It was the most amazing trip in many ways. I live in Oregon where we are blessed with our own unique landscape and whitewater rivers. Going on this trip in that aspect helped me appreciate what we have here in the NW and has encouraged me to improve my river skills to where we can hopefully be self-sufficient in taking vets out whether national or local I see that there is a need for vets to feel the river flow through them.

This trip challenged me in many ways mentally and physically. I have been in intense PTSD therapy for 2+ years and I personally don’t like talking to a therapist, but I feel like I got better treatment than I would have at the VA by being in touch with elements and good people who have been thru similar experiences that I have been thru. When I came home from this trip I promised my 2 daughters that I would read them both a book of their own choice. Through all the knowledge I have learned and experienced on this trip when it came time to read the books I didn’t get past page 2 before I was crying so hard that I couldn’t read the pages. Because a side of me that I have not been connected with came out, EMOTION. Needless to say my daughters and I are working harder on our relationship. I don’t want to be “Angry Daddy” anymore.

I have chronic pain and at times I have a hard time walking. With kayaking, rafting and taking care of vets who are more injured than me, gives me a reason to get motivated (Get out of the funk) and I feel better in a kayak than I do walking.

The river is now in my blood, I feel like a different person on a pathway to healing. I would like to write a lot more but I can’t stop crying….. and that’s a good thing. And I would be more than glad to get more in depth on what the trip meant to me.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!!
Derick Morgan