Lockheed Martin Awards Wounded Iraq and Afghanistan Combat Veterans Fighting Spirit Scholarships
Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Adam Keys is the recipient of Lockheed Martin’s inaugural Fighting Spirit Scholarship for wounded veterans.
HOOD Sailmakers to Support Warrior Sailing Program This Fall
HOOD Sailmakers, designers and manufacturers of high-quality, long lasting, durable sails, has announced that during the months of October and November proceeds from new sail orders and service work will be donated to the Warrior Sailing Program.
Through introductory basic training camps to world-class sailing programs, the Warrior Sailing Program facilitates getting veterans on the water as an opportunity to provide physical, mental and emotional therapy for a variety of injuries and illness. Sailing provides an outlet to cope with the long term effects of PTSD, brain injury, amputation, paralysis and nerve damage. It also provides the warrior sailors a forum to express their most natural abilities: teamwork and competitive drive.
Wounded Veterans Use Sailing as an Outlet
The Annapolis Yacht Club recently hosted the Warrior Sailing 3-day basic training camp. The goal of these training camps is to introduce sailing to warrior wounded during active duty.
After their initial training, the soldiers participate in a race and many go on to complete higher level techniques and compete with the Warrior Sailing Racing Team.
Warriors Set Sail Beyond Their Wounds in Annapolis
Three day basic training program in Annapolis gives wounded warriors a chance to set sail. The Warrior Sailing program has graduated over 130 veterans in similar three-day events across the country: San Francisco, Charleston, San Diego, Galveston and more.
Each of the boats can be custom fitted to accommodate the needs of the wounded sailors. Along with physical injuries, about 75 percent of the veterans they have worked with suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.
Warrior Sailing Introduces the Lockheed Martin Fighting Spirit Scholarship
Warrior Sailing Program of the USMMA Sailing Foundation is pleased to announce the Lockheed Martin Fighting Spirit Scholarship to aid wounded veterans of the United States armed services. The Lockheed Martin Fighting Spirit Scholarship provides support for the honored recipients to earn a Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification through the Basic and Advanced Training within the Warrior Sailing Program. Honorees will be introduced as part of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl activities Dec. 23 in Fort Worth.
Video on the Warrior Sailing Program
The Warrior Sailing Program introduces wounded, ill, and injured service members to the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. Being part of the Warrior Sailing Program is a once in a lifetime chance for some of these soldiers.
It gives them skills and experiences they can continue to use and build upon. This short video will give you a glimpse into the Warrior Sailing Program.
Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress
Many veterans returning home suffer from some form of post traumatic stress. Many new treatment for PTSD are being explored including the Warrior Sailing Program.
The physical and mental challenge of learning to sail provide great relief to soldiers. The time spent sailing together adds to the comradery between the veterans.
The Sailing Warrior’s Way
Supporting disabled veteran’s is the sailing warrior’s way. The Warrior Sailing Program is the lead sailing program in adaptive sailing opportunities for wounded members of the armed services.
In addition to supporting soldiers during race week, the USMMA Sailing Foundation also focuses on fundraising and continuing to include the warriors in the sailing community.
Charleston Race Week Begins with Poor Sailing Weather
Charleston Race Week, the country’s biggest sailing regatta was threatened this year by inclement weather. The Wounded Warrior Sailing Team was not discouraged by the bad weather.
One of the Wounded Warrior sailors, Matthew Cosmas, says, “The water and the wind is the equalizer. So if I was running a race, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with someone that was non-disabled, but when it comes to sailing, it equalizes.”
Warrior Sailing Team Impresses at Sperry Charleston Race Week
The Warrior Sailing Team performed well at the recent Sperry Charleston Race Week. Despite the physical disabilities of blind and amputee team members, the veterans finished third in their division.
The wounded veteran team members all have different physical disabilities, but lean on each others strengths to overcome their own weaknesses.
