Wounded Warriors Dive With Whale Sharks, Manta Rays

ATLANTA, GA -- For a group of wounded veterans, no experience was needed before they dove into a six-million-gallon tank to swim with whale sharks, fish, and manta rays.

"I am not an experienced swimmer," said My Nguyen, a National Guard veteran, and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) alumnus. "I was nervous at first jumping off the dock, but the instructors gave thorough directives. It comforted me knowing the swim was slow paced."

WWP took the injured service members to swim at Georgia Aquarium to provide an opportunity to bond with other wounded service members. WWP's Alumni program helps provide shared experiences -- wounded veterans learn they are not alone in facing challenges, and they can create personalized support structures.

More than 100,000 wounded veterans, caregivers, and family members receive access to 20 direct WWP programs and services, all of which are free of charge.

"It was really awesome," said Daniel English, Marine veteran and WWP Alumnus. "Words cannot really describe it. A whale shark actually swam over to me, and bumped me."

"One of the large manta rays really enjoyed breaching right near the swimmers," Army veteran and WWP Alumna Michelle Goodnight said. "One time, she tried to roll me over with her wing."

"It was amazing how close the rays and whale sharks got," My said. "It was breathtaking."

For Daniel, the event brought back memories and created new ones.

"I used to watch nature shows with my dad while growing up," Daniel said. "This brought that all back. To be able to swim over one of the tunnels over my children and wave at them, it was really neat to see their faces."

That unique experience serves a purpose for My, Daniel, and the other wounded veteran participants.

"It is nice to have your brothers by your side," Daniel said. "People who know what you are going through."

"I'm glad that I am part of WWP because it helps me do different activities outside of the everyday struggle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and dealing with people," My said. "I can't wait for my next opportunity to engage with WWP!"