Since getting out of the Marine Corps in 2006 I had felt the need to continue serving. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do or how I wanted to do it. I soon discovered kayak fishing and instantly fell in love. I was surfing the web one day looking at various kayak fishing websites and stumbled on Heroes on the Water's website and said "That's it. This is what I want to do. "

So in July of 2009 I contacted Jim Dolan the National Director of Heroes on the Water and expressed my interest in starting a chapter here in North Carolina serving Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune and all the wounded vets in the area. Mission Statement - "Heroes on the Water helps wounded warriors relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors."

Heroes on the Water serves all military personnel who have been injured while serving on active duty, reserve and National Guard. All of us who kayak fish know the mental and physical benefits of the sport. I know when I get in a kayak and start fishing I forget about everything that is going on in my life and I get very relaxed. Now just imagine what this same sport could do for someone just returning from combat.

Most of these men and women are suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury). This sport provides an escape for these men and women and gives them the chance to get out on the water and forget about their daily life filled with physical therapy and doctors appointments. They also get introduced to a style of fishing they can do for the rest of their lives.

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 time or facilities for our trips. If you are interested in contributing or becoming a volunteer, please send your questions to jim@kayakanglerssa.org for more information.