Hiking, swimming and rafting. Sounds like fun, right? For these veterans it’s a therapeutic blend to recovery.
When Margery Hermann saw the “disgraceful” way Vietnam veterans were treated upon returning home from war, she promised herself that she would to do something to help our nation’s veterans. She never forgot that promise.
In 2011, Hermann established an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization called Canyon Heroes to promote hope and healing for veterans who have been emotionally impacted by military service. Canyon Heroes partners with Hatch River Expeditions to offer annual week-long rafting trips on the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River. The expedition’s two motorized pontoon rafts accommodate 24 veterans, four therapists, and a team of trained guides. In addition to rafting, participants hike, swim, sightsee, and relax in front of a campfire. Nights are spent in tents or sleeping under the stars. The cost of the trip is paid for with grants and private donations.
Although the trip is meant to be therapeutic, it is not considered therapy says Brooker. That’s what makes their philosophy so appealing. Veterans do not feel like they are being treated for anything, they just feel like they are out on the water having a good time with people they can trust.
All Canyon Heroes clinicians volunteer their time and have extensive experience working with veterans. Dr. Roger Brooke, director of military psychological services at Duquesne University, has gone on several trips. He shares his knowledge of worldwide warrior traditions and spends time with veterans individually and in groups. It is all very informal and group participation is optional. According to lead therapist and Vietnam veteran Jim Hill, “We pretty much let the river do the work.” He says the environment “just lends serenity.” At the conclusion of the 2015 excursion, psychotherapist Denise Mahone said she saw a light in people’s eyes that wasn’t there at the beginning of the trip.