When Heroes on the Water’s Denver VA Therapeutic Program hosted an event for visually impaired veterans, program coordinator Gene Campbell saw the impact take on a deeper meaning.

“Our events with the Visually Impaired Veterans have really helped me to understand the magnitude of impact our programs can have,” Gene said. “The challenges with hosting an event for our Visually Impaired brothers and sisters allowed my team and I to expand our knowledge and hone our skills in the areas of verbal explanations and resource usage.”

Instead of pointing to gear or demonstrating a stroke, Gene and his team relied on words to guide participants through every detail of the outing. “Knowing that I couldn’t simply point to an object or visually demonstrate a procedure helped me use more descriptive words to really paint the picture of their expected outing,” he explained. “From safety to paddling tips, we had to really make sure we were on point with our briefing.”

The effort led to one of the most memorable moments Gene has experienced as a coordinator: hearing a participant describe how “free” they felt on the kayak compared to being on land. That single word, free, reinforced for him the power of the program and the importance of making each outing special.

Gene serves as the Therapeutic Coordinator for the Denver VA Therapeutic Program with Heroes on the Water, but his journey began long before that. A former competitive angler, he spent years chasing the sport at a high level. Over time, that passion for fishing evolved into something deeper – a way to give back.

“I’ve turned my passion for the outdoors into a passion for helping our community heroes and nation’s veterans get outdoors,” Gene said. “My work with my nonprofit, the True Patriot Outfitters, is what led me to working with HOW and the therapeutic program here in Colorado.”

For Gene, the transition from competitor to coordinator wasn’t just about a change in role, it was about finding new purpose. The water, which had once been about winning tournaments, became a tool for restoring peace and building connections for veterans who needed it most.

These events, led by Gene and HOW Therapeutic Program coordinators across the country, aren’t just about paddling or fishing; they’re about creating a safe space where healing happens naturally.

“The programs we offer through HOW allows folks to engage the outdoors through kayaking and comradery,” he shared. “The healing that takes place while on the water becomes something that participants look forward to each outing. It is comforting to see how excited people are to return for another visit and also seeing how that translates to new participants. Providing a safe and healing environment is very rewarding.”

That cycle, returning participants eager for another trip and newcomers brought in by word of mouth, reminds Gene that the outdoors can spark something lasting. On the water, stress fades, conversation flows, and participants begin to connect not only with nature but with each other.

As much as the outings provide healing for participants, they also deepen Gene’s own sense of commitment.

“For me personally, seeing the positive impact and the need for these trips with our participants really helps reinforce my commitment to serving others,” he said. “We know the need is there and we know that our motto of PADDLE. FISH. HEAL., is extremely meaningful. When you see it firsthand you realize the importance of our work and the need to make each outing as special as possible for these warriors.”

Beyond the events themselves, Gene believes the true heart of the work lies in the relationships that develop along the way. “The relationships we build and the trust we establish might be the biggest reward of all for a coordinator,” Gene explained. “Trust must be earned and when given the chance, the relationships can be really special. That is probably the most important and most rewarding part of my work with HOW.”

Gene hopes that more veterans will take the step to join an outing and discover the freedom he sees on participants’ faces every trip.

“If I could pass on any messages to vets considering kayak fishing with a HOW event, it would be, just give it a try,” he encouraged. “It’s probably much easier than you think and the reward of peace and freedom is well worth it. The outdoors is powerful and when structured with the right people, there is a serious recharge and self-maintenance aspect that comes with each of these outings. You won’t be disappointed. PADDLE. FISH. HEAL!”

Heroes on the Water helps veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families reconnect and heal through kayak fishing and outdoor recreation. Backed by our Operation Early Impact study showing significant improvements in mental health, stress reduction, and overall well-being – our approach delivers real results.

We provide support through two core programs: our Volunteer-Led Chapters, offering community-based kayak fishing nationwide, and our Therapeutic Programs, which partner with VA and DoD facilities to serve veterans and active-duty military in treatment. All programs are provided at no cost to participants, giving our heroes a space to decompress, reconnect, and reclaim hope.

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