Wounded warriors from all over the country are gathering in San Diego to experience a different type of basic training.
They’re setting sail towards improving their lives.
The Warrior Sailing program is building relationships and eliminating barriers as wounded, ill and injured service members of all military branches are put to the test and developing new skills.
Veterans and active service members wounded while serving our country are back at basic training, but it’s nothing like what they’re used to dealing with on a military base.
It’s called the Warrior Sailing Program, a maritime class where students take away more than just the basics of managing a boat. They learn how to build social and job skill development such as leadership, teamwork and self-reliance.
"One of the greatest things about this sport that I love is I get to leave my wheelchair behind and get out on a sail boat like everybody else," said founder, Jen French.
Students in the class come from all branches of the military. The program helps them connect with other wounded warriors as they learn a new skill to help them heal.
“They find with the disabilities that they come back with, whether it’s a brain injury or PTSD or an amputation, they find the water to be very therapeutic for them and this is a great recreation sport,” said French.
Safety is key in this three-day camp. Some are learning to face their fears and conquer a new skill.
program “It gives them the opportunity to kind of leave their injuries behind, get out on the water and just experience a new sport,” said Cory Kapes, manager, Warrior Sailing Program.
Once they are trained, service members have the opportunity to take what they learned to the next level…and many do, advancing into competitive sport.
“What’s more fun than learning a sport and then seeing how good you are,” he said.
More than twenty wounded veterans and active service members have signed up for the program.
The training is taking place this week at the San Diego Yacht Club.
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