Texas HOW Conference

Such a Blur….  Friday shot over to Dallas, Meet up with the other West Coast Coordinators; Dino, (WA), Anthony, (OR) and Matt, stepping in for CJ from So Cal…  Get our rent O car and knock out the 2 1/2 hour drive to the retreat in nothing flat, Dino does not mess around…

We started in November of 2009, 7 chapters were all there was. Last years conference had 15 to 20.  This year we had to be over 50 with 4 new request for chapters while were there...

Amazing does not really explain meeting all the other coordinators from around the country and finding out what the powers that be that run HOW are up too… We are Saving lives… Period,  and that's a testament to all of you!

The most moving, our keynote speaker, a young officer from West Point who's convoy took an IED, Burning, most of his face and body…  His story of hopelessness and what a program like HOW has done for him to give him Faith and Hope, truly moving …

There were more injured vets who echoed the same thing and how HOW has gave them back their lust for life by use of a kayak and a fishing pole.  Truly incredible to be around these folks as they were thanking us ( and YOU!!! ) for what we all do, very humbling ….

WE are making a difference everyone, we really are, and more great things are on the way…

  Thanks to all of you!!!   

Looks like fun.  Did you take copious notes?

Looks like fun.  Did you take copious notes?

A plethora of notes...

We also had some adaptive paddle experts who have been putting new ideas to the test… check out this kayak seat for spinal injuries…

anyone with Madd Skilzs think they can do some reverse engineering on this?  They gave some down and dirty ways to make this happen with an exercise roller and foam, but a solid unit would be better.

Also some adaptive paddle gear, using old bike inner tubes? 

something called a rescue stirrup, we need some of those…

and of course, Bob's trailer that they customized themselves …  still think we need an enclosed as all the gear we need to store...

Awesome trip, Don!  Way to represent.  I'm proud that HOW is part of the GS auction this year.  You guys are doing great things for people who deserve it so much.   

Looks great to me. Thanks guys for what you do.

Great work Don!!  Thanks for sharing with us
All HOW does for our guys and gals is awesome!
Today I got a great thank you letter from HOW regarding the raffle ticket I bought for the Camo boat at Headwaters, very moving

Ahh,  Thanks Guys,  Honor to Serve…

  We tried a "West Cost" represent in front of the Jurassic Park Entrance Gate.…  I think Dino is grateful not to make the pic,   

Shots of Texas water that I did not get to fish as I was sacked with school…  I did buy a license though… 

  Maybe next year… 

That seat is a stock model made to fit Wilderness Phase 3 seats. It is made for a couple other boats too. Maybe I should look into getting one for one of my kayaks in case we need it.

http://www.creatingability.com

Update: Those seats are pricey. $550  May need a joint venture if we decide to get one.

That seat is a stock model made to fit
Wilderness Phase 3 seats. It is made for a couple other boats too. Maybe I should look into getting one for one of my kayaks in case we need it.

http://www.creatingability.com

Update: Those seats are pricey. $550  May need a joint venture if we decide to get one.

I am aware…  That's why they showed using a exercise roller and foam to support.  Kind of expensive to buy these for every chapter…


 

Maybe I should look into getting one for one of my kayaks in case we need it.

                                                                                                                                           

Looks interesting and fun. How was the food?

Looks interesting and fun. How was the food?

Worst breakfast burritos ever…   

WTG Don and crew!!!

You make us ALL proud!!!

Thank you!!!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

If they let me come I would have done the burritos Kayak Jack style. They don't know how good us ole California guys can cook. I already did gourmet burgers for them at one outing.