Veterans, the men and women who chose to defend American civil liberties, deserve our deepest gratitude and support. With more than 40,000 veterans in Collin County alone, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, their impact on our community is significant. This collection highlights local veteran-focused nonprofits dedicated to honoring their service and ensuring they receive the resources and care they need as they return home and beyond.
Heroes on the Water
Heroes on the Water is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through therapeutic kayak fishing experiences. Founded in 2007, the organization provides free outdoor wellness events that offer calm, connection, and community for those who have served.
What makes Heroes on the Water unique is its focus on recreational healing. The rhythm of the paddle, the quiet of nature, and the concentration of fishing help reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and rebuild a sense of purpose. As one veteran explains, “The locations allow us to connect with nature, and the platform of kayaking enables us to be centered without the noise that motors and electronics may cause.”
With volunteer-led chapters nationwide and specialized therapeutic partnerships with the VA and Department of Defense, Heroes on the Water reaches people of all ages and abilities. No prior kayaking or fishing experience is required—just a willingness to show up and breathe.
Whether you’re a veteran seeking stress relief or a first responder looking for community, Heroes on the Water is a place to belong. Every cast, every paddle stroke, and every laugh shared on the water moves participants toward peace and empowerment.
Learn more or get involved at www.heroesonthewater.org.
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, dedicated to improving the total well-being of post‑9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, service members, and their families. Their programs and life‑changing services help to strengthen the mental, physical, emotional, and financial wellness of service people and their loved ones.
Shawn Morgan, Dallas resident and Wounded Warrior Project Regional Alumni Director, explains that he came across the organization when transitioning from his service in the Army. “I was searching for a job, but I didn't know where to begin. Wounded Warrior Project encouraged me to apply for open roles at the organization. I will be celebrating 12 years at Wounded Warrior Project in February.”
Morgan recounts how WWP recently supported a local veteran facing serious complications from cancer treatment. “Through one of our free programs, we connected him with a dedicated case manager who guided him to the care he needed and helped stabilize his financial well-being. We also gave him the chance to connect with fellow veterans at Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers games–offering not just a moment of relief but a reminder that he’s not alone.” You can make a difference for a local veteran by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org/give-back.
Carry The Load
Carry The Load began in 2011 by two veteran U.S. Navy SEALs, Stephen Holley and Clint Bruce, who felt Memorial Day had lost its true meaning. What started as a way to honor their fallen service people has grown into a national movement that brings Americans together to recognize the sacrifices of military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Whether through cleaning headstones at VA cemeteries or joining in a storyboard procession, volunteers across the nation help keep the memories of heroes alive.
Through powerful initiatives like the Dallas Memorial March and the National Day of Service and Remembrance on 9/11, Carry The Load offers the public meaningful ways to reflect, serve, and support those who have carried the load for our country. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to storytelling by sharing the names, faces, and lives of those lost in service to continue their legacy.
Proceeds from Carry The Load’s events and fundraisers support vital services, including counseling, housing, service dogs, and scholarships for children of the fallen.
In support of Veterans Day, please join Carry The Load's 100,000 Meters Challenge from 11/11-12/11. Register at www.100kmc.com.
Veterans Center of North Texas
The Veterans Center of North Texas (VCONT) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families across North Texas stabilize, recover, and thrive. Since starting operations in 2014, VCONT has provided free assistance to more than 10,000 veterans and family members, addressing both immediate crises and long-term needs. Their services include help with essentials such as rent, utilities, transportation, food, and household items—practical support that keeps families secure during difficult times.
Anna-Marie Welch, Director of Client Services for Plano, explains that, “We see crises up close—an unexpected bill, a car repair, a notice on the door. When we step in with rent, utilities, food, or transportation, we’re not just paying an expense; we’re buying time and dignity while we connect the veteran to lasting support.”
Together, the staff and volunteers of VCONT provide the individualized attention and follow-through that ensure no one is left behind. By combining crisis intervention with long-term guidance, the Veterans Center of North Texas offers more than a stopgap—they provide a reliable partner for veterans as they build stability, independence, and a renewed sense of community.
To support local veterans, please consider making a donation at www.veteranscenterofnorthtexas.org/what-we-need.