The
Impact Of
Paddling
"On the board, for the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again. It wasn’t just about paddling—it was about realizing I could still find balance, strength, and peace."
"I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I was out there. The water, the community—it reminded me that I’m not alone, and I don’t have to carry everything by myself."
The Whole Health Approach
The Whole Health approach asks veterans a simple but profound question: “What really matters to you?” At 4THE22, we see that answer come alive when a veteran finds calm gliding across a still lake, when laughter rises during a paddle session, or when someone realizes they’re strong enough to stand again, on the board, and in life.
Through this partnership, we are able to:
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Give veterans hands-on experiences that support both physical strength and emotional resilience.
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Offer a safe space for connection and camaraderie, where stories are shared and burdens feel lighter.
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Help each individual reconnect with purpose and possibility, beyond the challenges they carry.
This is not just about recreation. It’s about healing through connection—to nature, to community, and to self. It’s about turning the tide on isolation, and showing that wellness is not something to chase alone.
Every time a veteran joins us on the water, we witness transformation. A shift from surviving to living. From being defined by struggle to rediscovering strength. That is the impact of 4THE22 working side by side with the VA’s Whole Health movement.
We are honored to walk this path together with the Battle Creek VA, and to continue building a future where every veteran has the chance to stand tall, find balance, and feel whole again.
As far as connection and the military is concerned, I’m not advocating for a kinder gentler fighting force—I understand the realities faced by nations and the soldiers who protect them. What I am advocating for is a kinder, gentler public, one willing to embrace, support, and reach out to the men and women we pay to be invulnerable on our behalf. Are we willing to reach out and connect?
- Brene Brown, Daring Greatly
Healing
Through
Connection
Our Partnership Together
At 4THE22, our mission has always been about more than paddling, surfing, or exercise, it’s about creating space where healing can happen. It’s about restoring balance, finding purpose, and building the kind of community that reminds veterans and first responders they are never alone.
That’s why our partnership with the Battle Creek VA Medical Center is so powerful. Together, we are bringing the VA’s Whole Health initiative to life, not just in clinics or classrooms, but out on the water, under the open sky, and within a circle of peers who understand the weight of service.
Our Partnership:
The Battle Creek VA
The Battle Creek VA provides comprehensive medical, mental health, and rehabilitative services for veterans across Southwest Michigan with compassion and dedicated support.
