Celebrating and Supporting Veterans
Celebrating our veterans through their stories and the unwavering commitment to continue to serving both our nation and their community.
Anything but Ordinary
Matthew Lowery’s life is a testament to service, from his upbringing in a military family to his distinguished 24-year career in the Navy. “As a military brat, it was the only kind of life that I knew. We’d move from duty station to duty station every 2 to 3 years.”
Finding a Sense of Belonging
Juan De La Garza's journey is one of service and determination. Born in California but raised in South Texas, Juan's life took him on a path of military service, civilian work, and eventually, to a profound connection with Heroes on the Water, a program that would change his life in ways he never imagined.
Finding Serenity: A Journey from Darkness to Light
Former Army Sergeant, Andre Jackson, shares his transformation post-military. With Heroes on the Water, he found serenity, stress relief and camaraderie. Andre advises those who may be struggling how to reach out and seek support.
Ripples of Healing – Civilians Help Transform Veterans’ Lives
Tracy, a dedicated school teacher in New York with a passion for fishing, and Gordon, an Army veteran with a love for the outdoors, exemplify the power of involvement in helping veterans.
Picked Up a Paddle – Put Down a Rifle
“Being able to utilize aquatic therapy and getting on the water with my peers and people that have the same problems that I do to reset and talk about family helps us feel better about ourselves. We need that help.”
From Colonel to COO – It’s Harder than It Looks
“Everyone thinks that because you retire as a Colonel and go to work for a Fortune 70 company and rise to COO of a major segment you had it all planned out. That’s simply not true.” - Neil Mullaney, Colonel (Ret) USAF
Finding Purpose: How One Veteran Built a Fulfilling Career by Giving Back
Rick Gonzalez lived a life that wasn’t always easy. He says he was an angry kid who didn’t have many plans for his future until a military recruiter called. That call would ultimately change his trajectory in life…
Healing Starts Here
At Heroes on the Water, we are so blessed to have volunteers who believe in our mission and help us serve veterans, first responders and their families. María Castañeda and her husband Rudy are two of the amazing people who show up every day to serve our veterans.
My Purple Heart is at Heaven’s Gate
On April 13, 2007, SFC Jason Austin, U.S. Army (Ret), was a passenger in a vehicle hit by two roadside bombs. “I clearly remember when the first one went off. I remember the flash, felt the heat and the immense pressure. I don’t remember the second bomb, nor the next year of my life.”
