A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the "United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life." 

That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

--Author Unknown

Based in San Antonio, Texas, and operated as our flagship program, Heroes on the Water serves all military personnel who have been wounded, injured or disabled while serving on active duty, in the reserves or national guard.

The primary goal of the program is to assist these injured service members with their physical and mental recovery by introducing them to the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. The program allows the participants a chance to decompress from the stresses associated with combat and the physical rigors of rehabilitation. Participants enjoy these benefits while on guided fishing trips held at various locations around the country.

Originally developed for patients at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) on Fort Sam Houston, the program quickly expanded to Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood, TX. Now, due to the programs unparalleled success, we are currently expanding operations to the four remaining U.S. Army major trauma centers; Evans Army Medical Center on Fort Carson, CO, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, Womack Army Medical Center on Fort Bragg, NC, and Madigan Army Medical Center on Fort Lewis, WA.

The program provides basic kayak fishing instruction, angling clinics and paddling classes for participants with skill sets ranging from beginners to the most experienced paddlers. The program also assists these personnel in adapting these newly developed skills to their new abilities. Adaptive kayaks, kayaking accessories and angling equipment will be offered on an as needed basis to accomodate a soldiers particular needs.

All kayaks, pfd's, paddles, fishing gear, meals and transportation are provided free of charge to every participant. Our volunteer staff and program coordinators consist of professional educators, counselors, licensed fishing guides, wildlife and aquatic biologists, active duty military, and experienced kayak fishermen, all of whom donate their time and expertise in support of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that we serve. 

All Heroes on the Water activities are 100% dependent on your tax deductible financial donations, as directed in the provisions of Section 501(c)3 of the IRS code. We are actively seeking donations of both cash and materials to fund this program, plus we're always looking for licensed guides, property managers and camp supervisors who would like to donate the use of their facilities for our trips. If you are interested in contributing or becoming a volunteer, please send your questions to info@KayakAnglersSA.org for more information.

 

Blanco State Park - Blanco, Texas

Rainbow Trout Fishing

On the 8th of December, 2007, KASA anglers were treated to a day on the winter-chilled waters of the Blanco River for a bit of Texas trout fishing.

Eight soldiers who are recovering from war wounds at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio made the trip to Blanco, Texas, Saturday for a kayak fishing outing. Everyone caught fish, but perhaps more importantly, said Sgt. 1st Class Francisco Soto, it was a great break from routine. "It's peaceful. It's serene," Soto said. "This is very different from the other outings we go on." The soldiers all suffered injuries – including burns, brain injuries and amputations -- in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Major Cody Roberson, the KASA Program Director for Heroes on the Water, brought the anglers from the Brooke Army Medical Center to the Blanco State Park around 10:00 a.m., and the anglers enjoyed the better part of the day on the water. Texas Parks and Wildlife Blanco State Park Superintendent Mike Young assisted KASA by waving entry fees for the group, and extended an open invitation for KASA to use the park anytime.

"We appreciate the sacrifices you have made for us," Young told the soldiers. "This is the least we can do for you."

Other sponsors of this event included Cabelas of Buda, TX, which donated rods and reels and Shipley's Donuts in Schertz, TX, who donated breakfast for the guys. KASA would like to also extend a special thank you to the American Legion Post in Blanco, which served up a great lunch for the group.

One of the most interesting observations of the day is also telling of the success of the HOW program.

"Kayaks are the great equalizer," said Colleen Harvey, owner of Heart of Texas Kayaks. "I watched a guy with a disability that makes getting around on land challenging jump into a kayak and paddle off like he's been doing it all his life."

(Above) A quick photo after having enjoyed a fine day kayak fishing.

(Above) It's clear, the HOW program brings peace of mind.

 

Guadalupe River - private lake - Gruene, TX Largemouth Bass Fishing 

Held on November 17, 2007, on the renowned Rock'n "R" River Rides private 8 acre lake in historic Gruene, Texas. The outing was a huge success, especially for SSG Juan Macias.

