10 Marines Kayak Fish with HOW in Owl's Creek, VA

by Cory Routh | MK Ambassador July 2011

A few weeks ago, I took advantage of a wonderful and humbling experience.
 

 Instead of fishing for myself, I volunteered to help out with a Heroes on the Water outing for its Tidewater, Virginia Chapter. Along with 10 other volunteers, we took 10 Marines from Portsmouth Naval Hospitals Wounded Warrior Regiment kayak fishing in Owl’s Creek.

I have caught lots of fish from a kayak, but none are as rewarding as watching these folks have fun and relax. Seeing their big smiles when they catch a fish is the cherry on the cake. One marine even stated that we have done more for him in one day than any doctor can do.

The fishing ws not epic, but they did catch a few and one young lady caught her first fish ever on this trip. And it was a keeper too. I highly suggest you volunteer for your local HOW or other veterans organization and share what you do, whether it be hunting, fishing, kayaking, etc. I guarantee you will have a humbling, yet enjoyable experience. I know they will.

HOW Tidewater Chapter From Cory Routh

Our Viriginia Tidewater Chapter took some injured troops kayak fishing Saturday, November 6, 2010. Here are some comments from the Chapter Coordinator and others on his post on Facebook. --
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Cory Routh -- I have to share this comment made by one of our HOW participants, this is the best thing I have heard in a long time.

"Thanks again for the fishing trip this morning Cory, without guys like you there'd be no one fighting these wars."

This is exactly why I do this!

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Cory Routh -- When I do this I honestly get the brotherhood they share. I get to be one of them for the day. And that is truly an honor.

Teresa Hardister -- Cory if more people had your attitude this world would be so much better off! Proud to know ya!
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Dale Snead -- Cory, isn't it humbling to hear that from someone that has been through what this guy has been through?
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Kaleb Dutil --That's awesome Cory. It definitely feels good when they tell you how much they appreciate it. I love doing what we do. I think we get just as much out of it as they do.
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Don Rich-- Thanks for letting Ty and me tag along. We owe those folks a debt that we can't repay. On the way over, Ty was in email touch with a friend who had just had his second lower leg amputated, due to complications from the original injury from a few years ago, courtesy of an IED. These folks just keep paying, and will for the rest of their lives. It's great to see them being able to shut out that reality and replace it with some good old fashioned fun on the water, even if only for a short while! Thanks again!
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William Ragulsky--- I don’t normally enjoy fishing with an armada, but this being my first time on the water with them really made my day. I almost feel guilty for all the fun I had. It was not about me catching fish this morning as much as it was sharing my passion with my brothers who have put their lives and well being on the line for US. Talking with them really reminds us just what they have sacrificed and for that I will be eternally grateful. Thank you Cory!