According to the National Center for PTSD, 23 percent of veterans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder. This mental condition can make it difficult for veterans to readjust to normal lives and find fulfillment in life after service. However, there is a group of volunteers in Oregon City, Oregon, that hopes to help veterans find a new way to cope with PTSD. The group, Team River Runner, takes veterans who have sustained physical injury or are experiencing PTSD on paddling excursions down the Willamette River.
Every year, about 200 veterans benefit from Team River Runner's paddling program.
Roy Decker, a Navy veteran with 10 years of service under his belt, told KATU News that it was nice to know that there were people out there who still cared about helping veterans. Decker said that floating down the river gave him a sense of serenity and helped him get away from the stresses of PTSD. He was on the USS Cole when it was bombed but said that participating in Team River Runner's program helped him rediscover peace of mind.
The program also provides kayaks for veterans with physical disabilities and sometimes teams up with Oregon Disability Sports. Visit their website for more information.