Amputee War Veterans Surfing Wave of Hope

PISMO BEACH, Calif., June 2, 2006 -- They lost limbs serving our country in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now 20 U.S. servicemen and women at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, are preparing for a new mission. On August 15 the amputee war veterans will travel to Pismo Beach, California, to put on wetsuits and experience the joy of surfing.

The idea started with a Navy Petty Officer who surfed much of his life and didn't want to give it up even though he lost a leg fighting in Iraq. Petty Officer Derek McGinnis contacted Operation Comfort and suggested that surfing might be good therapy for some of the injured veterans. Operation Comfort is a non-profit group that works with wounded servicemen and women at Brooke Army Medical Center by engaging them in adaptive sports and other activities.

"These veterans have given so much for us," Operation Comfort Director Janis Roznowski said. "I couldn't think of a better way to lift their spirits and help them experience what is still possible."

Petty Officer McGinnis and Roznowski called Amputee Surfing Champion Rodney Roller for advice and support. Roller organized a successful surf clinic for civilian amputees in 2004 and he was quick to jump on board.

"I feel so humbled by their service and their sacrifice," said Roller. "I want to help these injured veterans realize that there is life after disability." Roller soon generated a wave of support from the Pismo Beach community and the surfing industry.

Pancho's Surf Shop and North County Prosthetics are sponsoring the five-day surfing clinic. Eric McNeil's Pacific Surf School agreed to provide instruction. Billabong is supplying boards, wetsuits and volunteers. DAKINE is giving out backpacks and other surf accessories for the soldiers.

Nearly $37,000 is still needed for travel and housing expenses for the veterans, family members and necessary staff. If you would like to assist this effort to help amputee war veterans experience surfing, contact Janis Roznowski at http://www.operationcomfort.org or call 512-297-8972.