ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The Wounded Warrior Project, is helping veterans recover — both physically and mentally — one wave at a time.
In partnership with Jax Surf and Paddle, the organization hosted a two-day surf lesson event, this Thursday and Friday at Atlantic Beach, starting at 8 a.m., giving veterans a chance to find community and healing while catching some waves.
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About a dozen veterans turned out Thursday morning for the event, which is part of the Wounded Warrior Project’s broader efforts to support veterans and active-duty service members dealing with mental health challenges and the difficulties of separating from military service.
Andi Coakley, a Wounded Warrior Project Outreach Specialist, said the experience goes beyond just physical activity.
“If we can bring our veterans and their family members out here, it is not just physical, it is mental, spiritual, and if we can get them out here to provide them connection opportunities both with the environment with Jax Surf and Paddle and with each other, those are our goals, so we are happy to get out here,” Coakley said.
Organizers say the event is open to more than just physically wounded veterans.
Active-duty service members can now also participate by registering on the Wounded Warrior Project’s website. The goal is to help military service members find community outside of their service — long before they decide to leave.
Air Force veteran Amber Kulesza said the organization has made a meaningful difference in her life after service.
“This has given me a much better quality of life post-service, and it was that community that I didn’t know that I needed,” Kulesza said. “And again, I can call on my brothers and sisters and say, ‘I’m not having a great day or I’m having a good day — let’s go laugh, let’s go fall on our surfboards, but have a good time and do it together.’”