Long before David (Max) Jaramillo III volunteered with Heroes on the Water, fishing had already become a way to step away from the stresses of everyday life.

A southeast Houston resident, Max came to fishing later than many anglers, picking up the sport at 28. What began as the pursuit of a new species or a bigger fish quickly became something more.

“For me fishing was a fun pursuit of catching a new fish species or a bigger fish and most of all it was a nice break from the daily stresses of work and life.”

Within a year, Max bought his first kayak, ready to venture beyond bank fishing and explore more of the water. Years later, that same interest in fishing and kayaking would lead him to volunteer with Heroes on the Water at events connected to four different chapters.

Max was already finding ways to put his kayaking experience to good use before discovering HOW. He volunteered as a safety kayaker for local triathlons around the Houston area and at the annual Galveston Ironman, where athletes swim a course through Offatts Bayou.

He later learned about Heroes on the Water (HOW) through Facebook. He was drawn to the opportunity it gives veterans and first responders to step away from the stresses of daily life, experience kayak fishing in a supportive environment and share a meal with participants and volunteers afterward.

In 2019, Max attended his first HOW event in Beaumont. He wasn’t sure what to expect. It turned out to be a memorable introduction.

“The volunteers and the few folks who showed up ended up being taken into the marshes aboard airboats. That was a cool experience because I had never been on an airboat before and to have our kayaks mother shipped out into those marshes was a brand new world for me.”

That first experience was just the beginning.

The next couple of HOW events Max volunteered at were through the Heroes on the Water Galveston Bay Chapter, where a longtime kayak fishing friend had recently taken a leadership role. More recently, he has volunteered with the Matagorda Chapter and is looking forward to volunteering with The Woodlands chapter.

Different chapters. Different waters. Different groups of participants and volunteers. But across them, Max has seen the same commitment.

“The most common thing seen among the chapters is that the chapter leaders really want to see the veterans, first responders and their families get out there and have a safe and relaxing time.”

For Max, that consistent focus reflects the Heroes on the Water motto: Paddle. Fish. Heal.

As an angler, Max is always happy to talk fishing and kayaking. HOW gives him the opportunity to put that knowledge to use, whether he’s helping someone fish from a kayak for the first time or introducing someone to fishing altogether.

But his time volunteering has also shown him that a successful day on the water doesn’t always depend on what ends up on the end of the line.

“Sometimes these folks just want to have a relaxing day in a kayak and disconnect from their daily lives during HOW events.”

On one occasion, Max guided a father and son who had only ever fished freshwater. Together, they had the chance to try saltwater fishing for the first time, turning a day on the water into a new experience they could share.

Those moments are part of what keeps Max coming back. So are the new faces and the stories he hears from the service men and women he meets along the way. Every participant arrives with a different experience and a different reason for being there.

One of Max’s most memorable encounters came recently with the Matagorda Chapter. A participant told Max that he was a veteran who also volunteered with The Warriors Refuge, a local organization that helps veterans transition to civilian life and assists those who may be unhoused or need post-service counseling.

He had brought a group of veterans to a HOW event in May. The following month, he returned with another group.

“I thought it was great that one of the participants was also working hard to get other veterans out to these events and give them a fun day on the water.”

After volunteering with multiple chapters, Max has seen that a HOW event starts well before anyone pushes a kayak into the water.

“Through volunteering with HOW I have learned that there are so many people who are eager to volunteer and give veterans and first responders a memorable day on the water.”

Before the sun comes up, volunteers are already setting up kayaks. Guides head onto the water alongside participants. Cooks prepare a meal for the group after the day concludes. And behind it all are chapter leaders coordinating the monthly events and bringing people together.

“Everybody is there with a smile on their face ready to help and many of us have great fishing stories to share to keep our veterans entertained when the fishing gets slow.”

For Max, being part of that community has also revealed something about himself: he genuinely enjoys helping others discover the sport he loves.

“After volunteering with Heroes on the Water I have found that I really enjoy showing folks the ropes when it comes to kayaking in saltwater and teaching them about some of the local fish and good ways to catch those fish.”

He is interested in being a kayak fishing guide and sees HOW events as an introductory version of that experience, an opportunity to share what he knows while helping someone else become more comfortable on the water.

For veterans and first responders considering attending a HOW event, Max doesn’t hesitate to recommend the experience.

“It’s a chance to unwind and if they have not ever been kayak fishing it would be a fun new experience for them.”

His message to fellow kayak anglers considering volunteering is straightforward.

“I say you should go for it!”

After years of finding his own escape on the water, Max understands exactly what a few hours away can offer. And that’s what connects the angler who first picked up fishing at 28 to the volunteer who now shows up for HOW events across Southeast Texas.

“Many of us treat our own weekend fishing trips as a way to decompress from our daily lives and for veterans, Police and EMS, HOW events are perfect opportunities for those men and women to do the same.”

For Max, giving back means sharing his time, his knowledge and a Saturday morning on the water.

“That one Saturday morning you spend with participants on the water may make a huge impact on their wellbeing…you will even feel a difference in how you feel after.”

Heroes on the Water chapters across the country rely on volunteers and supporters to help create opportunities for veterans, first responders and their families to connect, recharge and spend time 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.