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 Ken@KayakAnglersSA.org for more information.
Kayak Anglers Society of America reveals new look for Heroes on the Water program
In order to better represent the wide variety of rehabilitating soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who participate in the HOW program, KASA leadership recently oversaw a redesigned of the HOW logo. The primary objective of the redesign effort was to replace the Purple Heart design prominent in the old logo with a more inclusive design that is better aligned with the program’s goals.
“We were concerned that some might think that, without a Purple Heart, they could not participate in our program,” HOW National Coordinator Jim Dolan said. “There are many heroes with a wide variety of both mental and physical injuries who will benefit greatly from spending a day or two on the water paddling and fishing, learning a new sport and joining the kayak fishing community. We want to send a clear message that they are all welcome.”
Formed in 2007 by avid kayak anglers who also happened to be veterans of the United States armed forces, KASA's stated mission is to increase access to and participation in kayak angling nationwide. KASA's HOW program is designed to introduce the rehabilitative aspects of kayak angling to veterans recovering from war injuries.
For more information on KASA programs, including Heroes on the Water, or to donate, visit the KASA web site. KASA is a certified non-profit educational organization under IRS Code Chapter 501(c)(3) and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Spring Rendezvous Tournament and Crawfish Boil May 9th at trophy Club Park on Lake Grapevine raised over $3500.00 for Heroes on the Water
Heroes on the Water - Dallas/Fort Worth, TX 2009
Robert and Jim
Went fishing yesterday with a OIF injured Marine, his wife, and 3 year old daughter. A last minute, "Hey -- Let's go Fishing" day. Robert is a very active, high pressure hard working individual and wanted some time to relax and have a family day. He took a couple of rounds in Iraq. We had a while to talk on shore, and this is an amazing individual. He does a lot of volunteer work where he sets up events for other marines. He is also starting a nationwide USMC Chamber of Commerce. An amazing idea and a great way for Marines to help and mentor some of the younger Marines trying to get back on their feet economically.
Family Fishing
The location was a small tank Northeast of Dallas near McKinney. Jerry Hamon set it up for us at the last minute, and was there fishing when we showed up. Thanks, Jerry. Robert wanted to try out a few sit on tops. We got him and his daughter out in a Redfish 12 and his wife in a pink MiniX. The water was clear but the fish were hard to find. The high winds and cold front on Thursday combined with the clear skies and high pressure on Friday made them hard to find. Robert and his wife caught a few fish. It was a beautiful day and a chance to get out on the water and show some newbies our sport. I think he and his wife are hooked. This is another husband wife team where she outfishes him. Just ask him about the 7 lb bass at Texoma.
We had a good talk about what this program does for him, and the ability to get away and relax for a day with the family. His words were the same thoughts we have had plus some more things we have not thought of.
Robert checking out the yak
Heroes on the Water - Vanderbilt, TX 2009
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Sam Rinando and hero fish the lights at night
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Hero catches first fish of the day
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Cory Routh teaches the finer points of kayak fishing
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Now I think I’ve got it. Of course, I’m GREAT at everything!!
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This paddling/fishing thing is a pretty easy!!
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Cory Routh roams the flats to help put the heroes on fish
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Dean Thomas encourages hero after she lands
large flounder
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Stellar food and accommodations provided by the Manske Family keep everyone happy
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Lt. Col. Tim Snyder and troops have some fun before hitting the water
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The whole gang: an awesome group of kayak gurus and the heroes who caught the kayak bug
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The gusty north winds made the fishing and kayaking a challenge but the heroes still managed to catch fish such as this red drum |
We couldn’t do this without the help of a lot of good people. Special thanks to the following volunteers/guides for donating food, gear, expertise, and time to this event:
Will and the entire Manske family
Cory and Larry Routh (Ruthless Fishing)
Jim Sammons (La Jolla Kayak Fishing Adventures)
Will Richardson (Game On)
Jon Shein (Kayak Fishing Magazine)
Joe Cambria (Kayak Fishing Magazine)
Dean and Jennifer Thomas (Slowride Guide Service)
Scott Null (Let’s Go Guide Services)
Jason Bryant
Benny and Christy Landrum (Southwest Outdoor Sales)
Sam Rinando (Ocean Kayak)
Jeff Herman (Ocean Kayak)
Norm Bickely (Snap-On)
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Heroes on the Water - Guadalupe River, TX 2009
January 31 - February 1 2009: Five soldiers from the Darnall Army Medical Center experienced two days of fly fishing instruction and kayak fishing for trout on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake, TX. Colleen Harvey, CRDAMC HOW Coordinator and owner of Heart of Texas Kayaks, organized the event.
