Injured Veterans and the Disabled Find Surf Therapy in Pismo Beach
July 20, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Disabled veterans, local disabled, a Para-Olympian and wounded active duty servicemen from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas are traveling to Pismo Beach, California, August 13 - 20, 2009 to experience the thrill and healing power of surfing. Most of these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines lost limbs, were burned, or have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from serving in operations overseas. The Association of Amputee Surfers (Ampsurf) along with professional and local surfers will provide the instruction for Operation Restoration IV.
The idea for these surf clinics started in 2003, just after the start of the Iraq War, when founders Dana Cummings, Greg Birkholz, John Hollingsead and Rodney Roller teamed up to create the Association of Amputee Surfers (Ampsurf). 2009 marks the forth-year of Operation Restoration and marks the seventh year Ampsurf has been putting these events together to teach adaptive surfing to those who may never experience the healing power of the ocean and the sport.
"Since starting Operation Restoration four years ago, Ampsurf has helped more than 200 disabled, Veteran and non-veteran, to surf," said Dana Cummings, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Ampsurf. "There is an on-going, great need to assist those who are serving our country who have had disabling injuries. The ocean, with its quiet healing power, and surfing can restore that person in many positive ways. This year alone, we expect to help more than 200 disabled/veterans."
Veteran Participants
"When I met Dana Cummings, I was immediately intrigued by what he does, working with disabled vets teaching them to surf," said Mario Rodriguez, USAF (Ret.). "I'm looking forward to the event this year as it will be my first time participating. It's really special because I am and always have been most at home in the water. I am ever grateful for this opportunity to learn and work with the volunteers and my fellow vets, plus I'm looking forward to having a really great time!" Rodriguez suffered a right hip disarticulation while serving overseas.
Timothy Norton was a Section Sergeant with D Company, 1-327th Infantry, 1st BCT, 101st Airborne Division out of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. On May 1, 2008, his platoon was assigned to clear some houses in Mezrah, Iraq. He was injured due to gunfire and had to have his leg amputated. He has spent the last year and a half at Brooke Army Medical Center in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas in physical therapy with the final goal of running on a prosthetic leg and maintaining as much of his old lifestyle as possible. His motto is NEVER STOP!
Participant Cpl. John Hyland's vehicle was struck by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while he was on a patrol to rescue some of his fellow soldiers. He was injured on September 11, 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Muqdadiyah, Iraq. John is married with two beautiful young boys. "I'm thankful to Ampsurf for giving me the opportunity to get back in the water and to make lifelong friends in Pismo Beach," said Hyland.
Public Invited
A flag ceremony presented by Central Coast Leatherneck Honor Guard will open the surfing event at 8 a.m. on August 14 on the beach near the Pismo Beach Pier. The public is invited to come to the beach and show support for the veterans and local disabled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 14 & 15. The public is also invited to a Luau from
6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, August 19 at Mongo's Saloon Restaurant & Sports Bar in Grover Beach. Tickets for the Luau are $20 and all proceeds go to support this and other surf clinics put on by Ampsurf. Please contact Ampsurf via email ampsurfaas@yahoo.com to order your tickets.
Black Lake Resort is treating the veterans to a one-day golf clinic; Central Coast Kayaks will be taking the troops kayaking; and Pale Kia will take them Outrigger Canoeing. Alex's BBQ will host a Meet & Greet for all involved on August 13 at 7 p.m., the night before the clinic gets started. Martin Resorts has generously donated some rooms and discounted others for the event. Local organizations - 5-Cities Men's Club, the Grover Beach Rotary and the City of Pismo Beach have sponsored the event and the participants. Ride-On will be providing transportation to all of the events. Many others have stepped up to help but more support, financially and as volunteers, is greatly needed and appreciated. Please contact Ampsurf to find out how you can help.
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