Jim “Coop” Cooper is from North Carolina and retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer in 2000 after 21 years of service. Coop currently works for the Army as a Civilian. Two years ago, Keith Umberger and Coop took over the Maryland Chapter of Heroes on the Water. Heroes on the Water helps our Nation’s 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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=192&v=RcZuQXn4KSY
For More Information:
Website: http://heroesonthewater.org
Facebook (National): https://www.facebook.com/HeroesontheWater
Facebook for Maryland Chapter: https://www.facebook.com/HeroesOnTheWaterMarylandChapter
SUMMARY:
Jim “Coop” Cooper is from North Carolina and retired from the Army as a Chief Warrant Officer in 2000 after 21 years of service. Coop currently works for the Army as a Civilian. Two years ago, Keith Umberger and Coop took over the Maryland Chapter of Heroes on the Water.
Heroes on the Water helps our Nation’s 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.
Founded in 2007, our 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.
Their program is unique in that it is a long-term activity, not a one-time event. They believe that the effectiveness of the program is a direct result of engaging the wounded military personnel for the long-term.
The simple act of fishing opens doors to begin the healing process in treatment. Just sitting in the kayak on the water in a therapeutic environment gives the individual an opportunity to let go in safety, breathe, and interface with nature. These emotional responses result in a significant decrease in the symptoms of hypervigilance, anxiety, flashbacks/nightmares, stress, and other symptoms associated with PTSD and TBI. Our survey, given before and after participating in the program, measures four specific areas: Overall Stress, Hyper-Vigilance, Avoidance and Isolation, and Flashbacks/Nightmares. The significance of the results is measurable and able to be replicated throughout the program with just one experience a week. The changes in symptom presentation improve the overall quality of care for the individual.
Visit http://heroesonthewater.org for more information.