Hello!

My name is Patrick and I am new to diving. I was introduced to scuba diving through an organization for disabled veterans called the Wounded Warrior Project. I was injured about 6 years ago in Iraq and my life took a steep dive for the worse after that. It became harder to do just about anything, though I did have all my fingers and toes so the Army was reluctant to treat me at all and even down right refused in some instances. Anyway, the Wounded Warrior Project invited several veterans, and myself, to get our PADI Open Water scuba diving certifications. I will be testing for the certification next weekend! I haven't been this excited about anything in a long time! I've also been approached by an organization called the Warrior Scuba project to start a dive team for veterans here in New Jersey where I live. It feels so great to be doing something that, I think, can make a difference, and for the better! After spending 3 years in Iraq, I was a wittness to the worst humanity has to offer. I saw a lot of things that I would rather have not seen. I want to be remembered not for what I destroyed, but for what I helped create and that is part of the reason I have decided to continue to scuba dive after I receive my certification. I want to make a difference, I want to leave a lasting impact, and a cleaner world for future generations, not one filled with hate, suffering, and destruction. Humanity is better than that, and it's high time we learned from our mistakes. I'm looking to get involved in conservation efforts in my area and I heard about Project AWARE through PADI. I hope I've found what I'm looking for. I have a picture of myself attached to this blog entry. It's nice to meet you!