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Photo used with permission of RJ - Kaleidoscope: Photography Warrior Transition Battalion Female Group paddles hard to the finish line in one of a dozen races. Sgt. Kawaiola Nahale (third paddler from front-glasses) said, “Paddling with Malama Na Koa means that I can spend time with my battle buddies while we participate in a sport that not only helps us recover physically but mentally as well. Malama Na Koa means care for the warrior and that’s what we do when we paddle together, we care for one another. Being a part of a team, or a squad, is a way for the soldiers to go through their recovery and healing in a way that they can understand and not fear. When we are in the canoe and out in the ocean, we are not allowing our injuries or illnesses to define who we are.”
