Free on the Water: Kayaking Therapy Helps Veterans

POOLESVILLE—Former Army Sgt. Ryan Major stepped on an improvised explosive device in Iraq in 2006 and is now a double leg amputee.

He also lost digits on both hands.

Major woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and realized that his legs were gone. He has struggled to cope with his injuries, and kayaking has been a major outlet for him.

The non-profit organization Team River Runner teaches kayaking to veterans and their families, both in pools at Walter Reed, and out on open water. Major has found a community in Team River Runner, and has become more confident in his athletic abilities. Major said it allows him to heal on both a physical and emotional level.

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Story and video produced by Jessica Wilde, Capital News Service