“I didn’t even get in the water the first time,” Hollie Scoma laughs, reflecting on her first Heroes on the Water event. “That’s how apprehensive I was.”

Hollie is a 15-year U.S. Air Force veteran, a former Staff Sergeant and public health craftsman while on active duty. She deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. She now serves as the Arkansas Women Veteran Coordinator with the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs (ADVA) and current president of the National Association of State Women Veteran Coordinators (NASWVC).

But beneath that impressive resume was someone quietly struggling with one of the most common post-military battles: isolation.

“Transitioning to civilian life was much harder than I thought,” Hollie shares. “I miss having mandatory military friends that understood me and my struggles. After service, it was hard to find groups I felt like I belonged in.”

Despite her leadership role in veteran services, Hollie says it took time to understand that not every veteran organization is a perfect fit, and that’s okay. “Now my job is to help veterans understand how to find the best fit that benefits them!”

It was Debra Holmes, Northwest Arkansas chapter leader for Heroes on the Water, who gently encouraged Hollie to give the program a real shot.

“She reached out and spoke to me about the organization,” Hollie recalls. “Her encouragement allowed me to get over my fears, of falling in the water or being looked at as inexperienced… or in my case, not being perfect. They allowed me the time I needed to learn something new and be bad at it!”

For someone used to military precision and excellence, that space to be imperfect was powerful.

“Kayaking with Heroes on the Water left me thinking about how calm the water sounds and how beautiful the sky is. Not to mention, when I got to shore, I was with friends who feel more like family.”

While Hollie always believed in the healing power of the outdoors, nothing compared to the mental reset she experienced on the water.

“My racing thoughts and forever to-do list calmed for the first time since I can remember. Gardening is nice, but I’m always thinking of the next chore. Coloring makes me question if I’m using the right color. Kayaking? It quieted everything.”

Hollie’s message to women veterans struggling with connection is simple and strong: don’t give up.

“You aren’t alone. Your service mattered, and so do you. Reach out to your state women veteran coordinator and/or Heroes on the Water to get connected.” says Hollie. “There are people who can help get you connected, whether it’s for veteran benefits or finding your local support group. Just ask. You don’t know what you can still learn.”

And for those nervous about joining? “Do it scared,” she says. “When they say no experience needed, they mean it. If they can turn a city girl outdoorsy, they can help anyone feel comfortable and safe on the water!”

“All the memories are my favorite,” she says. “We’ve laughed, cried, and reminisced. Leaving the military or civil service often feels like a loss, of identity, safety, dreams, and purpose. Having people who understand and can offer friendship and support has been life changing.

“I’m so thankful for everyone in the Heroes on the Water community, men and women,” Hollie concludes.

Still learning, still growing. There’s healing waiting on the water.

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.

Your support changes lives. Make a donation today, supporting programs that serve veterans, active-duty military, and first responders.