One of the strengths of VOA is that most of our volunteers are veterans themselves who want to continue serving in the community. Carla is a #MissionContinue Fellow who just finished her fellowship with us a few months ago and she is still an active volunteer. Thank you for your service Carla! #GiveMiamiDay Carla’s story Veterans Ocean Adventures (VOA) is a South Florida-based non-profit organization that provides opportunities for disabled veterans to experience the peaceful, healing powers of water through activities such as sailing, scuba diving and kayaking. The organization’s mission is to help veterans cope with isolation, depression, emotional and physical disabilities by participating in water-based activities—with other members of the military--that build confidence and camaraderie. I learned about VOA while serving on active duty at US Southern Command in Miami, FL. As a volunteer for this organization while on active duty, I was privileged to work with many veterans, primarily through the scuba diving program. This experience was extremely rewarding for me. It gave me pleasure to volunteer for a great cause, and it reminded me of the unique camaraderie that is only found in our nation’s military. I was also able to give back to the community by assisting disabled veterans and providing them the opportunity to experience being under water, floating in a pool, as well as the open ocean. Shortly after my active duty tour in Afghanistan, I separated from the Army and moved to Miami. I reconnected with friends who were associated with VOA and was invited to volunteer. While volunteering, I learned about “The Mission Continues.” This initiative sponsors 9-11 veterans and allows them to conduct fellowships with local non-profit organizations with the intent of helping them reintegrate into community programs and becoming active members of civilian society. I decided to apply for a fellowship with “The Mission Continues,” while serving with VOA. This has proved to be the best opportunity I have ever been a part of. Since I recently separated from the Army, I felt very passionate about the mission and was truly humbled by my experiences and the ability to rehabilitate former service members. During my fellowship, I was able to find the sense of commitment and responsibility that I had been longing for since leaving the Army. I have been able to positively impact local community heroes of Miami, and bring them joy by providing them an opportunity to utilize the water as a form of therapy as well as a safe venue for social interaction. The brave men and women I have worked with have been able to interact with other veterans and share experiences that only fellow veterans could understand and comprehend. Working with VOA was often challenging. Capt. Branson Rector continuously motivated me and allowed me to take the lead on many projects which enabled me to reach my full potential as a leader and role model to very deserving veterans. I am thankful for his mentorship and his trust in me to get the job done. The feeling of accomplishment is more than I could have ever asked for. Serving with VOA has enabled me to grow, both professionally and personally. I have established an ever growing network of people who I can rely on, and hopefully work with in the future. The VOA mission is one, which must never be forgotten as it ensures that veterans are given a sense of belonging and appreciation. As a veteran, because of VOA, I am thankful for organizations that cater to the needs of the men and women who sacrifice everything to protect the freedoms of the citizens of the United States of America, and I will continue to serve my community in this capacity for the rest of my life.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:53:00 +0000
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