Heroes on the Water believes healing happens through connection – to nature, to community and to others who understand the journey. This summer, we launched Freedom Found on the Water, a partner recognition and spotlight series celebrating the organizations that help expand access to therapeutic kayak fishing and outdoor wellness experiences across the country.

Together, these partnerships make it possible for more veterans, active-duty military, emergency responders and their families to find healing, connection and community on the water.

This month we’re proud to highlight Malone Auto Racks, a partner whose support is helping more veterans, active-duty military, emergency responders and their families experience the healing power of time on the water.

Strong partnerships are built on shared values, and that’s exactly what we’ve found with Malone. Their commitment extends well beyond products. Through their MicroSport™ Off-Road HERO LowBed™ 2 Kayak Trailers, Malone helps support chapter events nationwide while introducing more people to the HOW mission everywhere those trailers travel.

Every Hero trailer begins a conversation before it even reaches the water. Featuring HOW decals and flag, the trailers naturally draw attention at boat ramps, campgrounds and parking lots, creating opportunities to introduce new people to our mission.

For Beth Goodrich, Owner of Malone Auto Racks, supporting Heroes on the Water reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to those who serve.

“When someone unboxes their trailer, one of the first things they see is the Heroes on the Water decals. They immediately grab your attention and naturally start conversations at boat ramps, campgrounds and parking lots. Every conversation helps introduce someone new to Heroes on the Water.”

It’s a partnership rooted in a shared belief that the outdoors has the power to bring people together, restore perspective and strengthen communities.

Our Heroes on the Water Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Police Michael Libertini, captured that spirit perfectly when reflecting on what Freedom Found on the Water means to him:

“Freedom found on the water, to me, means freedom from the everyday ‘noise’ of work and life. Peace is found from having a clear separation from the distractions that are found on land. The water provides that separation.”

That’s what Freedom Found on the Water is all about. And thanks to partners like Malone Auto Racks, more people will have the opportunity to experience it for themselves.

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.