counseling – Wounded Warriors at Nebo

Season Kickoff, Kayaking the San Marcos River

September 13, 2025
by dottietheadmin

On September 11 the 2025–2026 season began with a splash—literally—as nine patients from the Soldiers Recovery Unit at Fort Sam Houston joined volunteers from Wounded Warriors at Nebo Ministry and Veterans Adventure Therapy aka Olympic Outdoor Center for a day of kayaking on the San Marcos River.

We gathered at Kirby Lane Café in San Marcos, where the morning began with a delicious brunch and lively conversation. Spirits were high, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect—God truly gifted us a day made for adventure.

After brunch, we ported canoes from the restaurant to the riverbank. Life vests were secured, safety tips shared, and soon our group was gliding down the river. Those of us not kayaking headed to the nearby park, home to two scenic waterfalls. While waiting for the group to arrive, we watched children and adults tube over the falls and body surf in the rapids—pure joy in motion.

When our kayakers reached the falls, two volunteers led the way, navigating the first drop and positioning themselves below the second to assist others. We quickly learned there were many ways to tackle the falls:

Landing safely in the rapids and gliding through the second drop
Drifting around and descending the second drop backwards
Getting stuck on the rocks at the entrance
Attempting a backward descent and flipping on landing

Thanks to our quick-thinking volunteers, even the most adventurous paddlers were met with support and encouragement. It was a day filled with laughter, courage, and connection.

Events like these remind us of the healing power of nature, community, and shared experience. Whether paddling through rapids or cheering from the shore, we were all part of something meaningful.

Stay tuned for more adventures this season—we’re just getting started.

A few of the photos from Thursday’s outing can be viewed by following this link Photos – Wounded Warriors at Nebo these and many more can be found at Zenfolio | Dave Roberts | Kayaking SM 2025 09. (It’s worth checking them out especially with the slideshow option) Remember that there is more than one page of photos and that they may be downloaded by hovering your cursor in the upper-left corner of a full-sized photo. Feel free to share the links with the participants, employees, and other interested persons.

Spring Family R&R

July 11, 2025July 11, 2025
by dottietheadmin

This is a weekend to get away from the stress of everyday life and relax, spend quality time with your family. We consider a family as a single person, a couple and a single or couple with children below the age of 18. Guests can check into the hotel beginning at 4pm. Dinner will be served around 6pm. From there you are free to do as you like. There is nothing planned until Saturday dinner. Saturday breakfast will be at the hotel. Lunch will be at a restaurant yet to be determined. It’s your choice whether you join us for a free lunch or go out on your own. We ask that everyone attend dinner on both Friday and Saturday nights. The churches hosting you have put in a lot of work preparing the meals, so we ask you to honor them by attending.

Lodging and meals are provided for this event. Attendance is limited to 15 families and because hotel rooms will only sleep 6, maximum family size has to be 6.

More specific information will be provided as it becomes available.

If you are an active military patient in treatment or transition at Fort Sam Houston and want to participate in this event, contact Chaplain Hatcher, Fort Sam or your Unit Leader.

Medically retired veterans are welcome to fill out the form above to let us know you want to attend. However, active-duty personnel have priority so you will be wait listed and notified whether there is a vacant spot or cancellation.

Spring Kayaking

July 11, 2025July 28, 2025
by dottietheadmin

The event is primarily for patients in treatment or transition assigned to the SRU. Attendance is limited to 15. Participants will meet in San Marcos and kayak the river. Outdoor Olympic Sports Center will provide the canoes, paddles, life jackets and any necessary instructions.

Those interested in attending should contact Chaplain Hatcher at the SRU or their Unit Leader.

Christmas in Fredericksburg

July 4, 2025July 11, 2025
by dottietheadmin

The annual Family Christmas R&R is one of our favorite events. Lodging and meals are provided by Wounded Warriors at Nebo.

Dinner will be served in the Nimitz Ball Room at 5 pm by the Nimitz Rotary Club. Five (5) may seem a bit early but that is only an hour before the parade starts. At 6 pm Friday night guests can enjoy Fredericksburg’s beautiful lighted parade from chairs set up in front of the museum. After the parade they can also enjoy other special events at Market Platz such as ice skating. Saturday participants can explore the town and the numerous art galleries at their leisure. They also have free access to the Pioneer Museum and the Museum of the Pacific War.

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Time and location of lunch and dinner will be provided when they are available. Families should all attend the dinners as they are hosted by churches who have put a lot of work in preparation for them.

