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HURRICANE — Scuba divers from all over the state participated in an underwater competition to benefit veterans Saturday.
The event was a fundraiser to help veterans learn how to dive and become certified, held at the popular Sand Hollow Reservoir in Hurricane.
The scuba diving also served as a type of therapy for some. Marine Sgt. Erin Sundstrom, who served two tours in Iraq, said scuba diving was almost a life-saver.
"I had PTSD pretty bad and I didn't want to go anywhere, do anything," Sundstrom said. "I sat on the couch and that was kind of it. It kind of got me out of my bubble and got me going things again. It was good."
Dozens of scuba divers participated, including a number of wounded veterans. They were timed as they navigated through a 5-step underwater obstacle course.
Dive Alliance, a non-profit group based in Salt Lake City, works with disabled vets by getting them involved with diving.
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The Dixie Divers Store in St. George organized Saturday's event and took care of all the equipment and instruction costs in the hopes that the vets will continue on and get their open water certification.
For a number of these vets, turning their attention away from the effects of war is a big deal.
"Activity in general helps take your mind off of what you might be dealing with," said Neil Faddem, who served in Iraq.
"When you're underwater the whole world is peaceful and quite," said Shelly Mackun of Dixie Divers. "There really isn't another place on earth where you can get that solitude."
For these veterans who are learning something new, they said the support from others means a lot.
"What you learn about yourself is that because you have the support there's nothing that you can't accomplish," said Vietnam veteran Stevan Manchego.
The entry fees from dive teams helped to certify six soldiers.
