Marine Sgt. Andrew Manzi served two tours in Iraq. He returned home with a brain injury and some PTSD, lost and angry. But then he discovered the healing power of surfing, and wanted to give that same healing to other veterans. Manzi started Warrior Surf, a nonprofit that provides free six-week-long surf camps and therapy sessions to veterans. Because of his work, Manzi has been selected as a Top 10 CNN Hero for 2017.
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Surfing can be a way to decompress after a talk therapy session, said Manzi. When anxiety gets high, the water can have a calming effect for him and other vets.
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Since 2015, Manzi's foundation has provided free services to more than 300 veterans and active duty service members and their families.
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"Just being lifted up on that wave, it's like finding peace," said Warrior Surf participant Mike Lovett.
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The group has found that having therapy on the beach makes it more approachable for veterans. They aren't required to participate if they're not ready, but they are encouraged to work with the organization's therapist.
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The program is open to families because trauma doesn't affect only the veteran, Manzi said. "When we started, it was very veteran-based. We definitely were focusing on the veterans. But really quickly it became apparent that the whole family needs this stuff. We try to create an opportunity where the family can come back together again."
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Manzi was photographed on a cold and windy Veteran's Day at Folly Beach, South Carolina, during Warrior Surf's final class of the season on November 11, 2017.
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The group has become a support system. Manzi says it's just one avenue for veterans to see that trauma doesn't have to dictate the outcome of one's life. "I want them to take away a little bit of hope, because hope leads to courageous actions."
