Patriots For Disabled Divers

Patriots For Disabled Divers Patriots for Disabled Divers is dedicated to bringing the joy of scuba diving to individuals with disabilities. Everything just wants to live.

TO DONATE, PLEASE GO TO: https://www.patriotsfordisableddivers.org/donate/ A 2011 study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found, “veterans with spinal cord injuries who underwent a four-day scuba- diving certification saw significant improvement in muscle movement, increased sensitivity to light touch and pinprick on the legs, and large reductions in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sympt

oms.” In 2016, The New York Times reported on the benefits of scuba diving for veterans suffering from PTSD: “Traditional medical approaches generally rely on drugs and controlled re-experiencing of trauma, called exposure therapy. But this combination has proved so unpopular that many veterans quit before finishing or avoid it altogether.” On the other side of the coin, one Iraq War veteran who survived being shot in the head told The Times, “There are no bad memories in the water. It made me want to live again.” In addition to the scientific findings, we’ve heard firsthand from hundreds of disabled divers telling us they feel less anxiety, fewer headaches, and a feeling of freedom that was previously missing from their life. We’ve seen vets with PTSD change from emotionally shut down and compartmentalized to open and engaged. Underwater, divers experience weightlessness, and for those suffering from severe injuries, this can make a huge difference - reducing swelling, taking pressure off joints, and reducing back and neck pain. Our divers tell us being underwater helps them filter everything out and just breathe. The social aspect of scuba for people with mental and physical disabilities is also transformational. Often people isolate themselves and struggle in silence. We pair disabled divers with people they can relate to, divers who are experiencing similar issues. Also, scuba diving is always done with a buddy. This could be a loved one, an instructor or a large group bonding experience. Whether a person was injured in an accident, as the result of disease, or is a veteran of war, scuba diving can help. Support Patriots for Disabled Divers and help us expand the possible for disabled people one diver at a time.

05/18/2026
Just completed a wonderful week of diving, focused on conservation and camaraderie with 8 amazing PFDD alumni and the wo...
05/15/2026

Just completed a wonderful week of diving, focused on conservation and camaraderie with 8 amazing PFDD alumni and the wonderful team from the Veteran’s Immersion Program at the GA Aquarium. Thanks to them, Sea Dwellers Dive Shop, Reef Renewal, and the Home Depot Foundation for making this possible.

Participants also earned four PADI specialty certifications. Boat Diver, Fish Identification, Dive Against Debris, and Coral Reef Conservation.

PFDD gives disabled Veterans access to the underwater world by providing them with the opportunity to get certified as PADI scuba divers. These trips would not be possible without the support of these amazing partners.

Our latest Rashguard fundraiser has begun and we are going back to the full color logo on a Coyote Brown loose fit, unis...
05/09/2026

Our latest Rashguard fundraiser has begun and we are going back to the full color logo on a Coyote Brown loose fit, unisex Rashguard.

The Coyote Brown is in honor of all our Veterans of the conflicts in the Middle East, Iran and Afghanistan.

ORDERS CLOSE ON SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026 at NOON!

Cost will be:

Small to XL - $40.00
2XL - $42.00
3XL - $44.00
4XL - $46.00

If you would like to purchase one, CONTACT THE AFFILIATE DIVE SHOP THAT YOU TRAINED WITH OR THE ONE CLOSEST TO YOU AND PLACE YOUR ORDER WITH THEM. You can find our list of affiliates on our website.

I will place the order for all the Rashguards on Monday, May 18, 2026 and expect shipping to the affiliates around the 2nd week of June.

There is a lot of spam and people stealing shirt designs and selling for personal profit on social media. Please do not buy these online from anyone as they will be fake and the money will not go to support our nonprofit.

Thank you for your support of PFDD!

Congratulations to Brandon and Dan for earning your PADI Open Water Dive certification with our affiliate The Scuba Shop...
04/01/2026

Congratulations to Brandon and Dan for earning your PADI Open Water Dive certification with our affiliate The Scuba Shop of Mesa, Arizona in preparation for your retreat with our partners at Deep Sea Valkyries!

Welcome to the joy, adventure, camaraderie and therapy of scuba diving!

📸Dobson Ayerule

Congratulations to Chris and Joey for earning your PADI Rescue Certification with our amazing affiliate Space City Dive ...
03/30/2026

Congratulations to Chris and Joey for earning your PADI Rescue Certification with our amazing affiliate Space City Dive Center in Houston!

Being a Rescue diver makes you and other divers safer, and more confident in the water. You are now ready to take the next step and become a PADI professional by enrolling in the Divemaster course.

A huge thanks to Colonial Downs and Rosie’s Gaming for the generous donation to PFDD. Your contribution will give more t...
03/15/2026

A huge thanks to Colonial Downs and Rosie’s Gaming for the generous donation to PFDD. Your contribution will give more than ten Veterans the amazing opportunity to experience the joy, adventure, camaraderie and therapy of scuba diving.

Thanks to our new PFDD Board President Allie and Treasurer Russ for representing us yesterday at the presentation.

Here is the video from our PFDD Alumni dive today in the Georgia Aquarium Ocean Voyager exhibit thanks to The Home Depot...
03/12/2026

Here is the video from our PFDD Alumni dive today in the Georgia Aquarium Ocean Voyager exhibit thanks to The Home Depot Foundation.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Another amazing group of PFDD divers were able to enjoy swimming with the whale shark and giant mantas in the Georgia Aq...
03/12/2026

Another amazing group of PFDD divers were able to enjoy swimming with the whale shark and giant mantas in the Georgia Aquarium thanks to the support of The Home Depot Foundation.

Divers from our affiliates Calypso Tampa, Patriot Diving , and Space City Dive Center got to swim with the gentle giants and other marine life in the Ocean Voyager exhibit.

PADI

Thank you to Mike, Dianne and Justin for your generosity in supporting our mission to bringing the joy, adventure, camar...
02/07/2026

Thank you to Mike, Dianne and Justin for your generosity in supporting our mission to bringing the joy, adventure, camaraderie and therapy of scuba diving to the disabled Veteran community.

We appreciate your support and that of the team at Semper K9!

We were proud to present the proceeds from our Washington Commanders Ticket Vetrans Charity Raffle to two outstanding charities: Patriots for Disabled Divers and Semper K9 Assistance Dogs. While we always hope to raise even more for these incredible organizations, we are pleased to present checks of over $2,100 to each in support of their important missions.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the raffle this past season—your support truly makes a difference.

Just a few days left to apply! Don’t wait until the last minute as the application takes a little thought. Reach out if...
12/27/2025

Just a few days left to apply! Don’t wait until the last minute as the application takes a little thought. Reach out if you have any questions!

Only a few days remain to apply, don't miss your chance!

Applications are now live for our 2026 Veteran/First Responder Retreat, Operation Patton's Prayer (May 22-29, 2026) and will remain open through midnight (EST), December 31st. Visit our website www.deepseavalkyries.com to apply.

📸:

This is your last chance to win this VIP package for the Commanders-Cowboys game on Christmas Day. All proceeds for this...
12/18/2025

This is your last chance to win this VIP package for the Commanders-Cowboys game on Christmas Day.

All proceeds for this raffle are split between PFDD and Semper K9 Assistance dogs.

Only 64 tickets sold so far for the Commanders Cowboys game. Drawing is tonight. The odds are great and all proceeds go to Charity.

Win two tickets to the Game!

Address

305 Mill Street, Unit B-1
Burke, VA
22125

Telephone

+17039303586

Website

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