An Occoquan non-profit is building relationships between community members and veterans.
Patriots for Disabled Divers (PFDD) has created an Adopt-A-Diver program.
PFDD was started by Jeff and Merial Currer in 2013. The non-profit offers scuba diving training to veterans with disabilities. Program participants don’t need to pay for the training. Because it costs $1,000 for each student, donations are very important.
“Over the last ten years, PFDD has had the privilege of assisting over 1,000 injured veterans in their recovery and reintegration into daily life through adaptive diving techniques,” Captain Jeff Currer (USN, Ret.) said in a press release.
Through its new Adopt-A-Diver program, donors will be paired with a veteran who is eligible to receive scuba diving training. They will meet in person or virtually and stay in contact during the program.
Prince William Marina Owner Carlton Phillips was the first to donate to the initiative.
“Through our programs, we’ve witnessed some amazing transformations and positive impacts on the people who have given so much for our country,” Occoquan Mayor and PFDD President Earnie Porta said in a release. “Donations like this from Mr. Phillips make these transformations possible and connect our military heroes with those who want to help.”
Additional information on PFDD can be found on its website.
