affiliations
I was given an opportunity to spend time with these amazing people who incorporate water (skiing, wakeboarding, and more) into the lives of veterans as a means to bring peace to their lives and fellowship with others. The founder, Dave Deep, as well as the families who hosted us, have built something truly special as they travel the country providing invaluable services to at-risk heroes, giving them much needed time to heal the spirit.
I was a member of Class X in September 2017. Blessed with the opportunity to be part of a team including veterans and civilians, we trained hard to accomplish goals the doctors said couldn’t be done. ATF’s staff and trainers awakened within me a spirit to serve others and to make the impossible possible, not only in myself, but in a campaign to give others HOPE.
After 5 years, 25 days and 10.5 hours, I took my first steps with their encouragement. Upon graduation, I dedicated my time to speaking out about HOPE and how we can all encourage each other to embrace our stories and seek to be conduits of HOPE.
Chive seeks to find and celebrate people who are “making the world 10% better." I was honored to be a recipient of a grant from them to help me continue receiving my medical treatments. These IV treatments help keep my lungs strong enough to function independently, decrease the spasticity and pain I feel from the disease, as well as help my body to recover temporarily from the devastating effects of my body attacking itself.
We have worked together to inspire others through service and by sharing the message of HOPE.
My coach is Scott Benefield. He has been with me for about a year and a half now. He is a former pastor but he is also a 7 time Ironman finisher. You will see him in a lot of videos with me.
In my time at The Adaptive Training Foundation, I was introduced to several people within the organization and to their mission to bring HOPE back to the veteran and first responder population. Eliminating suicide as an option for our heroes is a calling for all, whether in service or civilian. In the time I spent with so many of our servicemen and women, I came to see my life in a new perspective with a calling to eliminate suicide. With at least 22 dying every day, I undertook an opportunity to bring awareness to the epidemic of suicide by completing a half Ironman.
Pam Barragan, founder of 2200Taps, seeks to help the veteran and first responder community find their voice through the darkness they experience and how music has an impact in their lives. She and I came together through the Adaptive Training Foundation and, as we spoke, realized my story might be of help too. Music has been such an instrumental part of my mental health but also my physical recovery.
