You may already know Alfredo Arevalo: Army veteran, police lieutenant, longtime HOW chapter leader, and proud dad with a growing collection of dad jokes. We’ve shared his story before, but this time we’re switching lenses. We’re zooming in on Alfredo and his teenage daughter AJ to see what healing looks like when the whole crew comes along (three doodles included). Think peaceful paddles, unexpected laughs, and the kind of moments that only happen when you stop trying to force them.

Before Heroes on the Water, therapy for Alfredo Arevalo, Army veteran and police lieutenant, looked like a quiet room at the VA, talking to a stranger. These days, it looks like a kayak, a fishing rod, and his teenage daughter AJ groaning (lovingly) at his dad jokes.

What started as a personal outlet turned into a shared ritual, and something that changed the whole family.

Alfredo: “Heroes on the Water has been very therapeutic for me. Before joining HOW, traditional therapy for me consisted of talking to a stranger, isolated from friends and family, in a room at the VA hospital. HOW introduced me to recreational therapy by way of kayak fishing. Now, not only do I heal, but I get to do it while having fun with friends and family and making new friends.”

At first, it was about finding peace. But eventually, the water felt a little too quiet without his family.

Alfredo: “My only concern was that I was away from my family all day when I was out on the water. So, I invited them and because HOW provided all the equipment, it didn’t cost us anything. Next thing I knew, they wanted their own kayaks and fishing equipment and now come to all the events.”

Alfredo: “One of the many things I loved and still love about HOW is that it is open to family.”

Turns out, his youngest daughter AJ was hooked.

Alfredo: “She likes to fish. It’s not every day a father and daughter like the same thing. I love that kayak fishing provides a safe environment to talk to my daughters or to just tell them some dad jokes. They enjoy them even if they pretend not to.”

AJ: “I find it funny when he tries to be funny.”
Alfredo: “She is in denial. My jokes are top tier.”

For someone who’s spent his life in service and protection, letting go of that role wasn’t easy.

Alfredo: “One of the hardest things I had to deal with while in the military was being away from my family on deployments. Not just missing holidays, birthdays, and important events, but wondering about the ‘possibilities’ while on deployments. What if I don’t make it home? What if my girls lose their dad? Who will protect them? What if something happens to them? Will they cherish and remember me? Did we make enough memories? Could I have done more with them?”

Even after coming home, those thoughts didn’t fade easily.

Alfredo: “I slowly learned that being out on the water is the only time I can let my guard down. I don’t have to be a warrior, a guardian, or a protector; I can just be a dad, husband, or friend and it feels good.”

AJ sees the difference. “He smiles more in pictures since he started kayak fishing.”

Outdoors, in a kayak, conversations just happen. So do the quiet memories that stick.

AJ: “He helps others on our camping trips.”
Alfredo: “That means a lot. That’s what this community is all about.”

And then there’s the whole crew, including Joey, Lucy, and Chloe, their three doodles.

Alfredo: “My dogs have been an important part of my healing. Another great thing about kayak fishing is that our furry family can come too.”

AJ: “He said no to every single one of those dogs. Now he’s obsessed with them.”

We asked AJ what would surprise people about her dad.

AJ: “He cries during movies.”
Alfredo: “I had something in my eye.”

Heroes on the Water has given this family more than kayak fishing, it’s given them time, real, present, memory-making time.

Alfredo: “I can’t undo time lost during deployments, but I can be here now.”

To help more families find connection and healing on the water, join the Honor Circle. For as little as $10 a month, your support gives veterans and first responders the chance to reconnect with their loved ones in meaningful, lasting ways, just like Alfredo and AJ.

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.