KEY LARGO - For a second year, a group of wounded war veterans have graduated from a special class from Walter Reed Medical Center.
Like on the battle field, it's a program that requires team work and diligence. To finish their project the group recently traveled to Key Largo and ABC 7 went along for this rare look.
In a flash, they're lives changed forever. "We were guarding the diplomats and was injured by a roadside bomb, (cut to video of arm) which amputated my right hand in 2006, says J.D. Greer.
They all have their courageous stories of sacrifice, and now these veterans have chosen a new challenge. "We just have a common camaraderie and a common bond," says Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson.
This is the class of 2008, from Walter Reed Hospital and they're about to become scuba divers. For weeks, these seven wounded warriors have undergone schooling at Walter Reed. Now, they're in Key Largo, where they will train to complete the certification process.
So far, 80 wounded war veterans have received their dive certification since the program began last year. They do it with the help and funding from a group called "SUDS", or Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba.
"Water is the great equalizer. I"ve seen paraplegics, double amputees in the water operate comfortably and safely and they're able to progress, which they want to do to a higher level, says Greer.
Until now, their only underwater experience has been in a training pool at Walter Reed. This is the real thing. The Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Key Largo is their next challenge. Even though they've been trained to control their buoyancy and compensate for their disability, this week they'll learn to deal with other dynamics like currents, thermo clines and visability.
"In a sense we have all suffered serious injuries and that kind of narrows us down into a small group and regardless of the loss and disfigurement together, we all be through the same thing," says Gadson.
There are also moments when they pause with reverence and rememberance.
"Regardless of what you think of the war, these are our citizens coming home. We need to welcome them, give them a hug and do what we can to enrich their lives and show them how much we appreciate the sacrifices they've gien to our country, says Greer.
But it's their experience underwater that they embrace during this week of training. In the warm, friendly waters off Key Largo, it's a gravity-free flight over colorful gardens of coral and schools of curious fish. Their weightlessness gives them an advantage and a sense of freedom. Together as a team these wounded soldiers become underwater warriors.
"We leave with confidence not that we've got all the answers, but confidence we can work through whatever we face and that's really what life's about in my opinion, you're not going to have all the answers, but yo've got to battle, you've got to struggle through and you've got to deal with what life presents you," says Gadson.
The class of 2008.
The underwater photography was shot by ABC 7's Jarod Rogers.
