish.
“It was a personal experience at first and then more of a group experience at lunch,” said Peaden. “The fellowship happened at the crab boil. People were talking about what it’s like being in the military and past experiences from deployments.”
To help with getting the day’s catch, Heroes on the Water volunteers assisted participants with launching their kayaks, baiting their fishing poles and providing hands on instruction on how to fish and crab.
“Being able to take out the kayak was really enjoyable,” said Anthony Sandoval, Army veteran. “This is unique to this area. There aren’t too many places you can go fishing and crabbing with random veterans.”
The event helped servicemembers and veterans through building new relationships on the water and cracking crabs together, said Peaden.
“I heard from numerous Airmen how much they enjoyed this event and communicated how thankful they were to get out of the dorms and socialize with other veterans,” said Peaden. “This program is built on helping veterans and building fellowship amongst the services.”
Other participants also agreed that the event was relaxing and enjoyable.
“This is a pretty peaceful environment. It’s relaxing and has a gorgeous view,” U.S. Marine Sgt. Kris Russel, 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company logistics and supply chief. “Getting out on the water lets you forget what’s going on in the world and live in the moment.”
To find out more information on the Heroes on the Water Northwest Chapter go to: www.heroesonthewater.org