‘Paddling with a purpose’: Veteran kayaks 100 miles on Fox River, raising money, awareness

For veteran Sean Horne, the stillness of being on his kayak in the water makes it one of his “happy places.” Having post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the Army for 15 years, including two trips to Iraq, Horne finds that being on the water helps ground him. Earlier this year, he decided to take his longest journey yet by kayaking over 100 miles down the Fox River.The personal challenge came with a purpose: to raise money and awareness for services veterans and their families rely on. Horne said veteran organizations are “near and dear to my heart,” and he decided to raise money for Crystal Lake-based Veterans Path to Hope. As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298 in West Dundee, Horne said choosing Veterans Path to Hope was a natural fit since his post also raises money for the nonprofit. The organization provides a multitude of critical services, including housing and financial aid, employment support and wellness programs.VFW Post 2298, with over 170 members,