Caring Vet is a Hero Among 'Heroes'

Adam Gagne

As Central Pennsylvania’s Heroes on the Water Chapter Coordinator, retired Navy Senior Chief Adam Gagne is keenly aware of the connection between healthy water and healthy relaxation, especially if it involves kayak fishing. Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water helps veterans from all branches decompress from post-service stresses at guided fishing trips held by local chapters around the country.

Loren Anne Barnett/CBF Staff

The following was first published in CBF's Save the Bay Magazine Spring 2019 edition.

Retired Navy Senior Chief and Chef Adam Gagne relishes the chance to share his passion for kayak fishing with veterans and first responders. Adam is the Volunteer Chapter Coordinator of Heroes on the Water (HOW) of Central Pennsylvania.

HOW brings all branches of the military together for fishing and time away from everyday stresses. It's a serving of camaraderie they don't get sitting on the couch at home.

HOW provides kayaks, fishing equipment, and snacks for outings at no charge.

"We have folks who show up and have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and want to talk," Adam says. "It's a very relaxing experience, I hope. It's the therapy and serenity of it."

We first met this gentle and generous bear of a man when HOW spearheaded CBF's inaugural Veterans on the Susquehanna event in York County four years ago.

"Adam represents the balance and sound judgement of the modern sportsman," says Lane Whigham, CBF's Outreach and Advocacy Manager, who worked with Gagne on the first veterans' event. "He recognizes the restorative and recreational value of clean water for all of us."

Adam is also connected to CBF and clean water as a civil engineering technician with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, working on and designing restoration projects.

Most of his kayak fishing is on the Susquehanna River, so Adam has a front-row seat to the ebb and flow of water conditions. "The water quality is definitely going to reflect on the fish that we catch," he says. "It's all connected."

When the man who can catch a fish as well as he can cook it connects with other heroes on the water, the best rewards can be the simplest ones.

"That's all I look for, is a smile," Adam says. "As long as they had a good time, that is fulfillment enough."

B.J. Small 90x110

B.J. Small

Pennsylvania Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF

[email protected]
717-200-4521

Issues in this Post

Advocacy   Restoration   The Susquehanna River   Volunteers   Pennsylvania Office  




Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the media or articles on this site are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by CBF and the inclusion of such information does not imply endorsement by CBF. CBF is not responsible for the contents of any linked Website, or any link contained in a linked Website, or any changes or updates to such Websites. The inclusion of any link is provided only for information purposes.


The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Stay Up-to-Date on Bay News

Want to stay up-to-date on all news and happenings in your region and across the Chesapeake watershed? Join our digital community.

Sign Up
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close