I'm a 21-year retired Army First Sergeant. I served as paratrooper and a recruiter. Towards the end of my career, I needed help with combat related issues. I ran into John Thompson, the founder of SUDS through a friend. John is also an Army Veteran which gives him the ability to connect with every warrior who goes on his trips.
I went on two trips with John who has a wealth of experience in the outdoors and underwater but what makes his organization shine above all others and is the fact that he goes on all SUDS trips with these wounded warriors. All veterans healing from combat regardless of the issues they're dealing with will agree being in the outdoors heals. SUDS is doing just that for our combat wounded vets – healing them one trip at a time.
Lastly, John and I have become good friends over the years. This man truly and genuinely cares about our combat wounded veterans. Hat's off to John Thompson and all members of the SUDS organization.
I met the founder of SUDS with his group in Puerto Rico. I saw first hand the impact that the program had on the servicemembers. I was so impressed that I have been hosting them at my hime in Puerto Rico and in Maine. I have met so many fine Servicemembers and have seen how this program changes their lives. I'm so happy and proud to be a part of something that affects so many lives.
I have been a participant for this organization for over a decade and I've built life-long friendships in this community of veterans with varying disabilities. This organization has gone above and beyond on providing the best service needed to accomadate its service members when it comes to thier specific adaptations needed to accomplish a specific sport. I have had the honor of being able to scuba dive, mountain bike, rock climb, paddle board, and fly fish freely without limitations due to how well they work with my disibility; just to name a few. I highly reccomend looking into thier mission statement to see how dedictated they are in providing memorable outings for those who would not be able to participate elsewhere.
- D.C.B. (purple heart veteran)
I volunteered and donated to SUDS a few times over the years and have been so impressed by the way this organization uses its money. I have seldom seen a nonprofit deploy funds so effectively and singularly for the benefit of those in need the was SUDS does! If you want to have a meaningful impact on the recovery of a wounded veteran, I cannot recommend SUDS highly enough.
I have volunteered with SUDS since early 2013, and as such, I have had the unique opportunity to witness first-hand the positive impact that the program has with its participants. Camraderie, fellowship and resiliency are some of the valuable benefits for SUDS' combat-wounded and/or ill veterans. Highly recomend!
SUDS is a special program that strives to give every participant a unique outdoor adventure experience. Whether scuba diving in Hawaii, hiking in Utah, or rafting in Maine, the experienced staff provide a safe yet exciting outlet for the special people that have served and sacrificed so much. SUDS also is very forthright with their fiduciary responsibilities, and tax documents and audits are easily found on their website so that you can be assured that your donations will go directly to the work the program does.
I had the privilege of joining a SUDS dive trip in 2010 and it truly was an experience of a lifetime. John and his crew were organized, professional and beyond understanding of every participants needs. I saw first hand how beneficial diving was to the men and women who have served this country and am proud to continue to support this wonderful organization.
I’ve been associated with SUDS since its beginning in 2007 as their general counsel (pro bono). As a retired Navy Surface Warfare Officer and JAG, it has been a privilege to support such an outstanding program that makes a direct impact on the lives of our nation’s heroes. I’ve seen first-hand the quality of the experiences provided by SUDS - including dive trips in Ft Lauderdale and Panama City. John Thompson is a fantastic instructor and outstanding executive director. With administrative costs averaging only 3% donors can be confident their support directly benefits the participants. We make it happen with exceptional volunteer support and generous donations both large and small - and would welcome yours too!
I've been a volunteer for SUDS for about 10 years now. We just received our annual audit for 2023 and came in at 3% overhead. Almost unheard of in the non-profit world! That means that $.97 cents of every dollar goes to support the program. Also, we just earned the 2024 Platinum Seal with Candid.org! If you're looking for an organization that puts your money to work, check us out: https://sudsusa.org/
SUDS is a 501(c)3 and since 2007. SUDS utilizes adaptive sports to aid in the rehabilitation of of nations severely injured Service members. I have been a supporter of SUDS for many years and there is nothing like seeing a smile on the faces of those who have giving so much. Check it out on www.sudsusa.org
I volunteered with SUDS two different times while I was in GTMO and those were some of the most enjoyable weeks I've ever experienced! The program is extremely well run and is an absolutely amazing opportunity! I hope to have the opportunity to work with this organization again!
I donated a set of SCUBA geat to SUDS and later visited them on location where they were training the wounded warriors. John Thompson, the founder and President, introduced me to the soldier who was wearing the gear that I had donated. The soldier, who had given an arm and leg for our country-literally- thanked me repeatedly for my support of the program. Our dive club supports SUDS with an annual benefit and John comes and brings several of the graduates of the program. It is wonderful to see how much this program benefits them. I have no doubt about the worthiness of this program, and will continue to support it.
I first heard of SUDS in a radio ad while driving home from work and thought "what an outstanding idea!" They take wounded warriors returning from battle and restore some of the mobility they may have lost due to injuries.
It must be very liberating to be unshackled from gravity and learn a skill which will last a lifetime. The physical and emotional benefits must be so uplifting!
Note: They have moved to SUDS Diving, Inc. PO Box 2504
Beaufort, NC 28516
I support SUDS monthly and urge you to do the same. It's a small token of thanks to those who have given so much.
Review from Guidestar