Jared LaDuke Still active duty, Army Specialist Jared LaDuke completes his second year of physical therapy after an injury in Iraq. Suddenly, an EFP (explosively formed penetrator designed to penetrate armor) struck Jared, the gunner in the lead vehicle transporting a high-ranking official. In fact, this attack occurred as the convoy detoured around bombed-out roads.…
Max Faistenhammer Police Officer Max Faistenhammer, known for his athletic and adventurous spirit, suffered a motorcycle accident. The accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, but this does not slow him down. Previously certified by Capital City Scuba in Lansing, MI, Max now enjoys diving along with four-wheeling and boating.
Christopher Hull Corporal Christopher Hull spent more than 3 years in the Army before a car accident in 2007 while on leave. Now a quadriplegic, Hull remains active and looks forward to diving with the pirates in Cayman Brac.
Randal Vandever Corporal Randal Vandever joined the Army in 2005 and retired as a result of his injuries. Ambushed and shot in the arm, to this day, he suffers from nerve damage and limited use of his right arm and hand. However, he continues to look for ways to enjoy the outdoors. Randal trained with…
Still active duty, Senior Airman Thomas Hudson, lost most of the fingers on his right hand while serving in Iraq. The water actually took away most of his hand pain. His wife, Katelyn, also active military, trained to be his dive buddy for the 2011 trip.
Mitch Green Born without sight, Mitch Green possess a thrill for life a supportive family. He is a challenge to keep up with. Married with four children, Mitch works as a computer technician. He wanted to try scuba diving as another dimension of adventure into the unknown.
Travis Clennon After four tours of duty, Staff Sergeant Travis Clennon sustained an injury on his last tour, Afghanistan, by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Considered an incomplete paraplegic, Travis remains quite mobile with the help of leg braces. Therefore, he thoroughly enjoyed the 2011 “Brac with Friends” tour as a Dive Pirate.
Christina Davidson Despite being born with cerebral palsy, Christina Davidson remains an active 23-year-old. A graduate of the University of Alabama with degrees in Biology and Psychology, Currently, she lives in Albuquerque pursuing medical school. Nevertheless, a 2011 Dive Pirate recipient, she trained at the New Mexico Scuba Center.
Gina McWilliams An accomplished athlete, Gina McWilliams lost her right leg below the knee in an automobile accident at age 25. Her left foot severed and reattached. Since the accident, Gina has won metals in wheelchair basketball and volleyball. Currently the coach for the Ignite Volleyball Club, she serves as the middle school volleyball coach…
Randy Smith An active member of his community, Randy Smith works at the Army Depot. Additionally, he manages a number of rental properties in the Corpus Christi area. He lost his leg to a drunk-driver accident when he was 19. However, he continues to live a very active life that now includes diving.