72,000 Veterans and First Responders Have Found Healing on the Water

From flying high to kayaking on the water, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Christine Hill has found her calling twice.

A decorated pilot and former weapons systems officer for B1 bombers, Hill left military service in 2003, but still had a heart for the lives of active-duty soldiers, veterans and first responders and water. Twenty years later, she was invited to join “Heroes on the Water,” an organization that aligned with her passions.

It offers therapeutic programs coupled with the feel-good benefits of kayak fishing to help military personnel and first responders being treated for trauma and PTSD take a break.

“This was perfect,” Hill said in an interview with Military.com. “I’ve always found being in or near the water to be so soothing, especially with people who understand what it was like to have a long career in the military.”

Program Offers Therapeutic Kayak Fishing Retreats

Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water (HOW) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that invited Christine to join its board of directors. She works with a team of volunteers across the country to provide free, nature-based wellness experiences for veterans, first responders and their families through therapeutic kayak fishing programs offered in chapters nationwide.

“They approached me, and I looked at their mission and how they’re run, their volunteer aspect and local chapter aspect, and it just fit,” Hill said. “I’ve always loved working on veterans’ issues, especially with smaller organizations that really have a local touch.”

On the HOW board for a little over a year, Hill has been on the ground for one HOW nature retreat in Baton Rouge, La., so far this year. She’ll attend another event coming up in South Carolina and can’t wait to attend even more retreats.

“I just love the peacefulness of being out on the water,” she said. “It’s just a little bit out of my comfort zone as a pilot. But I’ve seen firsthand how these events establish connection, promote relaxation and how they change people.”

It’s been therapeutic for Hill as well. She remembers watching a father and son at the recent HOW retreat in Baton Rouge have fun for the first time in a while.

“The son was opening up more, and the father was more engaged with his family. That really struck me,” she said. “I was also really impressed with how enthusiastic the volunteers were. They were cooking, trying to get everybody out on the water; they tried to get me to catch a fish, haha. I didn’t quite get there, but it was great.”

Measuring HOW’s Impact With Numbers, People

HOW’s impact is measured by its numbers and the military members and families it serves. According to the organization, nearly 72,000 veterans and first responders have participated in events nationwide since its founding, spending approximately 5,000 days on the water. More than 53,000 volunteers have given their time and attention to HOW’s programs, with 17,000 families served alongside military members, to date.

“I’m also a military spouse, so I understand the challenges from both sides. And I can tell you, active duty military life is hard for all involved. It doesn’t take much to have the bad memories from serving come back up,” she said. “It can be inherently dangerous; going to war is inherently dangerous. We’re often in the same category as first responders and see some really awful things that can stick with you for a while. HOW is an outlet for everyone to catch their breath.”

Hill can relate. A 1983 graduate of the Air Force Academy, Christine held several high-profile roles during her military career, flying in support of Operation Desert Storm and becoming the first woman assigned to fly the B1 bomber. She finished her service working on congressional affairs at the Pentagon.

But Hill’s work with HOW is different. She’s found a personal way to connect to the military members she spent decades working with and advocating for during her high-flying career.

“I can see how that non-clinical, non-medical touch makes a difference,” she said. “Families sometimes get forgotten in military life. They go through a lot. They’re often the first line in recognizing there could be an issue with a military member. HOW brings them all together to heal.”

HOW relies on fundraising and sponsorships to carry out its programs. As a board member, Hill is always looking for ways to increase HOW’s exposure and gather more donations and corporate support. She says her experience as a B1 bomber pilot turned military advocate has made her a quick study in the non-profit world.

“Part of my job now is to get the word out about HOW, that we have these chapters out there across the country, and volunteers who are so valuable,” she said. “But my flying days are over. I’m more into water sports now, I guess. But you never know!”