"Special thanks to Al Crise , Joe Winston , and Susan Phillips (with A1 Vacation New Braunfels)," Harvey said. "Al made the long drive down to the Guad, spent all day working with the soldiers on casting, equipment, fighting the fish...and then he spent all evening teaching them how to tie flies (which was a HUGE hit!). This weekend would have been nowhere near as enjoyable for the soldiers if not for Al.
"Joe spent pretty much the entire weekend taking pictures of the event, helping to move equipment (as in load a ton of boats and gear), getting everyone setup in kayaks when we launched, etc.
Colleen Harvey (right) and a soldier from the Darnall Army Medical Center spend a day on the
Guadalupe river. Photo by Joe Winston
BAMC heroes kayak fish the Blanco River 2008
Staff Sgt. Rico Roman shows his catch.
Blanco State Park, TX - Morning temperatures dipping below 30 degrees didn't discourage seven soldiers from the Brooke Army Medical Center from heading to the Blanco River to spend a day on the water kayak fishing for trout as part of KASA's Heroes on the Water program. The soldiers were rewarded for their efforts as the trout bite warmed up with the temperature on what turned out to be a beautiful sunny day.
"This is awesome," said Staff Sgt. Rico Roman of the 10th Mountain Division. "It's relaxing, and it's a good change from the constant therapy, therapy, therapy."
"It was another great event. The park received numerous compliments from the organizers and volunteers. Blanco State Park will continue to support this program and will eagerly host any future events," said Michael Young, Blanco State Park Superintendent.
BAMC Soldier enjoys a day on the water.
Volunteer Tim Darby donated funds for quality ultra light rods and reels for the soldiers. KASA will be able to use this equipment for many future how excursions. Capt. Mike O'Dell provided the soldiers with a barbeque lunch.
Weather kept the soldiers at home for day two of the event but the volunteers who made the trip were still able to get some fishing in. Special thanks to all the volunteers who participated, including the O'Dell family, Moore family, Boehm family, Staff Sgt. Mike Rutter, Colleen Harvey, Joe Winston, Ed Knoll, Norm Ellison, Linda Britton, Aaron Reed, and Sally Dolan.
A hero enjoys a day on the water at latest HOW event.
Heroes on the Water - San Antonio, TX 2008
The October 24 HOW event held near San Antonio with soldiers from the Brooke Army Medical Center was a big success. Special thanks to all the volunteers. The Klaupert family provided a beautiful pond, steak and potato first class lunch, and volunteered their time to help the soldiers. Valerie and Jeff York with South Texas Kayaks provided kayaks and gear and Randi Wayland provided food and fishing lures.
Gruene Texas - Rockin' R private lake 2008
Gruene, Texas - Eight soldiers from the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio spent Friday, September 5, on the water paddling, soaking up the sunshine and fishing for bass as part of KASA's Heroes on the Water program. These events introduce the rehabilitative aspects of kayak fishing to veterans recovering from war injuries, and this one included a half-day of kayak fishing at a private lake near Gruene followed by a trip to Sattler for a barbeque lunch at the Water Oriented Recreational District facility.
"When you stand on the shore and watch the heroes fish from kayaks, you would never know that they are disabled. It is a powerful thing to witness. This sport is a great equalizer," KASA Executive Director Ken Larson said. "The paddling and angling skills learned today can be beneficial for a lifetime."
Volunteers played a key role in the event providing kayaks, gear, and expertise. "Without folks like Valerie and Jeff York at South Texas Kayaks and Perry Hernandez from Kokomo Kayaks for on the water support, Don Graves and the Canyon Lake VFW for food, Mike Anderson and the Rockin' R gang for the lake, and others, we simply couldn't offer these American heroes these outings. KASA depends heavily on volunteers," KASA Director Jim Dolen said.
Future HOW events will benefit from a $50,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife grant recently awarded to KASA to help expand the HOW program in Texas.
Blanco State Park - Blanco, Texas 2007
Rainbow Trout Fishing
One of the many rainbow trout caught by HOW anglers on the Blanco River.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.
Even while in their yaks on the water, Heroes on the Water anglers do it in style while wearing their KASA gear.
Guadalupe River - private lake - Gruene, TX 2007
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 former 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 2007
Choke Canyon Resevoir, Three Rivers, TX
Army MSgt. Francisco Soto concentrates hard while fishing at the Fishing for Freedom Tournament held Nov. 3 on Choke Canyon Lake.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 (former 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 2007
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.