Heroes on the Water Killeen: Heritage Park Fish and Paddle

We will be hosting our final on the water event of the year at the new Heritage Park Fish Camp and Launch in Belton, TX. Please see below for all details and instructions.

Operations Plan for HOW: Killeen’s Final Event on November 16th, 2024

1. Orientation

a. Location: Heritage Park Fish Camp on the Leon River

i. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PoVUx4cfZG9dYgGZ9

b. Description: The Heritage Park Fish Camp is located inside of Heritage Park in Belton, TX on the west bank of the Leon River that flows east out of Lake Belton. The section of the river that we will be utilizing is about 2 miles which stretches from the Bridge on TX 317 down to Charter Oak Drive near Summer Fun Water Park. This stretch of the river is very calm and secluded in terms of the foliage concealing the river, making it a fishing and paddling oasis.

i. This locations offers a few species of fish including bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish

ii. The weather forecast for the area historically is cool mornings in the 50s and highs up to the mid-70s so please keep the weather in mind as we get closer to the event for what to wear.

2. Situation

a. On November 16th, 2024 HOW: Killeen will be hosting an on the water event

b. We are expecting 20-30 participants and about 10 volunteers

i. Each Volunteer will be best assigned a role to ensure we assist all participants in the best way possible.

1. Some duties include:

a. Registration

b. Unloading and loading kayak trailers

c. PFD and paddle fitting

d. Launching of kayaks

e. Safety Coordinator

f. On the water Fishing Guides

g. Bank Fishing Guides

3. Mission

a. Our mission is to provide wellness and community to our heroes and their families through kayak fishing and the outdoors.

i. We are here to serve veterans, first responders, and their families

ii. The success of these events can only be accomplished by the efforts and abilities of the volunteers. Again…. THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS!

4. Execution

a. Intent

i. We are hosting this event to foster an environment of community, reconnection and hope through our Paddle. Fish. Heal. Vision.

ii. We aim to conduct this event in the safest manner possible

b. Concept of the Operation

i. HOW: Killeen members will assign volunteers to tasks needed to accomplish the day’s mission. All tasks are extremely important, so please bear with us as we get through our event together. We anticipate that there will be no issues, but please bring anything that comes up to the Volunteers’ attention

ii. The Fish Camp offers a site on which to launch kayaks safely and offers a pier like dock to fish from for our bank fishers

c. Tasks

i. Safety Coordinator: Provides safety brief to all participants

ii. Fishing/Paddle guide: Provides on the water safety and help if needed for fellow fisherman and women

iii. Tackle Coordinator: provides fishing rods and reels along with tackle to participants

1. Ensures rigging of roids and demonstrations if needed

iv. Registration Coordinator: administers the check in/registration process for all participants

1. Provide QR codes to be scanned and forms filled out for media and liability waivers

v. Kayak/PFD/paddle Coordinators

1. Will assist participants with fitting of PFDs and paddles and selection of kayak for use on the water

2. They will also aid in launching of kayaks for participants

vi. Set up and tear down

1. Any volunteer able will help unload and load all kayaks and gear for the event

2. Aid in the set up and tear down of all pop up tents and tables/chairs

d. Coordinating Instructions

i. Timeline

1. 0630: Volunteer meet up at the Fish Camp for set up instructions

2. 0645: Begin set up for event

3. 0730: Participants begin to arrive

4. 0745-0800: Safety Brief

5. 0800-1100ish: On the Water

6. 1100-1130: Lunch

7. 1130-1200: Clean up and load out

5. Admin and Logistics

a. Admin

i. All waivers must be completed by all participants before fishing and or getting on the water

ii. All will need to sign in with our registration coordinator

iii. Each participant if needed will be issued equipment that must be returned at the conclusion of the event

b. Logistics

i. All Equipment that will be issued will come from HOW: Killeen

ii. Tackle and bait will be provided as well from HOW: Killeen

iii. We encourage all to bring water and or a non-alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated with

1. HOW: Killeen will also have water if needed

iv. All food for lunch will be provided

1. Breakfast items will also be available such as coffee and donuts

v. Lunch will be located back at the Fish Camp site at a designated spot

vi. All trash regardless of origin will be picked up and taken with

1. Trash dumpsters are located at the park

2. We will have trash bags set up as well

6. Communications

a. Please contact our Chapter Coordinator: Jared Penland with and concerns or questions you will have about the event or even volunteering.

i. 210-846-3014

ii. [email protected]

b. Please monitor our Facebook page and or email for any event updates/changes

i. https://www.facebook.com/Heroes-on-the-Water-Ft-Hood-Texas-Chapter-1612786238969561/?fref=ts

Host or Publisher "Heroes on the Water" Fort Hood Chapter