Healing at Heroes on the Water (HOW) happens one event and one connection at a time. This year we witnessed two incredible journeys of healing, Brian Terry and Travis Stiles, at the III Corps Therapeutic Program, led by HOW coordinator, Frank Aguilar. Their stories are raw, honest, and a testament to the power of nature and community.

At 55, Brian Terry reflects on a life filled with uphill battles: “I was born with a wooden spoon in my mouth,” he says. “My father couldn’t read or write, but he taught us wisdom. Still, life hasn’t been easy.”

Growing up in a modest family as a middle child, Brian has faced devastating losses, including his older brother’s suicide. He continues to battle depression that makes even the simplest tasks, like getting out of bed, feel like climbing a mountain.

After watching his children grow and feeling the pull of service, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an “88 Mike” Transport Specialist.

“I joined the Army in 2009 when I was 40, kind of late to the party,” he says with a laugh. “I missed my battalion’s deployment, so I jumped on the next one I could. I was stationed at Joint Base Balad in Iraq, driving MRAPs and sometimes switching to gunner just to change it up.”

His eight years of service, culminating in retirement as a Corporal E4, were marked by moments that left deep scars. During one mission in Iraq, his convoy was hit by a daisy chain of EFPs (Explosive Formed Penetrators).

“We were hit by a daisy chain of EFPs (Explosive Formed Penetrator). The truck behind me got the worst of it. The projectile went through the Truck Commander’s hand, the Gunner’s buttocks, and hit the Driver’s head. He was 19. His helmet saved him, but he’s got a metal plate in his head. I had kids that age. I was 40 years old at the time and felt like I was nearing my term limit on life. It still weighs heavy on my mind,” shares Brian.

After leaving the Army, Brian’s struggles continued – losing his father, health issues, and isolation deepened his depression. But an invitation from the Temple VA adaptive sports program introduced him to HOW.

“When I heard that I had a chance to experience kayaking I was very interested. I had no clue how peaceful it would be and how calming it could be to the mind. I was hooked on day one,” says Brian. “I enjoy the conversations with fellow kayakers while casually paddling along in the waterways. I think it’s a game changer for me mentally.”

“I didn’t have any hobbies before this that would get me out of the house. My health has kept me from doing a lot, but this gives me something I can do.”

His advice to other veterans is simple and unfiltered. “Every day that I contemplate ending my life, I keep telling myself tomorrow will be different. It may or may not, but you can’t find out if you’re not here. Keep pushing forward. Try to find the most calming things to do. Be your own hero, because one day you might be the hero someone else needs.”

Brian shares his personal quote “Life is too short for some, yet too long for others.”

For Travis Stiles, the journey to healing began after serving in both the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army. Medically retired as a Sergeant, his military career was cut short at 24 after suffering a stroke. The complications landed him at Fort Hood’s Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU), forcing him to grapple with a life outside the military.

“I felt an ever-growing fear of my future,” Travis shares. “I didn’t want a career outside the military, and I didn’t know how I could find the same level of fulfillment and purpose that the military gave me.”

While recovering at the SRU, Travis discovered HOW through its Therapeutic Program.

“HOW, at the time, was a way to escape my current situation while relighting an old flame. I fished with my father when I was younger but hadn’t picked it back up until attending HOW outings.”

It turned into much more than fishing for Travis.

“Being in nature ultimately gave me the purpose I was searching for during my recovery. After one HOW event, I wanted to become a better fisherman.”

With guidance from mentors like Frank, Travis found more than just skill-building.

“Frank held a Fly Fishing instruction that ended with achieving a basic fly fishing certificate that I have framed on my wall,” says Travis. “Being around people like him helped me calm my mind and focus my energy.”

Fishing has become a way for Travis to manage life, and a skill to practice and improve upon.

“It has become my way of escaping, calming myself and finding ways to persevere through challenges. It is the closest to nature that I have ever felt,” he shares. “Instead of dwelling in my situation, I am able to spend my time learning how to become a better fly fisherman. I even taught my girlfriend how to fly fish. Her smile when she caught her first fish? Priceless.”

For Travis, HOWs impact is clear: “Without Frank and HOW, I would not have found something to help me get through one of the toughest times in my life.”

Hear from Frank, HOW’s III Corps Therapeutic Program Coordinator, as he shares the impact our therapeutic programs has on participants and himself:

Brian, Travis and Frank show us how powerful a year of healing can be for heroes reclaiming their peace and purpose. For as little as $10 a month, you can help provide that same opportunity to more veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement officers and first responders through Heroes on the Water.

This holiday season, join the Honor Circle to gift a year of healing. Your commitment will bring calm, community, and comfort to the heroes who need it most.