Rudy Castañeda, Chapter Coordinator: The morning buzzed with anticipation as veterans gathered for the kayaking event. As chapter coordinator, my focus was on logistics – making sure the pedal drives were locked securely into the kayaks, one of many seemingly small details that carry great weight when it comes to safety.

Then I noticed Sergio, already settled in a kayak on the shore.

His blindness made his quiet presence even more profound, a reminder of the immense trust these heroes place in us. Asking him to disembark and follow the typical water entry process felt like the wrong move. Instead, with a gentle tone and a silent prayer, I guided his kayak into the cool embrace of the bay. His hands found the sides of the kayak, steadying himself, as I reassured him of the journey ahead.

Once on the water, Sergio asked if he would be towed. I explained the self-propelled nature of the pedal kayak, assuring him that José would be beside him, offering guidance. It was a leap of faith for both of us, but his eagerness was undeniable.

“You’ve got this,” I told him.
And he did.

José Chacón, Guide: For me the assignment was clear: be Sergio’s eyes on the water. His initial flurry of questions, tinged with curiosity and perhaps a trace of apprehension, soon melted into pure joy. He reminisced about canoes from his younger days, a time before shadows replaced vision. His enthusiasm for the experience was unmistakable. He declined the offer of a tow, a quiet but powerful declaration of independence. Left, right, simple directions met with determined adjustments of the rudder.

At the fishing spot, anchoring his kayak was more than securing a vessel; it gave him his own peaceful island in the middle of the bay. He baited his hook and cast his line. No hesitation. No doubt. Vision or not, he fished with purpose and calm. He didn’t catch anything that day, but that didn’t matter. His beaming smile said everything.

As we turned back, his eventual request for a tow, a sign of tired muscles, didn’t signify defeat – it simply marked the end of an unforgettable journey.

And upon reaching the shore, his words solidified the day’s success:

“I can hardly wait to go out again.”

In the end, the triumph wasn’t in locked pedal drives or smooth waters, it was in the boundless spirit of a veteran rediscovering the pure joy of being on the water.

Heroes on the Water partners with community-based organizations like Chicanos Por La Causa, a recipient of the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP). The event attended by Sergio was part of this collaboration, and we look forward to future events.

The SSG Fox SPGP is a key part of the VA’s National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide, combining community-driven support with evidence-based clinical strategies. It helps ensure veterans receive care not only through traditional healthcare systems but also through trusted local organizations that understand their unique challenges.

A part of the Heroes on the Water strategy is partnering with organizations like Chicanos Por La Causa to expand the impact we can make on our veteran communities. Through these partnerships, we can provide more services and ensure a quality experience for our heroes.

Through collaborations like ours with Chicanos Por La Causa and support from the SSG Fox SPGP, we’re reaching more veterans with meaningful, community-based care. But there’s more to be done, and you can be part of it.

If you’re interested in funding future events or exploring a partnership that supports veterans’ well-being, we’d love to hear from you. Schedule a partner intro session.

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.