Getting in the Flow of Things

State agencies partner together for the new H2O4Heroes campaign, which aims to connect more Oregon veterans to the benefits of healing on the water.

By Kathie Dalton, Veterans News Magazine

"When I’m out on the water, I’m completely free,” said Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) member Craig Withee. “I have no disability.”

Although not himself a veteran, Withee felt veterans would benefit from recreational therapy such as paddling or boating and suggested the board put together something for veterans. He felt strongly that connecting in nature, and being on the water, helps heal the soul. Withee is not alone in that thinking.

OSMB Director Larry Warren, a former Army medic in the 82rd Airborne, is a big advocate for veterans and the healing benefits of nature.

“I want to encourage everyone to get out in the outdoors and experience the freedom and the healing that comes from being out on the water,” he said.

OSMB soon reached out to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Oregon State Parks Department also joined the team.

As the Oregon State Marine Board's boating safety education coordinator, MariAnn McKensie takes to the water to demonstrate the proper way to paddle a kayak during a recent kick-off event for the H2O4Heroes campaign at Keizer Rapids Park in Salem.

The four agencies joined forces to raise awareness for veterans and persons with disabilities around different outdoor adventures that aid in the healing process and to uncover some of the lesser-known water recreation opportunities in the outdoors.

The purpose of the H2O4Heroes campaign is to bring a focus on veterans healing on the water. The campaign promotes benefits available to veterans through all four of the agencies.

The group hopes to remove barriers and improve information sharing to better connect people to the water so healing can happen. Three of the agency directors met at Keizer Rapids Park near Salem for an informal kick-off to the H2O4Heroes campaign. (OSPRD Director Lisa Sumption was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.)

“We are excited about this partnership to build awareness of the many recreation benefits and opportunities available to Oregon veterans to enjoy our beautiful state,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “The mental and physical healing that is experienced by being in the outdoors is so important to the overall recovery and well-being of so many of our state’s veterans who have served our nation.”

From left, OSMB Director Larry Warren, ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick and ODFW Director Curt Melcher gather to kick off the H2O4Heroes campaign in July.

“Focusing on water recreation, we recognize the great healing powers of water and time spent outdoors with the birds, the wildlife and the fish if you are so lucky to catch one,” ODFW Director Curt Melcher said.

The partnership goes beyond veteran benefits though to include providing grants for ADA access on waterways and in parks, as well as land-based improvements and new dock designs to provide ADA accessibility.

“Our agency has a long-term vision on how we want to serve veterans. We want to find events, support them, build access, and awareness,” said Warren.

Director Fitzpatrick had one message to Oregon’s nearly 300,000 veterans: “Go out and have fun!”

Through the end of the year, the agencies will highlight opportunities for veterans and persons with disabilities to get on the water to boat, fish, and enjoy other forms of outdoor recreation.

OSMB Board Member Craig Withee says he does not feel disabled when he is on the water and suggested a program to get the word out to veterans about the healing power of being on the water.

Additional outreach will include blogs/vlogs highlighting personal stories, agency licenses or pass discounts, grant opportunities, interactive maps of ADA facilities, and trip planning tips. Information is shared ODVA’s recreation page at www.oregon.gov/odva/Benefits/Pages/Recreation.aspx.

The one-stop resource includes status maps for parks and waterways, disabled angler access maps and Boat Oregon online maps.

You can also find links to reserve a campground or facility or read the ODFW Recreation Report with up-to-date information on fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and more. It will help you Pick, Plan, and Prepare to enjoy a safe and successful day with nature.

People are invited to also subscribe to a weekly email at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDVA/ subscriber/new to stay up to date on recreational veteran benefit information.

Oregon Veteran Recreational benefits

Free Hunting and Fishing Passes: A free hunting and angling license for disabled veterans with a federal VA-rated service-connected disability of 25 percent or more is offered through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Veterans must be Oregon residents for at least six months. Also, non-resident uniformed service members are able to hunt or fish in Oregon for the same cost as a state resident. Administered by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Special Access Pass for Disabled Veterans: Serviceconnected disabled veterans can apply for the Special Access Pass for Veterans with Disabilities from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Passes are valid for four years and allow free year-round camping and day-use privileges at RV and tent sites at 25 Oregon State Parks. Administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Reimbursal for State Park Visits: Active duty military members on official leave are eligible to be reimbursed for state park visits. After your visit, send the camping receipt for the dates of your stay, and a letter from your CO on official letterhead stating you were on leave for the dates you camped. Administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

America the Beautiful Park Pass: The America the Beautiful Parks Pass Series is a ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. A free annual pass (normally $80) is available to active duty military, reserve and National Guard members and their dependents. A free access pass is also available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent disability. Administered by the U.S. National Parks Service.

Oregon State Marine Board Director Larry Warren shares a message with ODFW videographer Adam Baylor, with the beautiful backdrop of the Willamette River behind him.