As Americans celebrate the July Fourth Holiday, the flags and fireworks are a reminder of those who fought to free our country from tyranny, and the men and women who continue to preserve American freedom.
U.S. military veteran Dave Deep has made a life of honoring his fellow veterans with a unique organization called Wake for Warriors, a water sports therapy program for injured veterans.
Wake for Warriors partners with MarineMax at Lake of the Ozarks for an annual wake surfing event, giving injured veterans from across the country an opportunity to wake surf, while building lasting bonds.
The local Lake community can contribute to the cause through July 7, by buying raffle tickets for MarineMax's $1,000 boat fuel giveaway or by calling 573-365-5382 to arrange a donation.
Deep started Wake for Warriors in 2012, when he found solace in water sports after returning home from several tours in Afghanistan.
“When I came back I found that the best way for me to relax and enjoy life was to get behind the boat and hit the water," Deep said. "It had kind of a calming effect and I wanted to share that with other veterans.”
Deep wanted to share the healing he found on the water with other veterans and Wake for Warriors was born.
After a decade, the group is still going strong with dozens of events with hundreds of participants across the country.
“Most of them have never done any water activity, especially post injury so a lot of them are apprehensive, you can see it on their faces that they’re not quite sure they can do it," Deep said. "But by day four they’re all high-fiving and hugging each other, exchanging phone numbers and keeping in touch. It’s more than just watersports."
After learning about the cause, the MarineMax Lake Ozark crew stepped up to bring Wake for Warriors to Lake of the Ozarks. Since then the MarineMax family and generous donors have given more than $100,000 to the cause.
“It was probably one of the model events. The folks at MarineMax are amazing," Deep said. "We have a great receptive community and a lot of donated items and money to help support our cause. Everyone at Lake of the Ozarks has been awesome.”
The event historically has drawn enough donations to cover all expenses for the warriors (including food, lodging, gear and travel) and raises much-needed funds to continue the mission of Wake for Warriors as deep travels across the country.
“The best part is getting to meet such awesome people and getting to share their stories and being part of their lives not just on the water but off the water," Deep said. "Knowing that you’ve impacted their lives is life changing for them and me as well."
Anyone interested in donating to the cause, should call MarineMax-Lake Ozark at 573-365-5382.
PHOTOS: Wake For Warriors Surfs Ha Ha Tonka Cove With MarineMax
Wakesurfing and wipeouts came to the Lake of the Ozarks at Midwest Coast Wakesurf Open for Wake for Warriors sponsored by MarineMax! Check out the photos below!
Photos by Lake Shots Photography -- photos copyright protected -- feel free to share our watermarked low-res images, but to purchase high-res images, email us at lakeexpo@yahoo.com
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