EDITOR’S NOTE — Veteran Voices is an annual week-long series introducing WYDaily readers to some of our local veterans. Each story represents a different person in the Historic Triangle communities and shares their stories of service.
HAMPTON ROADS — The Tidewater Chapter of Heroes on the Water, a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by U.S. Army veteran Jim Dolan, is helping veterans and their families right here in Hampton Roads.
Heroes on the Water aims to help military service members, veterans, first responders and their families relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the healing power of the outdoors.
The organization began in Texas and quickly grew into a national network of volunteer-led chapters, including the Tidewater Chapter. Through free kayak fishing outings and community events, Heroes on the Water provides therapeutic recreation that promotes physical and mental well-being, camaraderie and connection with nature.
Patrick Soderholm and Steven Burge, who are co-presidents of the Tidewater Chapter, both served in the military. Upon returning from their deployments, both knew they needed to connect with other veterans. When Soderholm was getting out of the Navy, Burge became a friend.
After a year of getting to know each other, Solderholm invited Burge out on a fishing trip.
“He told me about this fishing trip where this group would take you fishing and feed you lunch. I remember it just being so fun and relaxing. I didn’t catch a single fish that day, but it was just so peaceful. After the trip, Patrick asked me what I thought and I told him that I guess I’d better start kayak shopping,” Burge said.
Through trips out on the water, the group members are able to have the same kind of camaraderie they experienced while serving in the armed forces. Soderholm added that none of their members are licensed therapists, but are solely interested in being there for other veterans.
“We are not trained in anything, we just purely have a love for kayaking and fishing. We just want to help veterans like ourselves,” Burge said.
By providing free fishing trips to veterans and their families, Burge said it gives every member of the family a chance to heal and helps re-establish the family dynamic after deployments.
“You spend so much time away from your family, we want you to bring them with you. When you get from deployment, the military will try to reset you mentally but they never involve the family. Your family has been without you for months, if not years, that your family needs to also reset to include you back in the family unit,” Burge said.
Fishing trips are held throughout the year. The trips are designed to connect veterans together. There is no membership fee or strings attached.
“When you spend enough time in the military, it becomes part of your identity, and then when you get out, you really don’t know what to do,” Soderholm said. “When you find a group like Heroes on the Water, you are amongst people who have that same mindset, regardless of what branch you served. We all speak the same language and that’s where we click. We all went through the same things.”
The Tidewater Chapter is also gearing up to host its annual Army vs. Navy football game watch party on Dec. 13. Known as one of the best rivalries in all of college sports, the chapter will gather together at Revolution Golf and Grill to cheer on the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen. The watch party also features raffles and an auction to help raise money for the chapter.
Nationally, the organization has completed the third year of Operation Early Impact, a study to determine the benefits of Heroes on the Water programming. According to the organization, 95% of participants reported they have had an increase in stress management skills, 91% reported an improvement in their personal relationships, and 94% said the program has helped them become more mindful.
The organization and Tidewater Chapter are always looking for more donations and volunteers. To learn more or to volunteer, visit heroesonthewater.org/chapters/tidewater-va/.