By Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
Veterans are invited to enjoy free kayaking, food, fishing, camping and music Saturday and Sunday, May 28-29 at Reveille Peak Ranch, 105 County Road 114, north of Burnet.
Performers will be Ryland Edwards, Two Tons of Steel and Andrew Ham.
Heroes on the Water is an organization with a new Austin chapter with the aim of getting veterans and their immediate family members on the water to alleviate stresses that come with being a warrior. Hill Country and Brook Army Medical Center - San Antonio chapters are participating as well.
For more information about the Memorial Day weekend event, call 512-755-4417 or visit the website
www.rprtexas.com
Those planning on camping, should bring the appropriate necessities for two days; fees apply to non-veterans. Personal kayaks, canoes and SUPs are welcome. Admission for non-veterans will be $10 Saturday and $15 Sunday and meals are $5. All gate fees go directly to benefit the Heroes on the Water Austin chapter.
Heroes on the Water helps the nations warriors and veterans from all branches of the United States military unwind using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks. What looks like a day trip of paddling and fishing is in fact something much deeper and long-lasting, they have found.
Founded in 2007, their unique kayak fishing program allows the participants a chance to decompress from the stresses associated with combat and the physical rigors of rehabilitation. Warriors enjoy these benefits while on guided fishing trips held in local communities around the country.
Participants receive basic kayak fishing and paddling instruction, angling clinics and paddling classes for participants with skill sets ranging from beginners to the most experienced paddlers.
The program also assists these personnel in adapting these newly developed skills to their new abilities. Adaptive kayaks, kayaking accessories and angling equipment is offered on an as needed basis to accommodate a soldier’s particular needs.
Schedule
Saturday, May 28
9:30 a.m.-sundown: Kayaking, fishing
Noon-evening: Music by Ryland Edwards and Andrew Ham
5 p.m.: Hamburger or pulled pork sandwich with sides, $5 per plate, free for veterans.
Sunday, May 29
Sunrise-5 p.m.: Kayaking
5 p.m.: Hamburger or pulled pork sandwich with sides, $5 per plate, free for veterans.
6 p.m.: Music by Two Tons of Steel, Ryland Edwards and Andrew Ham
