Surfing the Pacific Ocean might seem like an unlikely form of therapy, but for Navy veteran Peggy Elzie, it has become a symbol of resilience and renewal. Diagnosed with PTSD and Multiple Sclerosis, Elzie never imagined she would ride the waves again. Yet, at the 18th annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego, she did just that—proving that adaptive sports can be a powerful tool for healing. Her journey highlights the transformative potential of activities like surfing for veterans coping with both visible and invisible injuries.

The clinic, which spans five days, brings together 150 recently injured veterans to participate in adaptive sports such as surfing, kayaking, and cycling. These activities are specifically designed to support physical rehabilitation and emotional recovery. For Elzie, who served aboard the USS Ronald Reagan from 2005 to 2011, the experience was more than just a physical challenge. It was a step toward reclaiming a part of herself she thought was lost.

“It’s a lot harder than it looks,” Elzie admitted, “but it feels empowering. It feels like I can continue to thrive after doing something that I never thought I could do.” Her words reflect the uplifting mood of the event, where veterans push past limitations and rediscover their strength. I found this detail striking—how something as simple as standing on a surfboard can become a profound act of defiance against injury and trauma.

Elzie’s story is not just about personal triumph. It also underscores the importance of community and connection among veterans. The clinic fosters a sense of camaraderie that many participants have missed since leaving the military. “Meeting everyone from all backgrounds is incredible,” Elzie said. “We listen about their experiences with their home life, military life and life after the military. We all have different personalities and come together as one. It reminds me of being back in the military.”

This sense of shared experience is especially meaningful for those coping with conditions like PTSD, where feelings of isolation can be overwhelming. The clinic creates a space where veterans can support one another, offering empathy and encouragement without judgment. Elzie emphasized this point, noting that the best part of the event was the solidarity among participants. “Everyone is dealing with something, no matter if it’s invisible or if you can see it,” she said. “Everybody is dealing with something and when you see your fellow veteran dealing with whatever they’re dealing with, sometimes you feel like maybe your problem or your ailment isn’t that big.”

Her perspective speaks to the quiet strength that often goes unnoticed in discussions about veteran care. While medical treatment is critical, emotional resilience and peer support are equally vital. Events like the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic offer a holistic approach, blending physical activity with community-building and mental health support.

For Elzie, the ocean was once a place of service and sacrifice. Now, it has become a place of healing. Her message to other veterans who may be hesitant to reconnect with their military community is simple: “Just do it.” That encouragement carries weight, especially coming from someone who has faced both physical and emotional adversity. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always happen in a hospital or a therapy room. Sometimes, it happens on a surfboard, with the sun on your face and the support of those who understand your journey.

The clinic’s emphasis on adaptive sports for veterans with PTSD and physical injuries reflects a growing recognition of the diverse needs within the veteran population. Programs like this not only help participants regain mobility and confidence but also offer a renewed sense of purpose. For many, the experience is a turning point—a chance to redefine what is possible.

As the number of veterans living with service-related injuries continues to grow, initiatives like the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic become increasingly important. They serve as models for how to create inclusive, empowering environments where veterans can thrive. Elzie’s story is just one among many, but it captures the essence of what these programs aim to achieve: healing through challenge, connection, and the courage to try something new.

For those interested in learning more about the clinic or exploring similar opportunities, the story of Peggy Elzie serves as both inspiration and invitation. Her journey from Shreveport to the waves of San Diego is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring bonds of military service.

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