LA Veterans Whose Lives Were Touched by Homelessness Race Their Dragon Boat to Victory

by Michiko Riley

Over 150 teams competed July 30-31, 2011 in the annual “Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival.”  The competition brought paddlers together, including Veterans, for an Asian-inspired boat race in the Southern California Marina.  The all-Veteran team dubbed Team Water Warriors, proudly contended in the invitation-only VIP race, finishing 5 out of 7 in the 200 meter division. 

“I felt privileged to be a part of it,” said Julio Espino, Veteran from the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (GLA) who competed in the race.  “We didn’t win, but, we didn’t come in last place either!”

Espino was one of 16 GLA Veterans; 12 males and 4 females, who dawned on life vests, paddles and their game face to row their dragon boat to the finish line.

Team Water Warrior paddlers not only share a common bond as Service members, but every Veteran who participated was touched by homelessness; either currently living in transitional housing or formally homeless.

“It gives Veterans an ‘out’ and shows them that although it is a bad situation now, there still is hope,” said Pearl Martin, female Army Veteran and now Community Care Homeless Outreach Staff.  “Activities like this keep Veterans productive and get them back up!”

Martin was homeless after separating from the military 2 years ago.  Through word of mouth, she found help at GLA through the Veterans Affairs Supporting Housing, better known as VASH.  Martin, who is now responsible for reaching out to other Veterans needing assistance, participated in the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival for the first time this year.

“It’s an adventure,” said Martin.  “I would definitely encourage other Veterans to participate!”

Community Care Acting Administrative Officer and Team Water Warriors Captain, Ana Coo-Lam, is an avid paddler. She learned about the positive and therapeutic impact the water competition had on breast cancer survivors, and wanted to introduce the recreational therapeutic benefits of dragon boat paddling to Veterans.

“Dragon boat paddling promotes team building and camaraderie,” said Coo-Lam.  “Many of our homeless Veterans have limited social support networks, and I wanted to introduce them to the dragon boat community.  When our Vets are ready to be reintegrated back to the community, being part of Team Water Warriors will have instilled a sense of dignity.”

Team sports such as the Dragon Boat Festival provides an exhilarating experience that is pleasing and fun to do.  Exposing Veterans to the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival also helps establish a sense of connection with the diverse communities around Southern California.

“It gets you out of the environment you’re in,” said Espino.  “This event gives Veterans a chance to explore different parts of LA.”

Other competitors in the competition included international teams from Canada, China and Taiwan as well as representatives from NBC, Panda Express, Southern CA Edison, Blind Institute and the Taiwanese Embassy.

GLA’s unique approach to Veteran’s overall health and wellness includes methods and approaches aimed at healing not only the body but also the mind.  The Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival is just one of several ways GLA Veterans receive help in therapeutic journeys.

“To me, it meant something special,” said Espino.

“I was so excited, it was wonderful!” said Martin.  “I would love to do it again next year.”