13 replies to this topic

[CowboyDiver]

I found this story on Fox News and I was inpressed!!!

Now what can we do?





Wounded Marine Uses Special Prosthetic Leg to Scuba Dive
Monday, April 07, 2008


AP/Florida Keys News Bureau


April 7: Jeremy Stengel, a 22-year-old Marine who lost his left leg as a result of a combat injury in Iraq goes scuba diving for the first time.

KEY LARGO, Fla. — A 22-year-old Marine, who lost his leg after combat injury in Iraq, used a special prosthesis Monday to scuba dive in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Jeremy Stengel of Waterford, Wisc., is part of a group of 14 soldiers with war-related injuries participating in Warrior Dive through Tuesday. The event is organized by the International Association for Handicapped Divers in conjunction with a Key Largo dive shop and other area businesses.
Stengel said the water leg prosthesis is more waterproof than the one he uses on land and features an artificial foot that can be extended so a dive fin can be used as normal. "This was my first day really diving, seeing all the sea life." said Stengel. "It was amazing." Stengel lost his leg in February 2007 while on a sweep for improvised explosive devices.

[pir8]

I never get enough of stories like this.

[diverb0b]

Great story!!

[ScubaSis]

Thank you for the wonderful story. I seem to think about the ones that are killed, but have not really thought about the men that are injured in this way. I am thankful this young man is one that is not letting his injury stop his life. I don't think I would do as well in that situation.

God Bless our men in Uniform!!!!

[CowboyDiver]

Thank you for the wonderful story. I seem to think about the ones that are killed, but have not really thought about the men that are injured in this way. I am thankful this young man is one that is not letting his injury stop his life. I don't think I would do as well in that situation.

God Bless our men in Uniform!!!!

I was thinking that we as SD's could help develop a program for the returning solders’ for the future! Any one with me?

[Bubbles]

Thanks for sharing the story. During the DUI DOG Days event at Blue Water Park this weekend there was a guy in line ahead of me with a prosthesis on one of his legs. I never saw him dive, but I was impressed to see him out there testing out a drysuit. It just shows that where there is a will there is a way.

[WreckWench]

Hey CowboyDiver....your timing is impeccible! We have been talking since last year about supporting Wounded Vets and our Bahamas trip group raised OVER 4K in pledges for that aim. We have partnered with a couple of oranizations...most recently DiveHeart.org and we are going to do handicapped diver training in Bonaire during our Single's Week AND we are going to offer once-in-a-lifetime training for those interested in becoming HSA dive buddies $50 includes materials etc. and $100 for instructors. This training is normally 5-10 times this amount.

I would hope that we would even have the GOAL of becoming a dive buddy organization for wounded soldiers, disabled and handicapped divers.

Why not? We are usually looking for a buddy? So are they. We know what its like to be the 'odd man/woman out or 3rd wheel'...and so do they. And we love to dive and so will they. The real thing they will be missing is DIVE BUDDIES...not the desire to dive nor the ability.

And hopefully WE can be there for them.

Wanna know something really cool I learned? Its not about strength...its about technique! That means that women can just as easily be a great dive buddy to a disabled diver as a guy.

So is anyone with me???

[dolphin lover]

Hey CowboyDiver....your timing is impeccible! We have been talking since last year about supporting Wounded Vets and our Bahamas trip group raised OVER 4K in pledges for that aim. We have partnered with a couple of oranizations...most recently DiveHeart.org and we are going to do handicapped diver training in Bonaire during our Single's Week AND we are going to offer once-in-a-lifetime training for those interested in becoming HSA dive buddies $50 includes materials etc. and $100 for instructors. This training is normally 5-10 times this amount.

I would hope that we would even have the GOAL of becoming a dive buddy organization for wounded soldiers, disabled and handicapped divers.

Why not? We are usually looking for a buddy? So are they. We know what its like to be the 'odd man/woman out or 3rd wheel'...and so do they. And we love to dive and so will they. The real thing they will be missing is DIVE BUDDIES...not the desire to dive nor the ability.

And hopefully WE can be there for them.

Wanna know something really cool I learned? Its not about strength...its about technique! That means that women can just as easily be a great dive buddy to a disabled diver as a guy.

So is anyone with me???

Kamala,

Let me know what I can do to help. I am friends with several dive ops in the South Florida area and would love to help plan something. I really wish I was going with you guys in Bonaire and could get buddy certified, but hopefully next time. Keep me posted.

[CowboyDiver]

Ok, then how about having a “wounded warrior” diving program and find some sponsors/agencies that would give training packs, equipment, airline, hotels, ect. That would be needed! I have trained 5 divers that were physically challenged and they love the freedom that diving gives them. So, let us fee them!!! Who is with me?????

[pir8]

Ok, then how about having a “wounded warrior” diving program and find some sponsors/agencies that would give training packs, equipment, airline, hotels, ect. That would be needed! I have trained 5 divers that were physically challenged and they love the freedom that diving gives them. So, let us fee them!!! Who is with me?????

Set it up, I'll help teach.

[KeithT4U]

I will do anything I can to help. Let me know and I will be there.



Keith

[CowboyDiver]

I was thinking about a large event next year! what do you think about a place and sponcers?

[Neptuner]

Awesome idea folks! I'm not an instructor, but if there's any other way I can help out, count me in!

[dustbowl diver]

This is great story! Thanks much for posting and THANKS to all our service personel!!