Warfighter Scuba is a nonprofit organization that offers scuba diving to Veterans that have been wounded in combat. Warfighter Scuba primarily operates in Roatan, Honduras, offering Veterans a seven-day experience where they become certified scuba divers and participate in swimming, diving, and fishing activities.
Roatan is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world and is a scuba destination year-round. The program includes round trip airfare, hotel lodging for six nights, food, unlimited scuba dives, and fishing and sailing. Scuba diving allows Veterans to alleviate physical pain. It is known to be a useful psychological outlet for those who have experienced trauma and stress during their service. The trips take place for one week each month from April to November.
Eligibility
Veterans from any North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country with post-traumatic stress disorder or physical wounds as a result of their combat are welcome to apply to Warfighter Scuba. The online application only takes a few minutes to fill out. Warfighter Scuba will contact applicants within a day or two. The group may request necessary medical and military documentation.
To apply, fill out an application. For more information, visit their website at www.warfighterscuba.org, or call Warfighter Scuba at the toll-free number 1-833-838-3483.
The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute as an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.
Written and edited by Heather Martin and Michaela Yesis, student interns working with VA’s Digital Media Engagement team. Graphics by Dominique Ramirez.
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This is a disgrace to our men and women in uniform flighting and bad mouthing each other for a free scuba travel.Grow up we all fourth for God and country.
Learn to read and click the link for more information. How do you all not see that???
My Name is Eddie Rivera,
I live at Tn. I am a certified scuba diver. I am interested to help in anyway i can. Just let me know.
Lost my right ankle my left knee on patrols in Bagram Afghanistan. I can get around but i limp bad 21yr retired security forces USAF. Can i scuba on a trip. (redacted). Call me with itenary or mission papers
MSgt Alan Collins
(redacted)
Nashville tn 37217
I am a Vietnam veteran. I was an infantry officer and have several Purple Hearts, a couple of Bronze Star medals, two Army Commendation medals, and Air Medal and a Vietnam Gallantry Cross. I’m a disabled veteran who suffers from PTSD. I sincerely doubt that scuba diving would help with PTSD but I’m willing to try anything. I don’t have a valid passport either (never had the need for one). I’m not sure that I qualify but it might be an interesting adventure.
I am a Vietnam Vet, served in 173rd Abn. Bde 65-66 have a number of lower and cervical spine injuries. I have PTSD. I am very interested in applying, please send information. For next opportunity, I am planning on 2 sets of surgerys, what is normal for healing time in terms of the physical demands of diving? Ball park guess is fine.
To everyone above writing messages in the VA blog. I’m sure you want your story to be heard however, I hope you read the entire article and clicked the link to fill out an application. I do not believe that writing a message on the VA blog will elicit a response from someone in this organization personally. Just lookin out. I love diving and hope ya’ll get the chance to do it. Cheers :)
I would be interested in Scuba diving and metal detecting locally in MA. I received my certification in 1987 when I was 13 years old. I wanted to be a diver in the Navy but it never worked out. I’m a member of DAV and VFW but no combat disabilities after service 6 years in the Navy. I do a lot of land metal detecting.
I would like to be considered for the program! I’m a Vietnam Vet and served with the 101st Airborne, I swim to stay in shape so this would be awesome and I could get my 10 grandchildren interested! Thanks, Pat
I saw their advertisement on VA news web site. I have a Vietnam combat service connected PTSD disability rating so I sent in their application along with supporting documents. Within seconds of submitting it I received a reply from them stating that I Did not meet their requirements for a free certification but they could offer me one at a discounted price! What does that sound like?
It sounds like you’re trying to milk the system
I’m Adjutant for DAV #125, Chico, CA. I hold PADI AOW; so, don’t need to be certified. I know some veterans who might be interested. Please send me more information. Thanks, Robert.
I was a CB who started in Diego Garcia with MCB-74 in Feb thru Nov of 1973 with a week in Bankok- We were not allowed to scuba but every chance I was snorkelling in the lagoon it was like a Jean Costeau special/ The natives were removed in 1970 or so I found out later it was an ugly ordeal. I grew up in rural NENY we had a great river the Batten Kill which was a serious creek in springtime to a walk across in fall, there was the part that had some great fishing, spring/summer had some great canoeing/ kayaking. After boot camp, we got the scuba bug and went to Lake George a high elevation lake that had a lot of US Revolution relics All divers respected look though leave alone.
