How heroes struggling with PTSD find a calming and therapeutic experience on the water
On April 13, 2007, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Austin was a passenger in a vehicle hit simultaneously by two roadside bombs. Like many soldiers who experienced the horror of battle, pushing away others became his way of life, thinking he was alone in a world that didn’t care.
He bought a shotgun, wrote a letter apologizing, and even picked the day his life — and pain — would end.
Then, his phone rang and a voice on the other end said, “Hey, I got your name from someone who said you might need a little help. I need a little help, too, so why don’t you meet me tomorrow and let’s go kayak fishing.”
That was Jason’s first interaction with Heroes on the Water and the day his life began to turn around.
“I’m here today because somebody had a vision of putting veterans in little plastic boats and shoving them out in the water for the day,” Jason said. “Now, it’s my mission to reach out to everybody and let them know they are not alone.”
Jason is now a national volunteer program coordinator with the nonprofit HOW, supporting volunteer-led chapters across the country. He is passionate about spreading the word so that folks who are where he was know there is an organization out there to provide an opportunity to heal.
Founded in 2007, HOW provides recreational wellness experiences. Its primary modality is kayak fishing, which it states has proven cognitive and emotional benefits.
Its programs incorporate free structured activities in a pressure-free environment, creating opportunities for community building and personal healing. Recurring activities provide participants with consistent access to healing support and involvement in a community of people with shared experiences.
While the primary address remains in Allen, the organization has grown nationwide with over 50 chapters and nine therapeutic programs. In North Texas, Fort Worth-Dallas and Brazos River Valley chapters have been active in engaging veterans and first responders since the start.
The core activities at HOW events — kayaking and fishing — are therapeutic by nature, but the organization offers more structured programs specifically designed to address the physical and mental health of active-duty military and veterans in treatment. Their therapeutic programs partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense. The Dallas Veterans Administration Therapeutic Program is the most recent addition.
In 2018, HOW expanded to include first responders and their families.
“Our ultimate objective is to empower these heroes to make positive changes in their lives, strengthen their family bonds, and make a lasting, positive impact on their community,” HOW spokesperson Faeda Elliott said.
Why kayaking?
Elliott said kayak fishing is central to HOW as it offers a calming and therapeutic outdoor experience. The slower pace requires focus, which helps veterans and first responders disconnect from stressors and be present in the moment.
“Kayaking offers low impact physical exercise in blue spaces that have proven benefits in helping alleviate anxiety and tension,” she said. “Fishing provides a goal and sense of accomplishment with every cast, catch, and release.”
Socially, the program helps veterans connect with others who understand the challenges of service and reintegration, as well as first responders, to provide a calm, relaxing environment.
Health-wise, the combination of physical activity from kayaking and the mental focus from fishing helps reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The outdoor setting further enhances the therapeutic effects by reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
“This strengthens family bonds, provides shared experiences, and fosters understanding of the challenges veterans and first responders face,” Elliott said. “Families have expressed that these outings provide them with valuable quality time, offering a break from the stressors of everyday life and bringing them closer together.”
Lisa Ramsey is a retired Fort Worth police officer and a member of the Brazos River Valley Chapter. She was shot in the line of duty during a narcotics arrest, sustaining injuries so severe she was pronounced dead.
The bullet hit her spine, putting her permanently in a wheelchair. She fought through her mobility challenges, raising her daughter, age 4 at the time, alone.
Once her daughter graduated high school, Lisa decided to do more for herself. She learned about HOW.
“With PTSD, that’s pretty much a lot of noise in your head. If you can get out in nature, on the water, in a kayak with a pole, it’s just beautiful,” she said. “It’s about being able to get away and relax, to let your mind rest.”
Former Army Sgt. Andre Jackson is a member of the DFW Chapter. After serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2007, he had difficulty coming to terms with his own PTS.
The simple act of being on the water provided a respite from the noise in his mind, allowing him to find moments of clarity and relaxation. He found himself to be calmer and more at ease, thanks to the camaraderie and support he discovered at HOW.
“ They helped me through some dark times, get to light moments, and let my light shine for others too,” he said.
Donations and volunteers
HOW relies heavily on individual and corporate donations. In addition, national partnerships and corporate sponsors help ensure that they can continue to provide programs at no cost.
Volunteers also play a key role, Elliott said.
“Our chapters are always looking for volunteers with various skills to help support their local communities. Whether it’s experience in kayaking, fishing, event coordination, photography, videography, social media management, or administrative tasks, there’s a role for everyone.
“Heroes on the Water is about more than just fishing and kayaking — it’s about restoring hope, building connections, and offering a lifeline to those who have sacrificed so much for our country and local communities,” Elliott said. “We’re always looking to grow our impact and welcome anyone who wants to join us in this mission.”
