My Nonprofit Reviews

As an Army Airborne Parachute Rigger and Platoon Leader in performing air delivery operations in Vietnam I returned home to try to fit into society and couldn't understand why I was having so much difficulty. I was withdrawn and isolated. I took a bartending class paid for by the GI Bill that encouraged me to be socially interactive I later realized I had the symptoms of PTSD but when I went to be evaluated by the Veterans Administration I was told I didn't have it bad enough to Merit getting into a therapy group.
I had to sleep with pillows between me and my wife for fear of injuring her during the night and I was triggered and startled by loud noises and helicopters.
Back in 2009 I met Worth O'Brien of Aquanauts Adaptive Aquatics and became scuba certified and later became a certified buddy diver. I immediately realized the wonderful therapeutic effects that Scuba diving offered and the immense gratification and appreciation i experienced from helping my dive buddies experience the wonderful feeling of being free of their disabilities as we soared through the water unencumbered by our disabilities!

To see the smiles on their faces as they describe their diving experience with wonderment is truly rewarding and uplifting.

I personally have benefited by realizing the reduced effects of my PTSD and finding more inner peace and tranquility in this submergence therapy, and the comaraderie that we share with our fellow veterans is priceless! I sleep more peacefully and find my "triggers" are almost non- existent.

I am forever grateful to Aquanauts as they enable us to experience the therapeutic benefits of scuba diving as well as enriching our lives from all the wonderful friendships we forge in a bond of brotherhood as we all look out for a buddy divers and watch over our National Parks!

I am ALWAYS Proud and humbled to be in the company of my Brothers in Arms! We truely are blessed to have such great programs that enable us to share challenging, nurturing and healing experiences that continue to forge the bonds of friendship and comradery while contributing to the conservation of Our National Parks!