Ltc. Jim Gardon, MSgt. Francisco Soto, SSgt. Jaun Macias, SSgt. Deron Santiny & Sgt. Scott Metcalf, all receiving care at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX, participated in a fun filled day of kayak fishing lead by KASA Director Brad Newman and accompanied by Army Maj. Cody Roberson and retired Sfc Don Bailey of www.ArmyBassAnglers.com. Brad ensured everyone was properly outfitted and instructed on the proper techniques of kayaking, while Maj. Roberson was instrumental in coordinating the outstanding meal provided by Thom Rober and is wife Elaine of Fox’s Pizza Den in Cibolo, TX, which was heartily enjoyed by all at the conclusion of the day’s festivities on the water.

As the sun was setting, everyone weighed their fish as if they were participants in a mock tournament, and during this weigh-in SSgt. Macias would reveal not only his enjoyment of the day, but that this was the first time he had ever been fishing much less kayak fishing! What made this even more special was SSgt. Macias would win the mock tournament by a landslide bringing two keepers to the scales totaling 6 lbs of fish. His largest fish weighed in a whopping 4.8 lbs!

 

 

 

 

Fishing For Freedom Tournament

Choke Canyon Resevoir, Three Rivers, TX

On November 3, 2007, KASA anglers participated in the Fishing for Freedom tournament, which was held at Choke Canyon lake, south of San Antonio, Texas. Put on by Army Bass Anglers, it brought anglers Brad Newman (KASA Executive Director), Heroes on the Water angler Army Msgt. Fancisco Soto, and Army Maj. Cody Roberson together, and while fishing from kayaks they finshed 4th overall in the tournament! You can read more about the tournament by clicking on the "Fishing for Freedom" link above. 

KASA will be taking its next group of Heroes on the Water anglers out to the Guadalupe River on the 17th of November. There, warriors rehabilitating at the Brooke Army Medical will have the opportunity to experience the joys of fishing from kayaks for smallmouth bass, catfish, and other species on the Guadalupe.

If you'd be interested in sponsoring our Heroes on the Water events, please send us an email at Info@KayakAnglersSA.org - your contributions are tax deductable, and will result in KASA scheduling many more kayak angling trips in the future for our wounded warriors.

 

 

Brown and Root Flats, Gulf of Mexico

Speckled Trout and Redfish

The first HOW trip was held Oct. 15th, 2007 just outside of Port Aransas on the famed Brown and Root Flats, and was considered by all a great success, and especially so by native Minnesotan Sgt. Scott Metcalf. Sgt. Metcalf traveled from his temporary home in San Antonio, TX and has been receiving care at the Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX for injuries he'd sustained while serving with his Minnesota National Guard Unit in Iraq.

Capt. Fil Spencer of Fishman Guide Service in Corpus Christi, TX led the expedition, supplying a fleet of Ocean Kayak boats to the team that accompanied Sgt. Metcalf. That team included Army Maj. Cody Roberson and retired Sfc. Don Bailey, fellow bass tournament team members, with Maj. Roberson being a founder of ArmyBassAnglers.com. Maj. Roberson is also the lead active duty military member assisting KASA with its HOW mission, and was instrumental in coordinating the release of Sgt. Metcalf with the staff at BAMC.

After the event, it was revealed the Sgt. Metcalf had felt some trepidation regarding this trip, as his injuries involved his knee and shoulder, and he was concerned perhaps he'd not be able to paddle. As he found out, the paddling wasn't near as demanding as he thought it might be, and furthermore he found that as he gained confidence paddling, his comfort levels increased to the point that he was leading the pack when underway to various points during the trip.

 

Above, Capt Fil Spencer (left) readies the kayaks while Minnesota National Guard SGT Scott Metcalf (center) and Jeff Herman (right) of the Ocean Kayak Pro Staff are caught in a moment of repose prior to launch.