The doctors did not expect Mike Hieb to survive.
After months in intensive care, multiple surgeries, and a battle that left his lungs permanently damaged, simply sitting up felt like a victory. Walking again required determination. Breathing required assistance.
Yet during rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, Hieb set a goal that surprised even his medical team.
He wanted to go kayak fishing again.
That goal led him to Heroes on the Water (HOW). Today, it has come full circle. The program that helped him rebuild confidence and purpose during recovery is now something he brings to others in his home state of Kentucky.
A Calling to Serve
Service shaped Hieb’s life long before he put on an Army uniform. Raised in Kentucky, he grew up admiring his father, a decorated World War II veteran who carried two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars.
“I was born and raised in Kentucky. My father was my hero and a decorated WWII veteran (2 Purple Hearts, 2 Bronze Stars). He instilled a great sense of pride, honor, and respect in me for our Armed Forces and those who serve.”
Before joining the military, Hieb spent several years serving as a youth and children’s pastor. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he felt called to serve in a new way and enlisted as a Religious Affairs Specialist, working alongside Army chaplains.
Over the next 19 years, his service took him around the world. He deployed to Iraq during the initial invasion in 2003 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later assignments included Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake and multiple deployments to Afghanistan. His career eventually brought him to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he submitted his retirement request after nearly two decades in uniform.
Then his life took an unexpected turn.
The Fight That Changed Everything
In June 2021, what first seemed like allergy symptoms quickly became something far more serious. After testing positive for COVID, Hieb’s condition deteriorated rapidly. Within days he was hospitalized and later transferred to higher levels of care as doctors fought to stabilize him. Eventually he was placed on ECMO, an advanced life-support system used when the heart and lungs can no longer function on their own.
“In their experience, there was no way I should have survived this ordeal and what my body had gone through. In their words, I was a miracle. And it was true. I was a miracle.”
Hieb spent months in intensive care undergoing procedures and treatment while family, friends, and colleagues gathered in prayer. The illness left him unable to walk, speak, or perform even basic tasks.
“In all this, I never feared death. God kept a sense of peace over me, regardless of the immense pain, the struggle for every breath, the complete discomfort that came from my state of being, I never worried about dying.”
A Goal That Pulled Him Forward
Recovery required patience and determination. As part of his rehabilitation plan, Hieb’s care team encouraged him to set goals that would help motivate him through the long process ahead.
For someone who loved the outdoors, the goal came quickly.
“One of the first goals I set was to be able to go fishing and kayaking again.”
After nearly six months in the hospital, Hieb was transferred to the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. There, recreational activities were part of the recovery process.
One opportunity stood out immediately: kayak fishing with HOW.
Finding Heroes on the Water
At the time, Hieb remained largely dependent on a wheelchair and oxygen support. His lungs were compromised, and his strength was limited. Still, his care team and the HOW BAMC Therapeutic Program coordinator worked together to make the experience possible.
“I first got involved with Heroes on the Water during my rehabilitation. Part of the rehab process was doing activities that gave you a reason to live, to fight for a future, and to heal.”
His medical team approached the idea cautiously.
“They had some concerns about putting a guy who was mostly still in a wheelchair, dependent on oxygen tanks, and had compromised lungs, into a boat in dirty water. But my medical team and the HOW team found ways to make it happen.”
The time on the water became an important part of his recovery.
“I was able to get back on the water for several fishing adventures. I was so happy. Heroes on the Water made an incredible difference in my outlook on what I could do and accomplish. I gained confidence, strength, and physical, mental and emotional healing.”
Carrying the Experience Forward
When Hieb retired from the Army and moved back to Kentucky, he looked for a local HOW chapter. There wasn’t one. Instead of letting the experience remain part of his recovery story, he decided to create that opportunity in his community for others.
“Heroes on the Water had such a great impact on my life during my recovery, that I didn’t want the fun and fellowship to end once I was retired from the Army.”
“Because I know first-hand the value and importance of Heroes on the Water, and with the encouragement of my family, I decided to start a chapter of HOW in Kentucky.”
Now he continues to experience that same impact while helping others in his community.
“I am still feeling the great impact of Heroes on the Water, while being able to serve others in my community and offer them the same great benefits that I once received.”
The Power of the Water
Hieb continues to live with pulmonary fibrosis and requires oxygen support. The condition changed how he moves through the world and what his body can do.
Yet the water still offers something powerful.
“The greatest part of the Heroes on the Water experience to me has got to be getting alone, in the stillness of God’s creation, soaking in every aspect and the gifts He has given. And of course, hooking into a nice size bass is the icing on the cake with every Heroes on the Water event.”
An Invitation to Others
For veterans, first responders, or family members who hesitate to attend their first Heroes on the Water event, Hieb offers a simple invitation.
“Anyone who has an interest in fishing, or kayaking, or being outdoors, or finding some camaraderie, I’d tell them to come on down to Heroes on the Water. We’ll find ways to safely get you where you need to be, and we’ll be with you every step of the way if you want.”
His advice for anyone struggling is direct.
“Don’t give up. Never ever give up! Reach out to others for assistance and help.”
As he reflects on his journey, one person stands out.
“I will forever be thankful for Paul Martin, my Therapeutic Program Coordinator, back in San Antonio, TX at BAMC. He helped give me my life back.”
Today, Hieb continues to make sure others have the same chance to step onto the water and begin moving forward.
Mike was recently featured in a media interview sharing his recovery story. Watch the interview to hear it in his own words.
His story is one example of the impact happening every day through HOW’s programs, helping veterans and first responders reconnect, rebuild, and move forward. Take the next step: participate at a chapter near you, volunteer, or support the mission.
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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