Paddling in a kayak while fishing the quiet, smooth waters of the Indian River Lagoon is not only peaceful but therapeutic, according to organizers of the nonprofit Heroes on the Water. The organization focuses on reeling in military veterans, first responders, active-duty military members and their families with free monthly fishing outings. The recreational wellness experiences are meant to promote community building and personal healing in a stress-free environment. “Lots of people just want to be on the water. It’s relaxing and peaceful being in Mother Nature,” said program ambassador Matt Landry of Jensen Beach. A Marine Corps veteran who was stationed in North Carolina, Japan, California and Kosovo, Landry said he served during the Gulf War. During a recent water excursion of the local chapter, participants and volunteers hopped into kayaks at Round Island Riverside Park. The winds were calm, breezing 10-to-15 mph from the southeast, as volunteers guided the kayakers, who were greeted by some underwater friends, including manatees and dolphins. “This gets people out on the water and away from their electronic devices,” said TC Chapter coordinator Howard Buck of Martin County. Buck is an Air Force veteran who was stationed in Dayton, Ohio, and at Hickam Air Force Base, next to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. “Lots of volunteers are ex-military. This event brings camaraderie because we all have been through similar events,” Buck added. Landry and Buck are just two of the volunteers in the local TC chapter who provide the outings as a form of wellness and therapy to veterans, including amputees and those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. “The new participants will know there’s a group of people that understand what they may be dealing with internally,” Landry said. “We’re here as an outlet. We’ve had people from Veterans Affairs going through physical therapy. The therapists recommend the patients come out to our events,” he added. The national Heroes on the Water was created in 2007, and after learning about the organization Landry said he wanted to create a local chapter. “A friend of mine invited me to a chapter in south Florida. I volunteered for them. I wanted a chapter close to home. The South Florida chapter purchased our first trailer and first six boats,” Landry said. The Treasure Coast Chapter, which was founded in 2015, hosts events from Indian River County to Palm Beach County. “We had to evolve to accommodate different veterans, including some with missing limbs. There are some boats where you can use your feet to paddle,” said Landry. For more information visit HeroesOnTheWater.org. <em>Photos by Joshua Kodis</em> [gallery ids="212096,212097,212098,212099,212100,212101,212102"]