Attendance is limited to 15 families. Hotel rooms will only sleep 6 so family size is limited to 6. A family can be a single person, a couple, and a couple or single with children below 18 years old.

Active duty patients will be given priority when signing up to attend. However, if there are not 15 families who want to come then the extra rooms are available to Medically Retired Veterans. Any veteran wishing to attend must fill out the request above this announcement and they will be put on a waiting list.

Natural Bridge Caverns

July 4, 2025July 28, 2025
by dottietheadmin

This event is for active duty wounded, injured and ill in treatment or transition and their family. Participants will gather at Natural Bridge Caverns for a day of caving and tackling the maze.

Discover the incredible natural underground beauty of the caverns. There are 2 caverns and 5 unique tours to choose from.

The AMAZEn’ ranch roundup at Natural Bridge Caverns is a unique Texas attraction that’s fun for all ages. It’s a one of a kind maze experience.

The event is Limited to 30 people; that’s a combination of adults and children. Lunch is also provided.

If interested talk with Chaplain Hatcher, SRU, Fort Cavazos SRU Chaplain or your unit leader.

Happenings

River Adventure 4 March 25

May 26, 2025
by dottietheadmin

The river sparkled under the clear sky, the gentle current offering both tranquility and adventure. Fourteen warriors from the SRU gathered in San Marcos for a day of camaraderie, relaxation and outdoor therapy. As they navigated the winding waters, the warmth of the sun and beauty of the natural surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and renewal. Wheather paddling through the scenic landscape or simply enjoying the fresh air, the day served as a meaningful escape, a reminder of resilience, and a celebration of strength.

Ben Kvanli, Olympic Outdoor Center owner, provided the kayaks and support. Breakfast and snacks were provided by Wounded Warriors at Nebo. The awesome photos catching incredible moments were taken by David Roberts. You can view some of the photos by following this link https://wwnebo.org/photos/wppaspec/oc1/lnen/cv0/ab79/pt2132 or you can go to David’s site at http://dlroberts.zenfoil.com/201815397 to see and/or download all 170.

Day Event

Museum Tour

February 13, 2025February 26, 2025
by dottietheadmin

Last Wednesday, February 12th, sixteen patients from both Fort Sam Houston and Fort Cavazos enjoyed a guided tour of the Museum of the Pacific War. The group included personnel from the Marines, Navy and Army. The guests had an opportunity to get better acquainted over lunch at the Fredericksburg Brewery.

It was a fun and educational day.

Museum admission and lunch were compliments of Wounded Warriors at Nebo. Photos taken by David Roberts. Photos from the event can be seen by clicking on this link https://wwnebo.org/photos or going to David Roberts’ site: https://dlroberts.zenfolio.com/p37436334

News Letters

4Q24 Newsletter

January 23, 2025January 29, 2025
by dottietheadmin

Issue 45 of our newsletter covers events in the fourth quarter of 2024. Click on the following link to read it on line or download. NL 12 24

Please note, we have run into difficulty printing the newsletter for those of you who don’t have email. Hopefully it will be mailed soon. Thanks for your patience and support.

Day Event

Natural Bridge Caverns

November 22, 2024
by dottietheadmin

November 14th 22 soldiers met Wounded Warriors At Nebo team members at Natural Bridge Caverns near Boerne, TX for a day of exploring the caverns and enjoying the perfect weather. Our guided tour of the caverns began at 10am and finished just in time for some lunch. The caverns were amazing. The walkways are well lighted and have handrails for those of us who need them. There are some pretty steep inclines and of course you have to hike back up to the top. If you haven’t been, consider going and taking your family.

Photos from the adventure are in the Photo Album “Natural Bridge Caverns 14 November” http://wwnebo.org/photos

Day Event

Enchanted Rock 10/2/24

October 4, 2024
by dottietheadmin

Soldiers from the SRU arrived at Enchanted Rock State Park to be greeted by WWAN team members and Breakfast Tacos. After fueling up on the tacos they headed up “The Rock”. Once everyone reached the top they gathered with Dr. Valez for rest and conversation. Everyone was hungry after the hike so headed to Hondos on Main in Fredericksburg for lunch where they were joined by other WWAN team members.

Breakfast tacos were donated by Zion Lutheran Church. Lunch was compliments of Wounded Warriors at Nebo and Hondos.

Photos from this event can be viewed and downloaded by following either of the following links Photos – Wounded Warriors at Nebo (wwnebo.org) or Zenfolio | Dave Roberts | ER 2024 10