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Our Mission

Undersea Warriors is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to aide Servicemembers, Veterans, and First Responders  with a PTSD, anxiety or depression diagnosis by providing therapeutic scuba diving and marine conservation activities.  Our organization serves all Active Duty, Veterans, National Guard, Reservists and First Responders recovering from PTSD, anxiety or depression by paying for recreational and/or adaptive scuba diving lessons with local community scuba shops and participation in marine conservation activities across the United States.    Learn more and get involved.

  • 2024 Program Graduates
    2024 Program Graduates

    4

  • Enrolled in Program
    Enrolled in Program

    16

  • Cleanup Dives Performed
    Cleanup Dives Performed

    4

  • Total Program Graduates
    Total Program Graduates

    96

In 2011, Dr. Adam Kaplin and Cody Unser completed a scuba research study on ten paralyzed Veterans suffering from PTSD by having them complete their Open Water Diver scuba course certification. Over the four-day course, the Veterans completed several dives and noticed an 80% reduction in their PTSD symptoms.

A George Washington quote that really resonates on this issue is this: “the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” A striking statement such as this should be met with action, but it seems little has been done for our veterans, even in recent years.

More than a decade of war in the Middle East has made post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a very prevalent public health concern. Unfortunately, many veterans won’t seek help for PTSD, and it’s important to understand why this is and how we can reach those that need help.