This history of me shows CBs were Navy though no water was involved. Another thing about CBs we documented nothing So my PTSD and hearing were never in writing. I see a lot of comments that were bitter and whiney / I have been getting help for PTSD, shoulder, back, hip all training accidents (We CB’s trained for real and injuries were also real) After military service (regrets on re-upping for sure) I got a communication/ psychology BA, and kept working on an engineering- I did a lot of Case Management mainly juvenile and abuse situations and all my experience follows me to adulting in similar ways, I know that I don’t qualify for your program and I am not complaining- Good luck with the program and helping. (the time we did mil training it was ‘real’ enough for me- I wish I had documented the neck/ hip/ &back and other injuries Again best of luck and serious modalities to help our fellow veterans recover and repair and thank you for your expert use of repair tools ( no pun intented
I’d love to be considered, I live alone now with my two dogs now that my wife passed away 6 yrs ago, I don’t go out at all during winter. I am just a Combat wounded Helicopter Crew Chief/Door Gunner in the Nam (1969-70) Attached to Delta (5th SF). !00% since 1989 for PTSD. My only son just killed himself, he must have learned this from me for I shot meself (chest) while he was a small boy. I moved to the hills in the Ozarks now, alone. I love adrenaline, I’m in excellent shape, 165lbs, 6ft tall. Great swimmer. AlthoughI served in Germany 1968 until I 10-49ed (volunteered) to the Nam. Feel Free to Google my (Special) Combat Unit, pleazzze. It’s, 281st AHC. PS. 95% of my Combat Brothers are dead.
Sincerely,
David C. Gow
David’s you’re not a combat war veteran with service connection PTSD or a Purple Heart recipient. Thank you for your service and be thankful you didn’t serve in combat.
Daniel??? how can you say that, and if it is true then the restrictions are too many or not the correct ones, I read and think that David C. Gow more then qualifies [ he said that he was in NAM didnt he? Daniel? so what am i missing?], and if he wants to, should be allowed to get this SCUBA certification for free if it is true, and is being offered. I am USAF, And tell ya what, if he would contact me, I would be willing to pay for him if he is indeed refused to get this free offer, out of my own pocket. Daniel how you could say that about David after reading what he wrote about who he is, and what he went thru is beyond me! Howard down in South Florida.
What is your deal? Can’t read or bitter? The man said he WAS a Viet Nam Combat Injured Vet and PTSD Disabled…He looks like a prime candidate for this based on what I read above. What is your stake in this?
Been going to CocoView since 2012. Saw your shirts this year on the wall. Scuba is great way to get your head right.
Wanted to to write something negative because the VA has really screwed me. Guess I’m part of of the new forgotten. Panama and Desert Shield/Storm.
My wife (Best friend) love to dive.
Hope you do some good.
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-5098164
They took 10 vets to Honduras in 2018. Which is great! Anyone who helps 10 vets in year is definitely a hero.
But I don’t think that the VA giving thousands of veterans with PTSD (etc.) the impression that this is a “program” they qualify for (rather than a lottery) is a great idea.
like to get info on warfighter scuba
Hello. Please contact me.
Your site says you primarily operates in Roatan, Honduras. Do you also work in California?
More veteran BS that looks good but is bogus.
Really? Did you even look at what they do and who they have helped? Don’t be a dip sht.
I was one of the veterans who went on this trip last year. This organization is completely legit- don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. It was one of the best programs I’ve ever been a part of. But that’s just me, someone who has actually experienced this program personally (and ended up receiving my Advanced Diver Certification from this program while in Roatan).
I am a Air Force Veteran and Master Diver. Do you need any voluntary assistance with training/dives?
I was a commercial scuba diver between 1985 and 2005 and if an vet needs help in learning to scuba diver….I would be
happy to help. I am NOT a certified scuba instruction; however I have had over 25 years of diving….everything from cave
diving to commercial tropical fish collection. Logging over 4,000 hours underwater.
