Dave McDaid was living in New York during Sept. 11. A few days after, he left because of the uncertainty of what could happen next.
About nine years later, the 37-year-old founded the IRISHWATERDOGS WARRIORS program, a nonprofit organization serving veterans, first responders and their families by doing outdoor activities one day each month. These activities include kayaking, fishing and sailing.
The organization is in the process of opening a store that would sell apparel and outdoor equipment in downtown Gainesville. The money from the shop will help support the High Springs chapter, McDaid said.
“The things I get to enjoy, and the things I love in the country, I have them because of our veterans,” he said.
The High Springs chapter had its kickoff event Friday at the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost, 21410 U.S. Highway 441.
A group of veterans and volunteers went kayaking for three hours down the Santa Fe River.
Alee Karpf, who has been working with the program for about a year, said kayaking is an activity disabled veterans can participate in because it depends on upper-body strength.
“The veterans get to feel completely at ease,” she said. “It’s a chance to shake off all that stuff.”
Adam Haddock, a 39-year-old Air Force veteran, knows firsthand how drug abuse and depression can affect other veterans.
Haddock was a first-time participant in the program and said kayaking is a good way to release tension in a positive way.
“It’s like a natural antidepressant,” he said.
