Oregon Public Broadcasting

A small group of veterans and civilians plans to paddle more than 100 miles on the Willamette and Columbia rivers this week. They kicked off their expedition in Oregon City Monday morning.

About half the people getting boats ready at John Storm Park served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Vietnam.

Val Shaul is a river guide and a veteran.

Val Shaul: "I came back from Vietnam and got into whitewater rafting. I could get away from my troubles by being out on the river."

Shaul helped start a local chapter of Team River Runner. It’s a not for profit that uses paddle sports as a form of therapy for disabled veterans.

The organization is one of the sponsors of the 100-mile trip. About 15 kayaks and one canoe pushed off from the docks.

They expect to reach Astoria by the weekend.