ARANSAS PASS, Texas — As we near the Fourth of July holiday, we are reminded to give thanks for those who protect our freedoms: past, present and future.
For our veterans, battle scars may not always be visible and healing does not look the same on everyone.
In this On Your Mind, 3NEWS introduces you to a couple of veterans who haven't had to venture out much further than their own backyard to find a space for healing, community and fellowship.
It was about a decade ago, when Army veteran, Ryan Ford, and Marine veteran, Doug Gresenz met through the organization Heroes on the Water, which brings together veterans to find comfort, peace and healing together while kayak fishing.
The organization is near and dear to both veterans' who want to help further reach other veterans in the Coastal Bend who may not be aware of the support groups available to them.
"It's about getting people out of a clinical situation and into a more relaxed situation," Ford said. "This is what’s needed. There is a whole lot of people who are like, we need to help the veterans, but the doing is the next step."
For Gresenz, that next step was creating the Redford Ranch Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of local veterans by finding what method of healing and therapy works best for them as individuals.
Ford and Gresenz are very close friends now, though they served in different branches and have completely different stories.
Ford was Airborne Infantry, and when he left in 1995, began to see and feel the impacts to his knees and back.
Gresenz joined the military right out of high school in 2006, and went to Iraq in 2007. He shared how he was later diagnosed with a brain injury, PTSD and now also lives with an acquired club foot.
The two found common ground out on the water and shared that it brings on a healing and tranquility like no other.
"I hadn’t realized it at the time, but I had already gotten lucky," Gresenz said. "I had already found kayak fishing. It’s my thing, it’s what I look forward to."
With hopes of giving other area veterans something to look forward to, the Redford Ranch Foundation is currently in the works of building a facility between Rockport and Aransas Pass.
Redford Ranch Foundation facility renderings
According to Gresenz, the goal for the facility is to create 30 rooms that are fully accessible, spanning a total of 24,000 square feet, with spaces for things like music or art therapy, an on-site gym, digital media room and much more.
The foundation is hoping to collaborate with several area veterans resource groups and organizations so that vets can get the most out of each visit.
"My goal for the facility is to be as versatile as possible and facilitate as many organizations as possible," Gresenz said.
The two hope the facility will also be a space where veterans can bring their loved ones and families to as well. They say ultimately, they want the facility to be a safe space where veterans can find community, fellowship and know they are never alone.
"We’re able to work more one-on-one with some of these veterans," Ford said. "You’re not alone. There is a support network for you. Talk to us."
To learn more about the Redford Ranch Foundation or to get involved, click here.
Looking ahead to September, the organization is hosting a Smoke on the Water BBQ Cook-Off and they are still searching for volunteers, vendors and competitors. To learn more about the event, click here.
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