Wounded Warriors and Veterans in LA ‘Hanging 10’ on the Way to Recovery

Written by Call of Duty Endowment on December 13, 2011 – 2:02 pm -

Recently we had the opportunity to speak with Carly Rodgers of the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, a California-based non-profit that employs “an adaptive surfing program to assist individuals coping with mental and physical illness in accessing the ocean environment.” 

In addition to programs for at-risk kids and individuals dealing with the challenges of mental and physical illness, the Foundation provides therapeutic surfing programs in partnership with the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Camp Pendleton and for LA-area veterans in partnership with the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System.  The programs are designed to provide healing and build self-esteem and self-efficacy.  The programs’ benefits carryover out of the water and help our veterans and wounded warrior’s transition back to civilian life.

We spoke to Carly  about the foundation and about its benefits for the Wounded Warriors and veterans.  Some highlights of our conversation are below and you can find all of the info on foundation programs as well as opportunities to get involved at http://jimmymillerfoundation.org.   

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about the Jimmy Miller Foundation and the work you do?

Carly: First and foremost the foundation was put together in honor of Jimmy Miller, a waterman and ocean lifeguard that started the first surf instruction school in Manhattan Beach, CA.  In the words of Jimmy’s younger brother, ‘Every guy wanted to be him and every girl wanted to date him’.   

We are about bringing the pure surfing experience that Jimmy Loved to individuals in the community with needs.  The foundation started with programs for at-risk children and expanded to working with the Wounded Warriors and VA.

Q: On that note, can you tell me a little bit more about the programs you run at Camp Pendleton and for veterans in West LA?

Carly: The sessions are built around an ocean therapy program we developed, which is a therapeutic surfing program where we break sport down to meet any physical challenge and use the sport to build self-efficacy.  The Marines and Veterans are first taught the basics of surfing on-land and then learn to surf with a personalized surf instructor in the water. The sport is adapted to meet any and all limiting physical and/or emotional challenges, so that every participant is successful.

Q: What do you think are some of the main benefits that soldiers and veterans?

Carly: The main reaction from participants is real joy and feelings of elation.  The marines report greater self-esteem and immense pride that they were able to stand up on the board, catch a big wave, or have a few great rides.  Participants tell us that the benefits extend beyond the beach, reporting more positive feelings and even better sleep in some cases, which can be amazing for someone suffering from PTSD. 

Q: Beyond the physical and mental healing, how does surf therapy help our wounded warriors and vets in their day-to-day lives?

Carly: Participants have reported that the program helped them engage more socially.  For example many participants are taking advantage of the GI Bill to pursue education and they report being more social at school and in their communities.  This in turn can help them make an easier transition into the civilian world

Q: I see that your winter 2011-2012 Ocean Therapy Schedule is already filling up with events at camp Pendleton. Are there any other opportunities for veterans and their families to get involved with your programs?

Carly: We are always looking for ways to expand our programs through volunteer support or donations.  In addition to surf instructors we are looking for beach volunteers to help with photography, working with the press, general support and more.  Our ultimate goal is to expand to a year-long program and we will be adding Veterans programs in the spring and encourage folks to check back with us throughout the year at http://jimmymillerfoundation.org.


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