Key Largo Trip
December 2-9, 2008 
For the past 2 years the people of Key Largo, FL have gone out of their way to help wounded warriors and this year is no different. Ocean Divers and many other Key Largo businesses donated money for travel, dive gear, food, entertainment and Lodging so that five injuerd army soldiers and 6 Marines would be welcomed in style. The Army soldiers and two wives made a 20 hour drive from Ft. Campbell to be greeted by 14 miles of the locals waving flags outside their homes and businesses. It was a sight to see. The Marines flew into Miami from many different parts of the country. After checking into their beautiful ocean side rooms at the Islander Resort . The group met for dinner at Rib Daddy's Restaurant were they were surprised to eat with Jimmy Johnson. Rib Daddy's cooked up a huge spread of food to include lobster, prime rib, seared tuna, blackened tuna, crab cakes, and a gorgeous salad.
Day 2 Was a day to get gear fitted and get to know their fellow soldiers and new dive partners. They enjoyed a beautiful lunch at Rib Daddy's followed by a private tour of one of the world's greatest diving collection at the History of Diving Museum. Dinner was served at the American Legion post 333. Stories were told and memories remembered the new soldiers thanked the old for paving the way the old soldiers thanked the new for the sacrifice they pay.
Day 3 Fraser Bathgate (left) the Vice President of the International Association for Handicapped Divers gives guidance to new divers in the pool at Jacobes Aquatic Center. It is top priority to keep everyone safe and make sure that everyone knows the best way to work with their disabilities.
Island Dolphin's Care invited the soldiers to come for a swim with the dolphins. Dolphins have been known to have healing abilities beyond our knowledge. Scientists are trying to discover why dolphins can have a therapeutic effect on depression sufferers, and many other health problems. It is thought the underwater sounds made by dolphins to communicate may play a part in healing. The soldiers had the oppurtunity to spend the day swimming with and playing with the dolphines. It was really interesting to watch as the dolphins would take special care and seemed to know when poeple where hurting.
May we never forget the fallen and let them be lost in the sand.