Wounded Warrior Project held its stand-up paddleboard event Jan. 21 in St. Augustine to allow veterans in the program a chance to get out on the water and spend time with others.
The 10 veterans were able to maintain more than six feet of distance while still bonding with fellow veterans, enjoying each other’s company and the exercise that comes with paddling on the Salt Run near Anastasia Island.
Navy veteran Leo Yui, who fell in love with paddleboarding through WWP, now helps other veterans in the program embrace the activity.
“The reason I can help out is because somebody else helped me the same way,” Yui said. “A year and a half ago, they introduced me to paddleboarding, and ever since then, the minute I got to it, I started volunteering to help out and share the experience with other veterans in order for them to feel what I felt the first time.”
WWP provides a variety of veterans programs and services aimed at helping veterans improve their physical and mental health, as well as providing experiences and networking.
Being with other veterans was a big factor for Navy veteran Misty Taylor, who attended the paddleboard event.
“It was beautiful,” Taylor said of the experience. “Going around looking for marine life, chit chatting. Anytime I’m out with other veterans, I do feel a lot better because I feel safe, and this allows me to really interact with people because when I’m home, I don’t. I’m really isolated.”
Also, just being on the water and outdoors is a boost to the spirits.
“Being on the water is very peaceful,” Yui said. “It’s good for the mind and the body. To me, being able to paddleboard with other warriors, the water is just the connection that brings us together.”
For more information on the Wounded Warriors Project and the programs it offers, go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
