By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch The men paddling around Tanwax Lake and reeling in fish April 11 were a long, long way from combat zones, both literally and figuratively. That was the mission for Heroes on the Water, a national organization that promotes growth, rehabilitation and reconnections of veterans by treating them to kayak fishing adventures. A combined 40 active-duty or retired military members, Coast Guard veterans, firefighters and police officers took to the lake along with 20 fishing guides. Family members and shore volunteers swelled the turnout to 100-plus people, and by the end of the day, more than 300 fish had been caught or released. It was "an amazing day" despite wind, rain and hail, said Tony Isaac, spokesman for Heroes on the Water's Northwest chapter that organized the event. "There were many smiles to go around." Camp Lakeview Resort donated the beach site where kayaks were launched, and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, represented by Tara Livingood, waived regulations to allow the event two weeks before the start of the lake fishing season. Heroes on the Water, as it does in all its activities, provided everything else, including a hot breakfast and lunch, kayaks, fishing gear, life jackets, fishing licenses, basic kayaking lesson and fishing guides at no charge. Isaac said such events are therapeutic for veterans. They decompress from the stresses of combat and adapt to new skills required in their rehabilitation from wounds and amputations. "We're working hard to say thank you to those who put their lives on the line for our country," he said. Heroes on the Water GÇô non-profit, staffed by volunteers and supported through donations and sponsorshipsGÇô has chapters in 18 states and international affiliates in England and Australia. Information is available at heroesonthewater.org and from the Northwest chapter at www.facebook.com/HeroesOnTheWaterNWest and nwest@heroesonthewater.org.
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