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Rivers of Recovery

JBLM soldier helps mold rehabilitation program

During his recent trip to Washington, D.C. to promote Rivers of Recovery, Sgt. Kurt Erickson met with Amy Simon, executive vice-president of Rivers of Recovery and Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state. Courtesy photo.

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If given the choice between an all-expense paid fishing trip or sitting in a therapy session, the pioneering Rivers of Recovery program, which helps combat veterans, is willing to bet there's actually no choice.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Sgt. Kurt Erickson went out on a Rivers of Recovery trip in August after the growing national organization approached the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division leadership and invited one soldier per company to attend a trip. The criteria included being part of a recent deployment and Erickson, as a sniper team leader had seen a lot of action, so he was a good fit.

"There is a culture shock coming from a military environment and re-entering a familial environment that you've been away from. Using nature as a therapeutic tool can help. I have personally benefitted from it," Sgt. Kurt Erickson said.

Apparently he also made an impression on the trip's leaders. Out of the 250 soldiers and veterans they took out in the past year, Erickson was selected to join Amy Simon, executive vice president of Rivers of Recovery, in Washington, D.C. so that the team could engage elected officials and lobby for the program's expansion.

"When we met with the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Department of the Interior, there were tears in the room when I described why I have chosen to serve and told the story of the first evening along the river doing the breathing exercises that reminded me so much of the routine that snipers go through as they prepare to fire," explained Erickson. "It was like déjà vu."

Rivers of Recovery specializes in the rehabilitation of combat veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress, minor Traumatic Brain Injury, stress, anxiety and depression. The program utilizes outdoor recreational activities, like fly-fishing, to teach safe self-treatment and empower veterans to overcome psychological and physical challenges.

"Being able to go out and calm down in nature is invaluable. To talk about these experiences with others who understand in a peaceful setting, rather than forcing them through a behavioral health assembly line makes a big difference," he stated.

Each trip is limited to 10 to 15 servicemembers or veterans and lasts approximately four days, to include two full days of fishing. Thus far Rivers of Recovery has only been able to run a handful of trips, but the goal is to secure more funding and eventually run at least two trips a month during the spring, summer and fall.

"Rivers of Recovery is an outstanding program. We have to remain committed to supporting combat veterans in the years ahead," said Congressman Denny Heck, who represents the 10th District in Washington state. "Innovative programs like Rivers of Recovery are a great example of how we can do just that."

Heck was one of many legislators who met with Erickson during his November trip to Washington, D.C. He also spent time with Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Dave Reichert and Rep. Jaime Herrara-Beutler, all of Washington; Sen. Jon Tester of Montana; and Rep. Corey Gardner of Colorado.

"We also had a tremendously successful luncheon with several private funders and donors who had already heard about our successes and have now pledged to more than double their previous financial donation," Erickson explained.

Though Erickson is planning to transition out of active-duty and into the Washington National Guard, his affiliation with, and passion for, Rivers of Recovery will undoubtedly continue.

"The eventual goal is to partner with Warrior Transition Command and involve the soldiers who are a part of those battalions," he shared.

For further information on Rivers of Recovery, visit www.riversofrecovery.org.

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