Over the weekend, I was given the honor and privilege of volunteering for Heroes on the Water Central Florida Chapter. This time they were serving veterans from The Transition House Inc here in St Cloud Florida. Well before trick or treat time on Halloween morning, I loaded up the Caddyak and scrambled down the road hoping to capture every possible moment.
I love going out on the water with these guys and getting the privilege to capture freedom with my lens.
Meet Yakzilla!
These guys make it look easy!
Whether I am helping with the setup and breakdown of events or sharing my experience, I just want to give what I can.
I may not have money to donate, but I do have a worn out old camera, fingers to type with and a little time to give. After reading this, if at least one of you gets involved with Heroes on the Water, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Setting up the event was over in no time at all.
The men and women who volunteer with Heroes on the Water really have it together and certainly know how to work as a team. Just as the sun came up, they had the kayaks pulled and lined up complete with all the gear, the waivers signed, everyone briefed, and veterans in the water.
These are some of the coolest people you will ever meet!
Every time I go to an event with Heroes on the Water, I am amazed at how well everyone works together. Everyone has such a great heart and just being around them is truly inspirational.
This briefing was so good even the animals were taking interest.
I’ve never met a group of such passionate and dedicated people.
I love it almost as much as this guy.
After enjoying some time to themselves, all the veterans were gathered together as one for a group photo and then it was off to lunch.
Out on the water there was always a watchful eye.
There was always someone close by ready to talk or lend a helping hand.
Out here these guys have each others back.
Just check out the cast on these heroes!
This is what freedom looks like.
And like this…
And this…
And sometimes like this…
Heroes on the Water serves veterans from every branch of our armed forces. If you know a veteran tell them about this organization. Above all just do something and get involved.
Serve the men and women who serve our country.
Organizations like this cannot exist without our support. They always need new gear and people willing to lend a hand. If you don’t help who will?
Heroes on the Water has chapters all across the country. Contact the chapter nearest you and find out just what you can do!
Great story, keep posting positive stuff like this
Awesome shots, looks like a ton of fun.
Wow- what a great experience! There are so many great organizations like this that people don’t know about (it’s hard when there are a lot to keep up with!). Keep spreading the word!
What a fun weekend!!! I never would have thought you could fit a kayak in a car like that perfect for getting to the water with these awesome people!
Great post about something I never knew – and loved you images along with what they are doing!
BTW what kind of bird was that!? lol
Would like to hear some backstory about this also?
It’s a Sandhill Crane. I would be happy to tell you more. What exactly do you mean by backstory?
What a great way to spend a day. I love organizations that really try and do some good.
What a great organization and what beautiful photos. They look like they are having so much fun. I’ve never heard of Heroes on the Water and I’m so glad you wrote about this.
My brother is a vet and an avid outdoors-man. I will have to let him know about this!
It looks like you had so much fun! I’ve never heard of Heroes on the Water, but it sounds like they’re a dedicated group working toward a great cause. The pictures of the water are beautiful!
Looks like you had a great time, I don’t think I have ever heard of Heroes on the Water, it’s great that there are organisations like this for Veterans.
I haven’t heard of this organization before. It sounds like a great way for the vets to get together and spend time with others who get what they might be feeling.
What an amazing event! I love that there are so many things like this out there for the men and women that have defended our freedom!
What beautiful pictures and a fabulous organization! How nice that you were able to be a part of that!
Great positive story. Always good to hear about these types of organizations. Keep spreading the word.
Sounds like a fun and great event you guys had. I love the picture of that guy on his kayak. He looked so in the moment, enjoying being on the kayak. I absolutely love how people are honoring these heroes, brave men and women who gave so much for others. Kudos to you!
I LOVE kayaking … one of my favorite hobbies! Looks like you guys had amazing time on the water 🙂
This looks like it was a great weekend full of fun. I love the photos. They show so much joy! <3
This is such an inspirational post! I love it! Thanks for sharing.