Wounded Marines Will Hit The Waves For Surf Lessons at San Onofre State Beach

By MIRNA ALFONSO (PATCH STAFF) In 2007, Ryan Voltin, a Marine Cobra helicopter pilot, was badly injured while deployed to Iraq, suffering severe burns and losing his left leg below the knee.

This weekend, he will be surfing, as part of a Semper Fi Fund event at San Onofre State Beach.

Voltin will be part of a group of 25 injured veterans of Team Semper Fi (TSF) that will hit the beach for the Surf Camp - Semper Fi Fund , where he will hone his water skills and learn from the pros at Waves of Impact.

The event will cover three days and the surfers will learn more than just carving the waves and walking the board.

According to Semper Fi's Alicia Selitti, "they’ll take home lessons that will help them navigate their recoveries."

The event is set for Marc18 to March 20 at San Onofre State Beach on Camp Pendleton;

Waves Of Impact works on the theory that water sports can help to reduce anxiety and stress and offers free surf camps for children and service members with special challenges.

When Voltin was injured, he was immediately flown to San Antonio for recovery; and a Semper Fi Fund case manager was already there by his bedside when his 7-months-pregnant wife Pam and two daughters arrived to meet him.

“Semper Fi Fund is close to my heart and my wife’s heart,” he explained. “I spent three years in San Antonio recovering, and [case manager] Cheryl was always right there.

"Before we could turn to ask a question or express a need, Semper Fi Fund had anticipated it, whether it was adaptations, bringing family members in for surgeries… I can’t ever remember having to reach out and ask.

But being a Marine, he wanted new challenges, he explained.

Last October, he ran a 10K in the Marine Corps Marathon, as a member of Team Semper Fi.

“Work was good, family was good, but I’m a Marine: I needed a challenge,” he said.

“I’m ok with spending the whole weekend getting tossed around in the waves,” he said. “Recovery is a continual struggle.

"Reconnecting with Marines, with all Team Semper Fi members is a way to re-energize, and help us all face those struggles.”

Photo courtesy of Semper Fi Fund