One of the people who began working with the WAVES Project in the early days is Waco Merchant – US Marine Corps veteran and an SSI Assistant Instructor. Waco is also a veteran who received injuries to his body while serving, including cracked vertebrae and injuries to his knee and shoulder resulting in several surgeries.…

Sergio Velasquez enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1997 where he met his wife Mirlein who also served. They are both retired and have built a beautiful life together. He says the WAVES Project gave him hope that there were other forms of help than therapy and taking medication.

SSG Jeffrey Pickard served 15 1/2 years in military service between the Navy and the Army. He received the Purple Heart for injuries suffered in Iraq.

Kristopher Moorehead joined the US Coast Guard in 2006 – his grandfather served in Vietnam and was a big influence on him, Kris says he is the main reason he wanted to serve. He served for 7 1/2 years defending our coast and was stationed all around the United States and US territories . He…

In 2000 at the age of 28, Richard approached his wife about his need to change up life a little. “I had a great deal of pride and a deep sense of patriotism and knew it was time for a change”.

Patrick served in the Marine Corp for 4 years completing several deployments to Afghanistan. Many members of his family have served, including his grandfather who served during WWII. Now an active diver and WAVES Project Volunteer.