American Legion launches collaboration with Diveheart

"Every time I dive with Diveheart, I find another piece of myself."

- Greg Rodriguez, 27-year-old Marine veteran with traumatic brain injury

Submitted by Wendy Foster

American Legion Post 791 Northbrook has launched a collaboration with Diveheart.

A Downers Grove-based not-for-profit organization, Diveheart provides scuba diving instruction and opportunities for children, adults and veterans with disabilities.

American Legion Post 791 is donating space for Diveheart to use as its North suburban satellite office. Additionally, the leadership of the Post will help coordinate Discover Scuba Experience (DSE) programs for area veterans, giving them the opportunity to experience scuba diving.

The physical, mental and spiritual benefits of scuba for people with disabilities and wounded veterans are beyond measure.

"Science is increasingly supporting what we in the diving community know to be true," said Jim Elliott, president/founder of Diveheart. "This is the only sport in the world that has no gravity, along with all of the benefits that come along with that. Our disabled divers find that they can move body parts that they've never been able to move before. Range of motion improves immediately, circulation improves immediately. The pressure aspect of diving is thought to have benefits to individuals with traumatic brain injury. Wounded veterans have reported that after scuba diving, they're pain-free, perhaps for the first time in years. The self-confidence and independence achieved by participating in such a great sport is tremendous. The list goes on and on."

Rob Holt, commander of American Legion 791 said that the post is committed to helping area veterans become involved with Diveheart. Ultimately he said, he'd like for them to be part of a life-changing scuba adventure trip for veterans to either the Florida Keys or Cozumel.

For information, visit www.diveheart.org or call (630) 964-1983.

• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.