I was a soldier that served in peace time. From 1978 to 1984 which was 6 years as a National Guard. Many times I as others have found it to be very upsetting to be called weekend warriors when we signed our name as volunteers to serve our country. We to put our lives on the line. These are times you all forget were what was going on as we signed up in those days. The cold war, Viet Nam, was still questionable if we would have to go back to Nam; because the war may have ended in 1975, but things there where still hot, and with men still in POW camps. I can appreciate what you guys are doing, but to target a group, and not invite all our brothers is wrong. Do you think I am bitter because I didn’t go to war? We are all brothers in war and at home. Many a man I have pulled out of a gutter trying to drink themselves to death because they could handle the dreams PTSD. I think if your going to reach out to brothers invite all branches of serves. Offer to aid cost if they can’t afford it. Volunteers would love to participate, and maybe chip in or donate if you offer some housing. Maybe I should have just shut my mouth, but I want you to succeed in helping brothers. I’m sorry but I think all of us are getting separated by people who just reach out to the “visible” wounded like they are victims which can only sink them deeper inside themselves. All the war I’ve seen and been through with my family….my grandfather WWII, my uncles Korea, Nam, my brother over sea, and me at home. My grandmother, and aunt nurses. All I’m saying is when you call out to one…you are calling out to a family. Try to present it that way. You may not hear this 5 or 10 years down the road But…..Thank you for all your efforts this may warm your hearts in your old age. You are appreciated, and loved for what you do.
Best regards, David
David Olivera, You are not going to win over anyone, with your wanting what the Wounded men and women are being offered. You just sound jealous, without understanding why you’re not “Entitled”. Since my Father was Merrill’s Marauders, 173rd Airborne 1965 Vietnam, and retired out of the 82nd Airborne I do know of what others have given, and he did get any ‘special’ goodies. He and my Mother gave us the world with our traveling and living in Vietnam, Okinawa, and Thailand. I served in Korea and Vietnam. Our familys still have relatives in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Africa. So 6 years Stateside, a weekend a month, and two weeks in the summer in the Guard does not come close to losing a limb, vision, two limbs, arms, ability to walk or sleep well. You did have every chance to re-up and fight in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Africa with the men and women already there. Sincerely, Gary Owen Faas
This is something that I would love to do and would help me with my PTSD and TBI the only problem is that Child Support services has a block on my passport due to back child support payments which stopped me from going out of the United States until the rear payments owed is paid in full it is a sad shame that I can not travel outside the United States due to this unfortunate incident. If there was a way to be able to find help for a 100% disabled veteran to get this situation taken care of so I could go out of the United States and be able to get the help that I need it would be greatly appreciated maybe one day I will be able to do just that.
Im a Marine Corps Veteran interested in joining the next class for the scuba diving course all exspenses paid for.. Let me know when the next class starts.. Thank you very much.
They only assist special forces personnel that have been wounded in combat and have visible external injuries.
Wrong. I was not special forces and went on a trip last year with them. Read the information before spreading misinformation.
How much would it cost a disabled vet that wasn’t combat related but TCE poisoning [no balance organs and deaf]? Or is that disqualifying?
I know a certified diver that has the desire to live in Honduras and has completed almost everything she needs to be an instructor. Are there any job openings and if so were would I point her to read the details?
The link is broken. Comes up Error establishing a database connection.
I was hurt by the 82 airborne in the us i feel like i should be able to have the same benefits as the combat wounded as I was heart by out own forces. Why is every thing for the purpler harts.
Alan: i think that your right, and it should not, wounded while in any US service should qualify a person i think, and if not, then it is not being done right, and should then be corrected. having any service connected injury is the same to whom it happened, and in some cases live with it for the rest of their lives! period, end of story. And to do it any other way would be wrong, very wrong!
Another amazing bait and switch, only because it’s not the WWP. 10 guys in 2018, wowieee. How many applicants got denied, but offered a “low” cost alternative?????? I was.
Also laughable in this thread is the “Send me more infos…” Dope. Post-service I’m sure.
As in every vet crowd, there’s some Adam Henry looking for a sucker to pay of his child support, a few no-load peacetime reservists who *think* a Combat Arms MOS gives them a pass, and the obligatory Walter Mitty.
Y’all don’t need SCUBA. Y’all NEED Jesus. Seriously.
Warfighterscuba.org seems to be broken. I cannot get to the website. It seemed to be a great benefit, but if the link it broken it is useless.
I am interested , I took a coarse in 2010 which got me the first level of scuba, would love to be closer to master diver an possibly recovery , while I am eligible , honorable discharged in 2013 and hoping this is still possible .