It has been my great pleasure to meet the active board of this organization and its participants. I am in awe of their sincere dedication to the veterans' spirit and well-being.
The ample caring and genuine interest in each and every participant is palpable and their results in creating an immeasurable outreach are beyond authentic.
This is an organization whose legacy will be enjoyed and felt for years to come through countless lives spared of pain and souls reached. It is my great honor to work alongside them and witness their impact.
Operation Surf resides in a special place in my heart, only meant for those things which are pure, genuine, true, and just.
I am eternally grateful for Operation Surf....
John Csukor
The time I spent in SLO with the Operation Surf family will forever be one of my favorite memories! Everyone involved with Operation Surf truly has a heart for service and it shows not just through their words but through their actions. Van has poured his heart and soul into the work he’s doing which has made it possible for Veterans like myself and MANY others to find peace and healthy ways to cope with our stressors. I have never felt more at peace than when I’m out in the ocean. I found a strength and resilience I didn’t know I possessed. Operation Surf has given me more than I’ll ever be able to pay forward. They’ve helped me build strong bonds with other veterans and taught me that it’s okay to reach out to others when I’m struggling to make it through another day! I hope to one day find my way back to SLO and the Operation Surf family, so that I can be a part of making these things a reality for others that may need it!! Thank you Van, Amanda, and the rest of the foundation for your commitment to our Nations Sons and Daughters!
This is one of the most powerful and moving organizations I have seen. The people that come together to serve our Nations wounded are truly incredible. I will support this organization for many many years to come.
Operation Surf has given us more than we could really ever ask for community, support, love, and encouragement. We are so grateful for the work that they do. The ocean is a place of adventure and healing. When the world is consumed with people worried about the bottom dollar, Operation Surf is focused on changing one life at a time, they find a way to help when others turn you away.
For the last 4 years I have volunteered with Operation Surf. They bring 20-25 Veterans and Active Duty personnel that are Amputees, have Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to a California Beach and teach them how to surf.
There are studies showing benefits to Operation Surf participants experiencing a decrease in PTSD Symptoms by 36%, a decrease in depression by 47%, and an increase in self-efficacy by 68%.
It has been heart warming and rejuvenating to be part of their healing journey.
I volunteered for Operation Surf 3 years ago not really knowing what to expect. Not only did it exceed every expectation as far as an "experience" but it also helped educate me on the very real struggles of our vets and how much more support they need.
The Operation Surf team is professional, fun, kind, compassionate and PASSIONATE. It is this passion that drives them to make sure they can continue to offer this life changing service to such a deserving community.
In the years that have followed, I continue to volunteer for Operation Surf not only in my own community, but others as well. I have been lucky enough to meet incredible people and feel blessed to be a part of such a great organization and family. Amazing Surf Adventures is all that and more! These many heroes sincerely appreciate and need your support!!
Operation Surf was on my radar screen a few years back, and volunteering was on my “list of good intentions” when I saw a facebook post from founder Van Curaza more or less screaming in all capital letters that he needed strong paddlers to help with water safety for that year's event. . So my son and I signed up for a couple of shifts, and I came away thinking “That’s a pretty good thing Van has going.” I had no idea. After joining the presenting committee and seeing 2017's event from arrival to awards ceremony, I am blown away by this program’s impact on the veterans we serve. I plan to stay involved for many years to come.
I've been a volunteer with ASA in its Operation Surf Programs for 10 years. I have volunteered in virtually every capacity and have become a volunteer leader and planner of events. I continue to volunteer my time with this program because it works. I have seen many examples of its success in helping injured military find new confidence, new outlooks, and new skills to deal with the challenges of recovery from serious issues. And I've met and seen many who have returned to the program years later in much better shape than when they first attended. The program has tremendous potential going forward to have even more growth and success. It is well organized and led and has a cadre of very committed volunteers.
