[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Screen-Shot-2016-07-21-at-1.12.12-PM.png” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=”Volunteers supported about 42 veterans in entering the water in Huntington Beach to experience the benefits of surfing via the “Waves of Valor” Veterans Surf Camp on July 16. ” captionposition=”right”] Veterans enrolled in VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS) and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS), with support from Team Red, White and Blue (team RWB), took to the waves in Huntington Beach to leave issues of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, post-traumatic stress and low vision and blindness on the shore.
“Combining the best parts of VA and our community support for our nation’s veterans, the goal is to separate the word ‘dis-‘ from ‘ability’ and expose our veterans to the possibilities that remain for a full, healthy and meaningful life post-injury,” states a press release from VALBHS.
Among the programs for veterans, the VA provides recreation therapy service, an activity-based, patient-centered service that integrates function, quality and meaning to one’s life through art, dance, music and recreational activities.
As one aspect of that program, VAGLAHS and VALBHS partners with Team RWB to host a series of veteran surf camps called “Waves of Valor.” Team RWB is a nonprofit organization that provides physical activities and social connections as tools for veterans in their reintegration from active duty and recovery from combat wounds.
The surf camps are for veterans who have been injured in service and those who are receiving care at the VA.
Source: LB VA
