A Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge took place June 23-26 in Key West, where combat-wounded veterans worked hand-in-hand with Scubanauts International and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to help restore the coral reef.
The organization of combat-wounded veterans partners with universities, medical professionals and institutions to help gather research on PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthotics and prosthetics to better understand the difficulties faced by wounded or injured veterans on a daily basis..
The challenges also instill confidence and pride in the veterans who participate, better enabling them to realize their full potential and continue to contribute to helping others.
Military and volunteer divers from Southpoint Divers used assistive technology to help veterans dive off Key West and participate in coral replanting.
The nonprofit hosts challenges throughout the year in various places to enable veterans to take part in outdoor adventures, including scuba diving, mountaineering, fishing and sailing.
“Our Challenge Warriors make a powerful impact on other veterans and patients who are still completing their rehabilitation programs or those who simply have lost hope,” states the combatwounded.org website. “By their inspirational example, they demonstrate to other combat- wounded and Injured, among others, that despite their injuries, they too, can overcome seemingly insurmountable personal challenges.
