Paddling With A Purpose is a kayaking adventure designed to draw much needed attention and affirming responses to the veterans’ suicide crisis (averaging 20 deaths a day since 9/11).
It is expected that 2-3 keenly motivated vets, accompanied by 2-3 highly seasoned paddlers from the Southeast Texas kayaking community, will complete an expedition on the Colorado River from Columbus to Matagorda Beach Nov. 1-11.
There are multiple ways to assist with this effort to educate the public about veteran suicides and how each person in a troubled veteran’s life could possibly stem this tragedy.
The three avenues include:
1. Participation as an expedition team member (as noted, motivated vets are enthusiastically sought; with or without long-distance paddling experience (i.e., training available); plus, HASK-provided expertise will skillfully guide the trip’s planning and execution.)
2. Engagement in weekend scouting trips along selected stretches of this 135-mile-river course prior to the expedition team’s put-in on the morning of Nov. 1.
3. Volunteering to assist, from shore, with the essential support elements of this mission.
The organizers of this bold, lifesaving enterprise are currently seeking the eager support and vital involvement of all individuals that are driven to help curb this dark trend.
So, if protecting troubled veterans is of deep-seated concern and you have the time, interest and motivation to contribute to this project - please contact me ASAP!
This is a long-standing mental health plague which desperately needs your involvement if positive outcomes are to be achieved in a timely fashion!
