The Wounded Warrior Battalion with the generous support of the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation gave surfing lessons to some veterans out at El Porto (Manhattan Beach, California) on October 20th. The wounded warrior Battalion provides assistance to wounded, injured or ill marines and sailors. Only one in three (1 in 3) combat troops will seek professional assistance for treatable disorders like combat operational stress and post traumatic stress disorder. The Battalion is comprised returning war veterans who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or suffer from PST. The Ocean Therapy Surf Sessions were developed to assist the Marines with their physical and mental rehabilitation by learning to surf and then discussing surfing and how it relates to life's everyday challenges. Volunteers from the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation provided the surf lessons which included land-based surf lessons before hitting the water. The first session was followed by a “kumbaya” session where the vets shared their feelings about the surfring experience. Volunteers came from various walks of life included some Los Angeles firemen who are also surfers. According to their website, the “Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 Foundation dedicated to honoring the life of our inspiration, Jim Miller, by supporting the healing of mental and physical illness through surfing and ocean related activities.” Jimmy’s parents - Jim and Nancy Miller – and his brother, Jeff, were a part of today activities, also, along with therapists from the VA. For more information check out: www.jimmymillerfoundation.org.

More information about the Wounded Warrior Battalion can be found at http://www.woundedwarriorregiment.org

Photos by Paula Lauren Gibson/AfroPix ©