Shredding adversity: surfing helps wounded warriors recover

Service members often encounter physical, psychological and emotional adversity when protecting their country's freedom. The injuries sustained both on and off duty require recovery in many forms – including physical competitions, religious programs, community outreach opportunities, behavioral health and more. Some may only need a surfboard and a wave to ride.

Veterans, recovering service members and their loved ones attended the 12th annual Operation Amped Surf Camp at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Aug. 17-19. Thirteen wounded, ill or injured service members attended the three-day event, allowing the wounded warrior community a recreational recovery outlet.

Operation Amped is a nonprofit organization that promotes surf therapy to aid wounded, ill and injured veterans and active-duty service members as they recover.

According to Joseph Gabunilas, Operation Amped co-founder and retired Army service member, the program exists to provide a positive change in a participant's future. Operation Amped accomplishes its mission by providing surf training once a year to wounded warriors, family members and veterans.

"It's a good way to keep that negative stuff out of your mind while catching a wave," retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. David Simons, a participant at Operation Amped, said. "Surfing has given me a goal, something to work toward and keep my focus straight."

The organization began in September 2006 and helped nearly 300 recovering service members, veterans and their loved ones. Along with the support and attendance of family members and friends, that number has now reached the thousands, Gabunilas said. Having both the recovering service members and their loved ones in attendance can provide the therapy needed to overcome the trials and tribulations they may be experiencing, such as the loss of fellow service members in and out of combat, overcoming pain and physical injury.

"Ocean therapy is good for the mindset," Simons said. "It's good for those that have difficult issues they're dealing with."

Provisions come from volunteers and supporters who donate their time, surfboards, wetsuits, food, tents and tables.

"This is my way of giving back," Gabunilas said. "I served 21 years, and this is another way I can give back to the brave men and women fighting for our country."